However, we’re all thrilled that the trend for leaving a spa looking utterly fabulous is set to flourish this year!

Sometimes in our busy spa schedules, we can have a meeting, dinner, party or transatlantic flight to negotiate straight after our spa experience. Whilst the latter may see us simply don our ever-present eye masks and continue our spa-style slumber, if we’ve got places to go and people to see, our freshly-facialed complexion and ESPA-pink muddied hair could leave us far from ready to receive visitors.

Whilst the whole kit and caboodle may usually be reserved for special occasions only, top-to-to pampering packages are becoming a more accessible and affordable treat. Expect to receive a massage, facial, mani-pedi, spray tan, full make-up and a blow dry – but don’t necessarily expect to pay the earth.

In these difficult times, spas are looking to provide us with more value for money. Putting together packages that cater for ladies (and gents) planning to step out in style can be a great investment for hotel spas, as they can ensure guests feel and look their very best without having to leave the building, or even return to their room.

We’ve been astounded by the wealth of available apps to help and assist in almost every kind of health and wellness pursuit, and we predict that 2012 is going to see their popularity go into overdrive.

If you’re looking to count calories and lose weight, there’s an app for that

If you want guided meditation, there’s an app for that

Want to build your own workout on-the-go? There’s an app for that

Need to boost your confidence before that big presentation? Yep, you guessed it, there’s an app for that, too.

From yoga to dieting, pain management to brain training, migraine mapping to food scanning — there’s an app out there for almost every health and wellness desire. And, amazingly, many of them are free, or cost just a few pennies.

Online and on-the-move gaming is going to be huge in 2012. 2011 saw Clarins take on the online gaming market with their Facebook game Spa Life. We’re pretty sure it’s only a matter of time before other big brands take advantage of the user engagement and loyalty that comes from providing great, engaging games with a brand story running through them.

One area we discussed was the new evidence-based medicine portal for spa and wellness therapies - SpaEvidence – that was unveiled at the Global Spa Summit in Bali. We believe that the long-awaited amalgamation of spa ethos and scientific evidence is going to flourish, especially as this will show that spa therapies such as massage are genuinely good for your health.

The portal doesn’t draw any conclusions; it gives spa goers and spa industry folks a chance to examine evidence that’s been gleaned from scientific studies. We wouldn’t be surprised if the savvy consumer didn’t begin to demand more and more scientific evidence to support claims regarding the effectiveness, safety and benefits of spa treatments, before spending their spa pound.

Here at the Good Spa Guide, we predict nails will be HUGE in 2012.

With the economy the way it is, and with everyone tightening their purse strings, your nails are fast becoming a great way to express yourself and keep up with the latest fashions without breaking the bank.

Just as 2011 saw the unveiling of the World’s Most Expensive Blow Dry, we think that 2012 will also see a rise in high-end nail treatments, too, with the rolling out of more exciting, exotic and unusual nail designs.

This isn’t just a spa thing; 2011 saw magnetic varnish, adhesive films and cracked nails trending. That’s why we think 2012 is going to bring us more gorgeous and different nail designs.

There *may* or *may not* be jolly Christmas songs on the radio.

There *may* or *may not* be mulled wine in our hands.

The delivery guy *may* or *may not* have been accosted by a rather enthusiastic Spa Spy under the mistletoe.

Ok, that last one isn’t true, but we’re really beginning to feel the festive spirit as the last few hours of work tick by before Christmas is truly upon us!

Before we bid you a fond farewell until next year, we couldn’t resist spilling at least SOME of the beans about our hotly debated Spa Trends for 2012. (Perhaps that mulled wine has gone to our heads…) So, in true festive spirit, let’s make a bit of a game of it.

We want to know what YOU think will be the top spa trends in 2012.

Will eyebrow mousse get your vote?

Will it be all about the super spa?

Are you plumping for spa-at-home marvellousness?

Or do you think 2012 will be the year that spas go social, scientific, organised or overboard?

Leave a comment, join us on Twitter, leave us a message on Facebook or simply email blog@goodspaguide.co.uk and tell us what YOU think will be big in the world of spa in 2012!

