When it comes to providing childcare options, the norm is for tour operators to stick to clubs and schools. Children's clubs have sometimes been described, perhaps unfairly, as loosely disguised boot camps. This can be unnerving for parents unused to leaving their children in such an environment. We are a bit wary of the kids' clubs that are often offered by tour operators, which can be rather too regimented for such young children. Ideally, we would like someone to look after our children on their own and in the familiar surroundings of our chalet. Is this possible and would it limit the resorts we can choose? D Cater, Rochester A. Q.
My husband and I are keen skiers and are thinking of taking a two-week skiing holiday in Europe this winter. The only drawback is that we have two young children (one and three years) who will obviously need to be kept busy while we are on-piste. Treatments make use of natural products such as damask rose, milk and essential oils, but if that doesn't promote a state of bliss, there's also a henna tattoo artist.After the Rain, 4 Passage des Lions, Geneva, Switzerland (00 41 22 819 0150; www.spa-aftertherain.ch) Treatments start at Sfr80 (£35).. The spa is a suitably cosmopolitan affair, with a host of treatment rooms and a dark slate steam room. The interior resembles a chic apartment, with wooden flooring, glass-bead curtains, cerise or whitewashed walls with matching drapes and flickering candles.
Treatments start at €35 (£25).After the Rain, GenevaTucked away in an arcade off the upmarket Rue du Rh? this offers a city retreat to those in the know. Treatments are carried out with the Nuxe range, which use natural products such as seaweed, honey, shea butter and vitamins. There are individual and double treatment rooms as well as a private hammam scented with essential oils perched above a pool of water.Le Spa Nuxe, 32 Montorgueil, Paris, France (00 33 1 55 80 71 40; www.nuxe ). The building's history sits comfortably with contemporary design: exposed oak beams and brick walls are counterbalanced with exotic plants, bleached concrete flooring and dark wood surfaces.
