A spa day is a perfect gift for a loved one. It's simple - book it, give them the voucher and go! But wait, as you scroll through the many options available, the realisation sets in that choosing a spa day is far more complex than originally anticipated. A slight panic sets in and all kinds of unanswered questions emerge. Let the panic subside and continue reading as we attempt to guide you in selecting the right experience for your partner or family member.

The key is to make the whole experience relaxing, so you need to get the location right first. Your partner or family member wants to enjoy as much time at the spa as possible, so booking a spa four hours away so they can have a massage defeats the object of the relaxing experience! Of course, if the spa break is over a period of three days, it is worth travelling that little bit further to maximise the experience without cutting into the relaxation time too much. This is particularly true if you are city dwellers and you can stretch to a spa weekend in a country retreat.

Once the location (or at least a vague estimate of travelling time) has been decided upon, you can proceed to choosing the right spa break for your loved one. If they are already a member of a gym with sauna facilities do not book a simple spa package as the chances are they already have regular access to the types of facilities provided! Likewise, if they get a regular manicure ('getting their nails done') - it is pointless to book a spa break where beauty treatments include a manicure and a pedicure. Women like to be pampered and most of the time you cannot go wrong with a massage or a facial if you are really stuck. These treatments are not something a woman will have as regularly and so will be a real treat particularly in the relaxing environment of a spa.

The time of year may also influence the type of break you choose. A health spa break would be a great Christmas present providing a way to detox and unwind after the hectic holidays or any other stressful periods. Do check out the menu though - healthy, low calorie food might not suit everyone. Having said that, lots of spas now combine detoxing treatments with mouth-watering food.

And for all those men who think a spa break is just for women, you are very much mistaken. Often spa packages are for two people. This doesn't mean your partner or family member necessarily wants to spend the day with a friend, they may actually want to spend time with you! That's right men, spa breaks are perfect for you to indulge too, especially if the spa break is part of an anniversary or valentines gift. You can leave the eyelash tinting and eyebrow waxing to the ladies, but why not enjoy a nice massage or pamper yourself with a pedicure (or in simpler terms a good foot rub!).

This brief guide should steer you in the right direction. It is not such a tough task - just think about what your loved one would really enjoy, and if you think you might enjoy it too, even better. Let the pampering commence!