USP Apart from the amazing location, the spa has an in-house doctor who specialises in the science of longevity. The spa offers treatments that boost well-being, quality of life and age prevention, including a six-day, all-inclusive package.

AMBIENCE As the name suggests, La Réserve is a calm, quiet destination. The spa’s décor is clinical, but with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the communal areas are flooded with light that lifts it from being severe. The 13 treatment rooms are airy, a little sparse, but at the same time inviting. The spa also has an indoor swimming pool with water jets, an outdoor swimming pool with pool house, steam room and fitness room.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE I was booked in for the discovery day package, which includes balneotherapy, a seaweed wrap, jet shower and massage. The balneotherapy was essentially an enhanced Jacuzzi bath with a mixture of salts and minerals poured in to improve the immune system, stimulate circulatory process, accelerate cell activity and activate self-healing. I actually felt that I’d had a massage when I got out after about 20 minutes.

This prepares you for the next round of treatments by taking off the first layer of stress, so that by the time the seaweed wrap comes around you’re just totally focused on the treatment and not on the work you forgot to do before going on holiday.

My therapist was fantastic throughout the session. Not only was she attentive to my comfort and hydration needs, but she was so sweet when it I got a little claustrophobic in the seaweed wrap. After you are covered in the mask, you’re wrapped in what feels like giant greaseproof paper before a duvet is placed over you. Then the massage bed sinks down to cocoon you in warm mud. Unfortunately, I freaked a little at this, as I have a phobia about being buried alive. We resolved my initial feelings of panic by freeing my arms but if you too get claustrophobic then go for the exfoliation option in the discovery package.

Next up came one of the funniest experiences I have ever had, the jet shower. This is where high-pressure jets of warm water pummel your body, and it tickles. I could not stop laughing, and yet at the same time I could feel not just the mud melting away but also my cellulite. My skin, and especially thighs and bottom, felt more toned and firm.

To finish off the day I had one of the most effective massages I’ve ever had. This was not just a massage to relax, but also to drain away toxins, with my masseur working on the lymph system. I won’t go into details, but it worked in a way I never thought it would. At the end of the experience I was in a blissful state, a little spaced out but within an hour I felt re-energised. I would suggest drinking as much water as you could manage following the treatments because they really do get your system going and the more you can help the nasty stuff to exit, the better.

Should you want to kick-start a diet or change you’re eating and lifestyle habits, this is the perfect place to do so.

PRODUCTS La Reserve has its own in-house range, but is also home to the only Crème de la Mer spa in France. It offers two facial and two body treatments using the brand’s products.

FOOD Lunch is included in the discovery package. However, if you have not booked a package lunch is around €50 for two courses and can be taken in the spa or in the restaurant upstairs. The menu is the same as the restaurant’s, and is limited but the food is deliciously fresh. I had a Caesar salad, with the chicken almost melting on the fork. For dessert, I had seasonal fruits and plenty of mint tea.

IN-CROWD One does not need to be a guest of the hotel in order to book into the spa; it is open to anyone passing through the area who fancies a little pampering for the day. Although hotel guests are the majority of the spa’s users, and from observing the people lounging around the pool that could be anyone from a couple on honeymoon, to a group of friends having a weekend break or mothers taking a breather from their families.

WALLET WATCH The discovery day, including treatments and lunch, costs €330. The most affordable treatments are an exfoliation, a wrap or hydrotherapy, which all cost €50, while a face or body treatment costs €70.

NEED TO KNOW La Réserve, Ramatuelle nr St Tropez, France (www.lareserve-ramatuelle.com/)

You do need to book in advance and reservations are only taken over the telephone, +33 4 94 44 94 44.

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