A Devon caravan park is setting itself apart from the rest with the opening of a new health spa. HANNAH MLATEM paid a relaxing visit

IF you want a relaxing family holiday, Haven's Devon Cliffs park is definitely the place to go.

The opening of a new £2.5 million health spa - the first of its kind in a UK holiday park - has given the park a totally different dimension.

The addition of this two-storey spa makes a caravan holiday as much of a relaxing break for mum and dad as it does for the children, who are always well catered for at Haven sites.

The spa is in a beautiful setting overlooking the Devon cliffs.

I booked myself for an hour-long treatment during a short break at the park.

The facilities are top quality and luxurious and as soon as you walk through the doors you have escaped from the hustle and bustle outside and entered a totally different world.

The welcoming and perfumed reception area was beautifully decorated, complete with fountains.

The selection of treatments on offer was almost mind-boggling, from two-hour spa "experience" to facial and body treatments and massages.

I eventually opted for a 'Decleor Aroma Detox Envelopment' which promised to cover me with an algae mask then cocoon me in a heated blanket to break down fatty deposits, drain away toxins and eliminate water retention.The treatment costs £40 for one hour.

The helpful staff provided a robe and slippers - as well as some very attractive plastic pants - and I was left alone to strip off and lie down.

The soft lighting and the faint backing sound of the sea all helped to create a tranquil mood.

My whole body was exfoliated, getting rid of all the dead skin cells in preparation for the treatment.

The beautician then massaged me with a warm aromatic balm before covering me top to toe in a thick marine algae mask.

I was then wrapped in cling film and a huge heated blanket while the beautician gave me a head massage.

The treatment was so relaxing I actually drifted off into sleep.

After showering my whole body was moisturised.

The whole treatment was so wonderfully relaxing I didn't want to leave the spa.

But I did explore.

The two-storey building features a huge indoor Jacuzzi with its own "starlit" ceiling and totally surrounded by picture windows which swing open to allow clear views of the Devon coast.

The health suite includes a gym with the best views you're ever likely to enjoy from a running machine, a large sauna, steam room, extensive relaxation terrace and special showers.

In one there is a bucket filled with ice cold water for a shocking shower experience; another is called the monsoon shower, enough said!

The SPA is available to both holidaymakers and caravan owners at the park.

Haven's operations director, Howard Rawlings, said: "We are very excited at this quality facility. It is in keeping with our philosophy of moving this kind of holiday into the 21st century."

Entrance to the SPA costs £15 with a range of treatments available from £20.