This Manchester city centre hotel is not in the most tranquil location, but step inside their Spa and the hustle and bustle feels a million miles away

Located in the heart of Manchester not far from Piccadilly Station and the Mancunian Way flyover the Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa offers a real sanctuary for resident guests and visitors in need of pampering and relaxation.

Housed on two levels in a luxurious suite of rooms complete with soft candles and soothing music, the Spa’s atmosphere is one of calm and tranquillity from the minute you walk in.

Here, you can unwind with a wide range of treatments from rejuvenating facials to full body massage and Indian head massage to pedicures, tinting and waxing.

There is also a ‘tranquility room’ where you can relax with friends, sip mineral water or herbal teas – and even enjoy a little sleep before heading back to the pressures of city life.

On the lower level is a thermal suite complete with rock and infra-red saunas and therapies such as salt infusion and salt mist. There is also a eucalyptus-scented steam room and all manner of invigorating fragranced showers.

An ice ‘igloo’ and heated loungers complete the atmosphere of rest and relaxation.

Facials are all tailor-made by the expert team of therapists to individual skin needs – using Decleor products manufactured in Paris from essential oils and other natural herbs and extracts which leave skin glowing and refreshed.

My Aromatic Facial lasted an hour – which seemed to pass in minutes – as my skin was rejuvenated with a special mask complete with linseed, wheat and sunflower. Other magic ingredients included lavender oil – and judging from the compliments I received later it is a beauty investment seriously worth making.

The Spa is just as popular with day visitors as hotel guests and you can also enjoy a healthy lunch while relaxing after treatments to complete the sense of being on a luxury holiday.

The Macdonald Manchester Spa is open Monday – Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Its range of spa and beauty treatments last from 30 minutes to half-day, full-day and weekend breaks – with special deals throughout the year. Packages start at £59 per person and make for an ideal present for a friend in need of a special treat.

More information www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk