CHRISTMAS and New Year seem to come and go in an instant these days, and what may prove a happy break with family and friends, can often be followed by a period of reflection too much to eat, too much to drink, too much money spent on too many credit cards.

Well, this year I think I found the perfect solution to my Christmas come-down'. I asked my lot to chip in towards an overnight break at a spa hotel well, OK, not just any spa hotel, The Serenity Spa, at Seaham Hall; the long awaited dream of Tom and Jocelyn Maxfield that has taken two years and £10 million to build. (You may have heard of one of their other hotels - Dove Nest', the beautiful retreat, or Samling', set high overlooking Windermere, here in the Lake District.)

Sunderland is now officially on the map' as having one of the world's leading spa hotels.

The hotel, which was recently featured on The Holiday Programme, has already gained the Good Food Guide best newcomer' award, and has been placed in the top 20 of Hardens restaurant guide, which covers the whole of the UK including London.

The spa, which is reached via an incredible under-ground journey of tranquil waves of light, water, and sound, has only just been officially opened (and blessed by their own Buddhist priest) on December 21 and is already attracting media attention from around the globe.

Begin by chilling out, calming down, letting go of your worries: recline in the Sound Wave Therapy Theatre, surrounded by sound waves set to wash through your mind while being drawn into the 50in plasma screen of visions, so tranquil you'll drift off and begin your journey to total relaxation.

There is also another secret place to go in the Serenity Spa, at Seaham Hall, one of the first of its kind in the world. The Flotation Room' is a place designed for those who feel uptight, who find it hard to get a good night's sleep. Here you float on your back in a circular pool (remember, for the best Feung Shuai it's got to be rounded no corners allowed) filled with salt crystals from the Dead Sea.

Such is the density of the water that you can't possibly sink or even turn over. Heated to a constant 34.5 degrees centigrade, in tune with your body temperature, you're left weightless, leaving your muscles with nothing to do but rest.

You can choose to have calming sounds transmitted through the water or gentle light therapy as you drift into a state of deep peace. Even just half-an-hour leaves you as refreshed as a full nights sleep, ready to take on the world.

There are so many wonderful treatments to choose from, including Karade', the gentle yet invigorating exfoliation of the whole body followed by aromatic steamed towels to induce relaxation. Then traditional Japanese massage techniques are used to massage the entire body to aid lymphatic drainage, reduce water retention and improve poor circulation.

There's the Exotic Japanese Slipper Bath Ceremony', the Taste Of Siam', the Aroma Stone Therapy', the Well-Being massage Chakra Balancing' it's a whole new world that you have got to try for a day or even two (I did not want to leave).

As my man went with me (well, he needed chilling out) he sampled the Tension Tamer For Men'. A virtual paradise of the senses that he has not stopped talking about.

There are also the Nurturing Rituals For Mother And Baby,' worth having another baby for? There's Botox to erase the fine lines and wrinkles, Restylane to replenish essential tissue with vital moisturiser, also used for wrinkle correction, contouring and lip enhancement.

The Muscle Melt Massage', Tui-Na Chinese Therapy', and more

Save up, sack the maid, or simply sell the car you owe it to yourself to go, but get in quick, I've already had to grab a slot for next time, word is getting out. (Write to me when you've been, let me know what worked for you).

For hotel costs, treatment prices and special packages, call Serenity Spa, at Seaham, on 0191-516-1550.

Visit its web site for more information and fabulous images: www.seaham-serenityspa.com

January 9, 2003 11:00