Of course, we couldn’t possibly give too much away. (You’ll have to bookmark us and pop back in early 2012 to find out our top 10 trends.) But we thought we’d tickle your spa taste buds with some visual clues … complete with cunning anagrams of the trends.

Can you crack them all? MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Worthy before hate

Slob gaps

Nice spaces

New spa spells

Mean islands

Along with Aromatherapy Associates, Willow Stream spas also work with Kerstin Florian products. They invited us out to the Fairmont in Monte Carlo, to get a first-chance try of a brand new product line created by Kerstin Florian International: ener.g, and the PURE ener.g therapy.

The rooftop pool

In pole position for the annual Grand Prix — and also for lovers of more tranquil pursuits — the Fairmont in Monte Carlo looks out over the sea and the famous “Fairmont” bend. The heated rooftop pool allows you the rare pleasure (for us in the UK) of swimming in December, face upturned to the azure-blue sky as you lazily swim laps. Take a break from all that activity and you can look out over three countries:Monaco, Italy and France.

The hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable, more traditional in decor than modern. The balcony boasts a lounger and table, ideal for breakfast looking out over the sparkling sea. However, the rather unwelcome guests of seagulls were so daring that they made my Brighton birds look positively well mannered. Do NOT feed the gulls!

But what of the spa? Typically Willow Stream, the changing rooms were squeaky-clean, with plenty of fluffy white towels. The relaxation room had comfy chaises, sofas and glossy magazines; although I couldn’t find any English ones, I was happy to flick through the French ones on offer.

PURE ener.g is a 90-minute top-to-toe treatment, starting with an exfoliating footbath, then a full body scrub, ending with a moisturising massage. I had seen one of the treatment rooms which had a huge shower which transformed into a colour-therapy steam room and begged for a chance to try it. I sat on a towel-covered stool, my back against the steamy tiles, and found myself completely zoning out in the darkness as the overhead lightning pulsed from blue, to green, to violet, to red… I stayed there ten minutes but it felt longer and left me pleasantly relaxed.

So, to the start of the treatment proper: my therapist set up the foot bath on the balcony. Wonderful. To be wrapped in a white robe, with the sun on my face in December, felt as good as life could get; until Veronique began scrubbing my feet, then things got even better!

After a scrub and mini-foot massage, Veronique dried me off and pointed towards the couch. She gave me a thorough full-body exfoliation with a “re-mineralising” salt scrub. The ener.g products are a blend of Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Clary Sage and Roman Chamomile – all perfect balancing aromas for women, but not so floral that they would feel “too girly” for men.

Fluffy white towels

Post scrub, it was time for my massage. I was face-down, and my therapist used a series of long, slow, almost hypnotic movements. The combination of the calming, relaxing scent and her firm, expert movements had me like putty in her hands. When it was time to turn over, I have to confess that it was a struggle to stay awake. The rice pillow over my eyes and the hot towel beneath my neck lulled me even deeper into a happily relaxed state of spa-zombie.

After the treatment, I drifted down the corridor towards the relaxation room and curled up on a sofa. I thirstily drank some lemon-water and admired my perfectly polished, deeply moisturised skin.

Getting there: easyJet flies to Nice from Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Luton, Newcastle and Stansted. Prices one-way start from £24.99 and include all taxes. Visit www.easyJet.com to book.

Staying there: Room rates from March: from 299 € in a Fairmont double room.

Dry skin

One word. Moisturise. In case you didn’t catch it, let’s say it again. MOISTURISE. You need to keep your skin hydrated during the winter months, and you can do this by moisturising twice daily and drinking plenty of water. If you find that moisturisers clog your pores, go for something light.

If your foundation is causing the problem, why not try a tinted moisturiser? That way you’re not overloading your skin with products but you’re still getting the barrier to stop moisture escaping from your poor epidermis.

We highly recommend you treat your face to a regular face mask such as Payot Masque Reveil Eclat (£24.50); this will give your skin the boost it needs and intensely hydrate.

Pale, dull complexion

With no hint of a chance of sun-kissed cheeks unless you’re off to warmer climes this winter, it’s hard to keep your skin looking bright and fresh. It’s definitely worth investing in a moisturiser with a hint of self-tan. These don’t streak like some fake tans do; you simply apply the product as you would a normal moisturiser.

