They are big business these days for individuals, couples and corporate use. Companies want their stressed executives to go back refreshed and raring to go. You can buy them as Gift Experience days for other people.

My fantasy is lots of us lovely women lying on sun beds with cucumbers on their eyes and handsome, toned men giving massages, for therapeutic purposes of course. I would love to soak in one of those hydrotherapy spas they have at health farms. It would be getting fit but in luxurious surroundings. The mornings could be spent swimming a few laps in the pool, followed by a manicure, pedicure and facial. I guess that's where the cucumbers come in.

In the afternoons, I would do a workout in the gymnasium, followed by a massage to ease any strain from my muscles. Then, perhaps a leisurely sauna. All this would be regularly punctuated by gorgeous meals. I know that health farms used to have a reputation for half rations but I think it's different today. At least I hope so. I think the costs are too much for any of them not to feed you, otherwise I'd be tunneling out to the nearest fast food restaurant.

The main reason for people going to these places has shifted over the years. It used to be mostly women who wanted to lose weight that went. That's still a reason for some people, but I think there's more focus on taking a relaxing break now than for losing pounds. Some people may still be offended if you suggested they spend time at health farms, if they thought it was a not too subtle way of saying they should lose a few. Be careful when buying such a gift that it won't be thrown back in your face. Better still, send me the gift voucher.

So, I shall put it on my presents wish list, underneath a trip to Paris, and above a dishwasher. The only trouble is that I may just have such a good time that I won't want to come back.

Author: Peter Charalambos

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