Casa Spa, Paddington 39 Edgware Road, London, W2 1TH (0207 724 2030)

For a spa in Central London, it’s a steal. An hour in the Turkish bath will set you back just £45. If you want to add in a massage as well, you’re looking at £60. Hen and stag nights are available for £55 per person. You can choose from a mezze of treatments and kick back on the sofas without feeling rushed.

Cucumba, Oxford Circus 12 Poland St, W1F 8QB (0207 734 2020)

Get off the hectic streets around Oxford Circus and pay for time rather than treatments at this "urban pit-stop". Starting from £7.50 top-ups... a ten-minute quick fix such as a mini manicure and pedicure costs £12.50; a 20-minute facial will set you back £20; a half-hour deep-tissue massage is £29.50. A New York style Snoozebooth - a massage followed by 30 minutes of shut-eye in a darkened room costs £27.50.

Top five spas for under £100

There's no reason why a recession should stop your pampering. Our expert picks five wellbeing breaks for less than £100 a night

BACKGROUND

• Acu-Channel, South Kensington, London

• Ark Spa, Wimbledon, London

• Natura Day Spa Mayfair, London

• The Spa at 51, Victoria, London

• Whole Body Centre, Kensington, London

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• Five affordable detox retreats

Ironmonger Row Baths Ironmonger Row, EC1V 3QF (020 7253 4011)

Relaxed, social, budget baths, housed in a grand 1930s building, where you can take the waters naked or otherwise. The facilities, which are hygenic, are run by a charity dedicated to improving leisure in the area, and as a result represent excellent value. There's a modern 30.5-metre pool, Turkish baths, hot rooms and an icy plunge pool - all for about a tenner a session, depending on the time of day and include a swim when the pool is available. Massage and body treatments are extra but range from £5 to £50.

The London College of Beauty Therapy 47 Great Marlborough St, W1F 7JP (0207 208 1302)

This beauty salon-in-training has the air of the real thing and offers a full range of beauty treatments including a 60-minute full-body massage and specialist facials for only £20 each; an Indian Head Massage costs £15 for 45 minutes. It's a good place to experiment with the latest micro-lift and vacuum suction treatments all at about £15 a throw. At these prices you can afford to treat yourself in nearby Liberty.

The London College of Fashion 20 John Princes St, W1G 0BJ (0207 514 7482)

Sub £10 treatments using top brands for volunteers during supervised training sessions - all good but they are conducted in less than private surrounds. Check the website to see whether it's a massage or facial on the syllabus, which changes monthly.

The Porchester Spa QueensWay, Bayswater W2 5HS (020-7792 3890)

One of the capital’s few old-fashioned temples to heat still in operation. Men’s days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (couples on Sundays from 4pm), and once you’ve paid your £20 or so entry there is no pressure to leave. Masseur Zsolt Kovacs will do you a mean salt rub, or a convincing deep-tissue massage if you have knots to deal with.

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