USP A kitsch Alhambra-like palace with a distinctive pink hue, ornate columns and mosaics on a millionaire’s waterfront.

AMBIENCE The spa has 44 treatment rooms, a sunning terrace overlooking tranquil gardens with waterfall whirlpools and underwater music.

EXPERIENCE The Spa Palazzo’s signature treatments include a Sevruga Caviar Facial and a Sugar Cane Scrub. I tried the oxygen face mask. It was invigorating but you’d need oxygen after the bill — $200 (£114).

FOOD Breakfast is a feast and daily menus are beamed via GPS to golfers out on the course.

IN CROWD Past clients have included George Dubya Bush. Enough said?

WALLET WATCH Seven nights including flights and car hire costs £1,036 per person. Treatments are extra — 50-minute massages start from $130.

NEED TO KNOW British Airways Holidays (0870 2433406; www.bocaresort.com)

Times recommends

• Travel advice: what to do if your flight is disrupted
• Top 10 unmissable events in 2010
• Seven spa breaks for January