Why travel to the France Alps, Switzerland or the Far East for the ultimate Spa Breaks when you can have them here in the UK at some of the best countryside hotels. Taking you closer to nature these countryside spas offer the best in mind and body rejuvenation, using a mixture of state-of the-art centres and natural ingredients.  They are the perfect quick-fix weekend spa break to soothe your worries. Here I have collated six of the best, packed with character and talented masseurs.

If the only footprint you want to leave on your holiday is in the snow then let the train take the strain as you head off on your winter break. Independent research by Eurostar found that travelling from London to Paris by train rather than plane cuts your CO2 emissions by a staggering 90 per cent. Also the views, drinks, internet coverage and luggage allowance are all far superior on trains. Above all there’s just something enduringly romantic about using the train.

The summer of 2014 is a good time to be in the UK, there are a host of high profile sporting event schedule to take place here this summer. Added to the usual fixtures such as Wimbledon, The Royal Ascot, The British Grand Prix, this year we have the Commonwealth Games and Tour de France. So if you can’t make it to Brazil or you want the best of both worlds then spend your summer here in Britain.

Follow the warm Gulf Stream around the majestic coast of Wales to Snowdonia and you will find will find nestles amongst the cliffs Portmeirion, an Italianate inspired resort.  The eccentric collection of cottages, follies and status in bright pastel colours of pinks, yellows, blues and green cannot fail to capture the imagination.

Andalucia is one of those destinations that fits the bill what ever the time of year or Season. In recent years Andalucia has become a major attraction for those in Europe and the rest of the world. The number of tourist facilities, being close to North Africa it has a wonderful climate.

Irish hospitality is legendary – it even comes with its own vocabulary whether in Belfast to the north or Dublin to the south. Enjoying ‘the craic’ is part of the culture, and these cosmopolitan, cool and  charismatic capital cities charm the visitor with their history and heritage, good food, great nighlife, live music and amazing museums.  Plus, at this time of the year, there’s fantastic festive markets to add to the list.

One of the undeniable must-sees in the north is the state-of-the-art Titanic Belfast, housed in an iconic six-floor building, right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction.

Ski in Style Gstaad, Switzerland
For the holidaymaker looking for discretion, nothing quite beats dining in a vault once used to stash Swiss wealth during the Second World War.  And that’s exactly what guests can do at the splendid Gstaad Palace, nestled in the Alps, just a short drive from the country’s capital city, Bern.

Perched on the side of a hill above the village of Gstaad, the grand hotel belonging to the Scherz family celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.  The building is steep in tradition, although one of the more recent additions to the hotel is the large spa complex, with a steam bath flotation pool.  Guest are encouraged to relax in robes in a warmly lit room, while looking out across the heated outdoor plunge pool to the slopes, where skiers and snowboards can enjoy 250km of pristine pistes.
 

Sweden and in particular Lapland is famous for its constant day light and midnight Sun during the summer months of June and July.  The area is also home to one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas, and this is where you find the Kungsleden otherwise known as the “Kings trail”, a 440Km-long hiking trail.  Kungsleden is a perfect natural escape destination taking you away from the hustle and bustle of city life or if you are a walker and relish the challenge then this is for you.

Getting to the Kungsleden is via Stockholm from there you take the train to the beginning of your trek.  The route goes up to the northerly point of Abisko, from there it winds back South to Hemavan, a route featuring several weeks of trekking.

When I read of places like the Sotano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows) a huge 1200ft pit in Mexico that could swallow the Empire State Building, and the Oman monster, known as Majlis al Jinn (Meeting Room of the Spirits), the second largest cave chamber in the world.  It only leave me with a certain amount of respect and admiration for caves most for all for those that make it fun to explore as a hobby.  We have collated a list of caves for your next adventure in some of the world’s most striking geographical locations.

Are you thinking or planning a short break to a sub-tropical region? Maybe you want your child/children or yourself to enjoy the adventure of exploring nature and learning about it. Well there is no need to go overseas to do it when you can do it here in the UK.