Now they're the fastest-growing trend in holiday destination choices as old country piles are being turned into idyllic retreats while topend hotels are cottoning onto the fact that they don't quite cut it unless they can also offer a deluxe spa experience. So whether you'd like to combine a spot of golf with some treatments, spend some quality romantic time with your significant other or just give yourself up to a weekend of being totally pampered, you'll find a package catering to your needs.

Day spas, meanwhile, are increasingly popular options for the busy professional who wants to fit in some r 'n' r alongside her pedicure. But that's not to suggest that this is a grown-up, female-only pursuit. Men and teenagers represent the fastest-growing segment in the industry, according to surveys in the US, and many places offer family-orientated packages.

The important factor in picking your spa destination is to decide what you ultimately want to get out of your time there. Certain establishments concentrate on the luxury side, while other places put greater emphasis on the fitness aspect. But the end result should be the same . . . a rejuvenated, refuelled and more relaxed you. And don't be too quick to dismiss the spa experience as a fad either . . . in the search for a better way of living, spas, it seems, are here to stay. Here are six of the best.

RETURN TO SPLENDOUR

Where: Monart, The Still, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford; tel 053 9238999; www. monart. ie Why: For adults only, Ireland's first purposebuilt destination spa sprawls over 100 acres of private woodland. Monart has 70 luxury bedrooms and a seemingly infinite list of treatments, which range from the anti-ageing to the inch-loss varieties. The Thermal Suite is particularly worth mentioning, boasting as it does a Finnish sauna, Ireland's first outdoor Swedish log sauna, a mud chamber and a traditional hamman. Products are from the US Pevonia Botanica line and afternoon tea, served between 3pm and 5pm, is a highlight.

Food in general is healthy and delicious, and sourced locally.

Don't miss: The full body detox seaweed Thalasso wrap, a blend of seaweeds noted for their medicinal properties, for weight loss and detoxification.

The damage: Mid week B&B is 97.50 per person per night; weekend break from 315 per adult sharing and day packages and other programmes are also available.

CHAMPION'S LEAGUE

Where: Samas, the Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co Kerry; tel: 064 41200;

www. samaskenmare. com Why: Internationally acclaimed (Conde NastTraveller voted it the number two spa in Europe), Samas doesn't just do treatments;

instead it offers what it calls the Samas Experience, a three-hour, out-and-out indulgence, comprised of three elements: the Thermal Suite, Holistic Treatment of your choice and Pure Relaxation. Yoga, tai chi and serenity walks are also available and the view from the infinity pool, which looks out over Kenmare Bay is stunning. The holistic treatments use Espa products.

Don't miss: Nature's Garden Experience, where a horticulturist walks you through the hotel grounds with its exotic flora.

The damage: Overnight packages are from 380 per person B&B and include dinner, a class, a treatment and use of the thermal suite.

NEW (DESIGNER) KID ON THE BLOCK

Where: The g hotel, Wellpark, Galway, Co Galway; tel: 091 865200; www. theghotel. ie Why: There's opulent and then there's the fabulousity of the Philip Treacy-designed g hotel.

But beyond the wonderful excesses of the Grand and Pink Salons, an equally impressive spa awaits. It's got a distinct oriental flavour with views onto a Japanese Zen garden, a black polished tranquility pool surrounded by white Galway pebbles, and stone, linen, wood and glass featuring prominently. The spa is run by Espa, treatments are tailor-made and range from the purifying to the protective and beyond.

Don't miss: Any of the Ayurvedic rituals which take a holistic approach in balancing mind, body and spirit. The shirobhyanga (head massage) is amazing.

The damage: The g hotel is running an introductory offer until 30 April. Rooms start from 220 per room per night, B&B, including overnight parking.

CITY SLICKER

Where: The Tethra Spa, the Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2; tel: 01 603 0600; www. merrionhotel. com Why: The Merrion is the grande dame of Dublin hotels thanks to the heady combination of Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and the hotel's fine collection of 19th and 20th century art.

Befitting such refined environs, the Tethra Spa hits the right note of luxury and tranquility.

Stand-out elements include the 18m infinity swimming pool, which is set in French limestone, and the Italian marble steamroom.

There's a good choice of body and beauty treatments and products are by Espa. And when you feel like getting the blood flowing, the gym is suitably state-of-the-art, with instructors always on hand.

Don't miss: The Hot Stone Therapy massage, a treatment using heated basalt stones.

The damage: The Tethra Spa is available to guests and to a limited numbers of members, with the price for a superior double room in the GardenWing starting at 370.

SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN

Where: Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa, Leenane, Co Galway; tel: 095 42987;

www. delphiescape. com Why: If blowing the proverbial cobwebs away is your aim, Delphi, the antithesis of all that is urban, will satisfy your deepest desire to get back to nature. Located on the shores of Killary Harbour, there are stunning beaches and mountains to explore, provided you're able to tear yourself away from the comfortable suites. Food is a big deal at Delphi . . . it has its own organic farm and given its location, you're guaranteed great local seafood. There are two programmes available, one spa focused and the other based around activity events, including pony trekking and sailing. The option is there to devise your own programme by mixing up activities from the two. Spa-wise, treatments include massage, luxury facials and seaweed treatments, as well as complementary therapies such as reiki. The Mind/Body programme incorporates yoga, meditation and tai chi.

Don't miss: The Enzymatic Sea Mud Wrap, a blend of algae and green clay that purifies, tones and eliminates toxins, as well as leaving your skin baby soft.

The damage: Relax & Destress, 48hr programme: two nights from 520 for an individual or 470 per person sharing.

GO WEST (OR AT LEAST AS FAR AS WESTMEATH)

Where: Temple Spa Country Retreat, Horseleap, Moate, Co Westmeath; tel: 0506 35118;

Why: Charming, rural and incredibly scenic, Temple Spa is set on the site of an ancient religious settlement and is built on an esker ridge.

Recently refurbished, you can enjoy everything here from guided walks to yoga; take a dip in either the vitality pool or flotation tank or pamper yourself with a range of treatments from the Yon-Ka range. Food is wholesome, healthy and organic wherever possible. The decor is tasteful, the atmosphere restful.

Don't miss: The ISHI vinotherapy treatment, where you get the antioxidant benefits of wine minus the hangover. It uses grape products and incorporates a wrap and massage, helping the body to detox and getting rid of some unwanted inches. Chocolate lovers should try the Chocotherapy treatment.

The damage: Mid-week overnight stays, including treatment, are from 245.