I'm looking for a holistic spa break in the UK - for about 5 days to a week - where i can get away from my busy job in marketing in London without breaking the bank. I'm a beginner at yoga but i'd like to give it a go. I'm OK in groups but not really big ones. Can you suggest a couple of options for me please? Jenny Grifter, Croydon

Times Online Spas & Lifestyle Expert Caroline Sylger Jones responds:

Littleton Mill in Wiltshire is the home of Jiva Healing's co-founder Melissa Gamble and her family, and it's just been converted into an eco-friendly base offering locally-sourced and (usually) organic food, good treatments and proper peace and quiet.

They run their first Healthy Eating and Yoga retreat 30 July-2 August (from just £275). If you're in need of a more serious overhaul, there's also a seven-day fasting retreat in August (from £650).

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Heartspring in Wales is an unassuming, tranquil little place that offers three-day de-stress mini breaks and five-day 'soul connection' retreats throughout the year, with vegetarian food, an impressive range of treatments, meditation guidance and access to local walks (from £360 for 5 days, www.heartspring.co.uk).

For something more upmarket, the lovely Tilton House in Sussex (www.tiltonhouse.co.uk) hosts a range of accessible yoga weekends this year, many with Scaravelli teacher Susanna Daw (from £245 for 2 nights, www.suzannadawyoga.co.uk). Enjoy calming gardens, delicious food, indiviually-designed bedrooms and South Downs walks from the doorstep.

For more ideas, see Body & Soul Escapes: Britain & Ireland by Caroline Sylger Jones, published by Footprint Books (see carolinesylgerjones.co.uk).

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