There is now a huge choice when it comes to being pampered and receiving the latest beauty and health treatments, and more of us consider a day at the spa, a hotel spa break or even a spell at the health farm as an affordable treat. But, there are significant differences between the three types of pamper centres, and they shouldn't be lumped together as a generic term.

Celebrated naturopath Stanley Leif opened one of the first dedicated health farms in the UK in 1925. Using the magnificent Rothschild Mansion in Tring, Hertfordshire as his base Leif launched his holistic health approach on the British. Now known as Champneys Tring, Leif's vision was to provide an oasis of calm, where the individual would be able to re-charge away from the modern world.

With particular attention to treating the whole person; mind, body and soul, Leif's health farm soon became popular with celebrities, royals and other well-to-do visitors. In order to make the whole experience as beneficial as possible to his guests Leif employed the latest state of the art treatments, facilities and equipment. With the health farm set in 170 glorious acres of landscaped parklands, he ensured that tranquillity was the order of the day, and he also placed huge importance on impeccable service.

Champneys Tring, the health farm founded over 80 years ago by Leif is still going strong. Retaining the original period charm of the 1920's Rothschild mansion, it features sedate drawing rooms, a bright morning room and a games room complete with snooker table and a selection of board games.

Health farms are the ultimate pampering experience and offer their guests a more personalised experience than a visit to a hotel spa. They are also more holistic in approach and not just concerned with beauty treatments. The staff-to-guest ratio is much higher at health farms than at spas, and rather importantly, children aren't welcome! Guests are free to lounge all day in a towel robe, and there is also a greater choice of daily activities than at a hotel spa.

At a spa hotel guests can only wear towel robes in the dedicated spa area and are expected to dress appropriately in other areas. The spa is merely a facility of an otherwise fully functional hotel. Dining is with all other hotel guests, and not merely those who are there for spa treatment. People attending spa hotels tend to stay for one or two nights, a traditionally shorter stay than those at health farms.

Finally, day spas offer no accommodation and are designed for visitors to arrive, take their treatment and then leave the same day. They are great for those who wish to get a taste of the pampering treatment, or for those who are too busy to spend time away from work or home. Many who try the day spa inevitably end up opting for a longer stay at a health farm or spa hotel at some point in the future.

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