To make sure your skin stays fresh and glowing, you need to rid yourself of dead skin, too. Exfoliate twice a week (no more or you might find your skin starts to produce more sebum and skin cells than you need, leading to breakouts and dry skin).

Chapped lips

The whipping wind and the fiery blast of central heating can dry your lips. No-one wants sore, cracked lips under the mistletoe!

To keep your lips silky smooth and utterly kissable, follow this simple daily routine:

* brush your lips with a soft, dry toothbrush morning and night. This helps remove dry skin and gently exfoliates. The brushing effect will also help boost circulation so your lips will stay rosy and full rather than thin and blue!

* Keep a tube of lip balm with you wherever you are. This helps lock moisture in as well as forming a protective barrier against the elements.

* If you find your lips get chapped despite all your pre-emptive action, use a medicated cream such as Blistex Relief Cream to help them recover.

Scaly, mottled skin

You know that wonderful feeling on your summer holidays when all that salt and sand and sun-cream leave your legs super-smooth, and the sunshine tints them with a healthy glow? Then winter comes around, and somewhere underneath your thick woollen tights are a couple of pasty-pale, scaly, mottled dry pins where your luscious limbs once were.

We can’t bring you sunshine and sandy beaches, but we can offer you a little pot of sandy magic to help your pins on the path to perfection. Anne Semonin Black Sand Body Scrub (£76) is jam-packed with active ingredients to boost circulation and the finest black sand to exfoliate dead skin cells. You’ll feel like you’re on holiday in the middle of winter!

Mottled skin is caused by poor circulation. Whether it’s your arms or legs, massaging in a basic cellulite-busting cream after you exfoliate will help boost circulation and avoid the corned-beef appearance we all despise!

Single Spy:

A little piece of heaven at Agua at Sanderson

“Agua at Sanderson is a spa with no walls! Instead, you’re transported to a world not far from heaven, awash with delicate, diaphanous white drapes dividing the space.

After my treatment, I reclined in pure luxury in my own private relaxation suite, and was brought a truly marvellous afternoon tea. With Earl Grey, flavoured breads, sandwiches, gloriously unusual cakes and scones with cream and jam, I rightly decided that I was never going home. So, I am writing this from my little bubble of Agua bliss (I wish!)”

Sassy Spy:

Simply Healing

“It might seem an odd one, but one of my most memorable spa food experiences was at Simply Healing, a detox retreat where you don’t actually eat anything! This was quite a challenge, but I found that the supportive atmosphere and nurturing staff guided me through the process. After consuming only psyllium husk, bentonite clay, cleansing herbs, fresh juice and potassium broths as part of my detox regime, I lost weight and felt great after just three days!”

Sybaritic Spy:

Bento bliss at Vineyard

“The Vineyard at Stockcross offers a world-class wine list, gourmet food and a luxury spa; this is the place to come when you really want to push the boat out!

If you’re staying, head to the main restaurant where chef Daniel Galmiche offers an ultra-refined style of contemporary food.

I also adore The Vineyard’s lunchtime Bento boxes.

Chock-full of glorious salad and fruit, these are a great addition to your spa day!”

Shy Spy:

“When you visit as many spas as we do, you get used to the high quality food that most spas provide for their guests.

Health health health ...

That’s why one of my most memorable spa dining experiences was when the hotel café seemed to only offer jacket potatoes, a sad-looking salad bar, and Gala pie (a pork pie with egg in the middle)! There seemed to be no other spa guests, just visiting pensioners on an outing. We found it all rather hilarious to be sat in our robes amongst the OAPs (who were most put out that the hot food of the day was pie and chips, with no soup on offer!)”

Truffle by Fuente

To launch the exclusive Truffle by Fuente shampoo and conditioner, which contain white truffle skin, diamond dust and meteorite extract, Urban Retreat put together this very special blow-dry package.

So, what was it like?

We arrived at Urban Retreat on the fifth floor of Harrods (after being rather distracted by the shoe sale a couple of floors below) and were greeted by the lovely friendly staff. This exclusive treatment begins with a gloriously indulgent shampoo and condition complete with hot stone cranial massage. All this takes place in a private cornered-off hairdressing area, away from prying eyes (perfect for the wannabe movie star in you). Once you’ve been suitably massaged and your hair has taken in all the goodness of the uber-expensive shampoo and conditioner (you’ll get a full-sized bottle of both the shampoo and conditioner, worth £270, to take home after the treatment), it’s off to the private blow-dry lounge. (Oh yes, private, dontcha know!)

