USP Built in the wilderness of Ireland’s West Coast, it's the scenery and fresh air—not chocolate facials—that draw attention to this spa.

AMBIENCE An architectural oddity of local stone and timber, part gritty, grubby outdoors centre, part gleaming spa hotel. Guests may be encouraged to shuffle around in slippers and dressing gowns between treatments, but they are also encouraged to don fleeces and walking boots and stride out into the bracing Atlantic air.

EXPERIENCE A very different package to most of the hothouse pamper-palaces that increasingly litter the English countryside. Treatments and therapies are combined with a healthy dose of hiking and fishing among the bare-backed mountains and gurgling river that surround it.

FOOD Has its own organic farm.

IN CROWD Outdoorsmen who want a massage after a long hike.

WALLET WATCH A two-night weekend break at Delphi costs from £340 per person, including two lunches, one dinner, a massage a facial and all activities.

NEED TO KNOW Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland (00 353 95 42987; www.delphiescape.com)

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