Denise O'Donoghue hears from Ashleigh O’Connor, the spa manager in the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, Co Dublin. Portmarnock.com

Clodagh Finn discovers that ‘detox’ at Monart in Co Wexford is all about enjoying top-class service and being pampered with sensual body therapies.

Aileen Lee takes a look at the designers behind the spa experiences at three of Ireland’s leading hotels.

Esther McCarthy discovered you can combine luxurious spa treatments and gourmet dining at the Galmont in Galway.

You don’t need to be one of Agatha Christie’s famous detectives to uncover the charms of this famous spa town, says John Chambers.

Last Sunday, I spent a few hours out in Spa national school, a beautiful setting overlooking Tralee bay glistening with the bright sunshine bouncing off the water. There were hundreds out there supporting their annual fundraiser in aid of former student Donal Wash. And it got me thinking about him again.

Fancy spreading bull semen on your hair, draping a python over your body, rubbing bee venom on your face or treating your nether regions to a facial? Tanya Sweeney investigates the latest spa treats.