With the party season in full swing, December is prime time for a bit of pre-festive pampering.

Whether it’s a relaxing massage or facial, or some Christmas party preening, The Village is a one-stop shop for all your beautifying needs.

The Bournemouth hotel, based in a central location off Castle Lane, has its very own Viva Urban Spa, a real retreat from everyday life, offering a range of practical, therapeutic and rejuvenating treatments using CACI, ESPA, Jessica and St Tropez products.

A number of spa packages are also available, as well as use of the hotel’s pool, gym, sauna, steam room and Whirlpool spa. Face and body treatments include reflexology, algae wraps, sports massage and a range of holistic therapies, plus exfoliation and even maternity treatments and non-surgical anti-ageing procedures.

For those who want to get party-ready, a wealth of beauty procedures are on offer, including false lashes and lash tints, eyebrow shaping, tanning, manicures and pedicures.

I wanted a long-lasting treat, so I opted to try out the Geleration nail treatment. Stepping into the salon area, which is upstairs from the busy main reception, was like walking into a calming bubble.

The hustle and bustle of the outside traffic and downstairs coffee shop seemed a world away from this little haven.

I was greeted by a team of friendly staff, who made me feel instantly relaxed and, after filling out a short consultation form, was presented with an array of colours from which to select my polish.

My therapist explained that the Geleration colours are two levels above a normal nail varnish, meaning they are tougher, longer lasting and less susceptible to chips, while also protecting the nail underneath.

After much umming and ahhing, I settled for a pretty mid-pink colour, topped with a smattering of silver glitter - it is Christmas, after all!

My nails were filed and shaped before a base coat and then the colour and finally a layer of glitter applied, with each coat being set under a UV lamp, which meant they were instantly dry - no smudging!

The treatment took around an hour, although the time flew by chatting to the bubbly therapist. I almost didn’t want to venture back out into the real world, so relaxed had I felt in the spa, but am already planning a return visit with a friend to enjoy a full pamper package, including two treatments and afternoon tea - utter bliss!

• For more details and prices visit villagehotels.com/spa or call 0871 222 4884.