The guys at Urban Retreat know how to treat a lady; when I arrived at the blow-dry station, the Artistic Director was waiting for me, proffering a gorgeous cup of fragrant green tea.

I obviously looked like I needed some serious help (I’d earlier had a facial at Urban Retreat — full review coming soon over at The Good Spa Guide), as a make-up artist, Lola, appeared from nowhere and offered to spruce me up a bit. How could I refuse such a kind offer?

So, we embarked upon a scene reminiscent of backstage at a catwalk show. With her ever-steady brush, Lola applied some subtle but gorgeous make-up, while the Artistic Director blow-dried my hair with a fervor and flair I never knew possible. My normally sleek and short “Purdy” cut was transformed into a curly, wavy bonnet of beauty: all with just a rounded bristle brush, hair dryer and hairspray.

With a professional makeover and a barnet to die for, I was totally transformed! This treatment is really special; we recommend that you don’t pay too much attention to the “most expensive” tagline. As you get to take away full-sized Truffle by Fuente shampoo and conditioner worth £270, this treatment isn’t quite as spectacularly expensive at it first appears. The shampoo and conditioner are said to interact “intelligently” with your hair, providing the perfect levels of vitamins and minerals your hair needs, no matter what damage has previously been done. Furthermore, Fuente claim that this process happens every time you use the shampoo and conditioner, keeping your locks super-luscious!

After just one treatment and a fair amount of hairspray, the end result looked amazing; but it’s difficult to know what a difference the treatment really made. However, I had such a wonderful time at Urban Retreat’s salon, I’ll happily pop back weekly to check it out again and again!

If you think a link between spa treatments and animals is a tenuous one, think again! Animals and spa treatments apparently go hand-in-hand around the globe…

Dolphin Assisted Therapy: Sevastopol, Crimea

Advocates of using dolphins in human therapy claim that the dolphins possess an innate healing ability to combat the “strong psychogenic component of the pathogenesis”. In layman’s terms? Cure disease. Whether this is true or not, many hundreds of people have found interactions with dolphins to be a liberating, relaxing and magical experience.

Dolphin Assisted Therapy is said to be particularly beneficial for people with chronic fatigue, emotional stress, phobias, depression, and nurasthenia.

If you can’t indulge in some one-on-one dolphin therapy, you could always try some Virtual Dolphin Therapy instead. You can expect to experience “many of the healing qualities of a dolphin encounter” during your virtual dolphin therapy, apparently. This virtual therapy essentially requires you to lie on a “tranquility sound and water table”. The table sends music and sound vibrations through your body while you listen to relaxing music combined with dolphin and ocean sounds, and watch images of dolphins swimming.

Reiki on horseback: Rockin’ Heart Ranch, Jackson, Wyoming, USA

Reiki is generally carried out by a human practitioner on human clients. However, reiki has also been used on animals. Approaching from the oblique angle is Christina DiBartolo, who believes that horses possess ”an innate healing energy”. So, Christina guides her clients through a reiki session on horseback, ostensibly to enable you to utilise the healing power of the horse to overcome various physical or emotional ailments.

Creepies and crawlies

When it comes to younger-looking skin, it seems there really is no end to where we will go: bee-venom face masks, snail-secretion skin cream, and even snake-venom facials.

Companies such as Rodial have developed skin serums based on the venom of the Temple Viper snake. Essentially, these serums temporarily “freeze” facial muscles in a similar (but less invasive) manner to Botox, tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles … for a time, at least. Meanwhile, the secretions of snails are apparently full of super-powerful enzymes that help tackle acne, reduce wrinkles and brighten the complexion. As for bee venom, this follows a similar route to snake serum: supposedly the sting extract makes your facial muscles contract, resulting in younger-looking skin. We wonder if it hurts.

Japanese spa monkeys

Last but not least, here are some of our monkey cousins suggesting that our love of hydrotherapy is not just an indulgence of civilisation — it’s a primal instinct!