If we’re being totally honest about it, Christmas isn’t just an opportunity to treat the people we love. It’s a chance to earn some serious brownie points as well, so it’s worth putting in a little extra effort.

Planning on telling your fiancée that you have an extended month long work trip in January? Best precede it with a romantic spa weekend for two.

Still need to mention a few extra babysitting duties to your parents? See if they notice so much when you write it on the back of a spa gift voucher.

Bought her the same aromatherapy candle four years on the trot? It’s time to step it up a gear.

Thinking about popping the question? Scope out the scene and see if your partner likes it, with a spa prequel at your location.

Whether you’re buttering someone up or simply trying to spread a little love, this is the season to do it!

So, what would get us in your good books?

Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ireland

One of the most luxurious spa hotels in Ireland, Galgorm offers health, wellbeing and all the trimmings for a truly romantic spa break. It’s luxury at every turn as well as exquisite natural scenery. Hot tubs with a river view, afternoon tea with a seasonal theme, and spa treatments followed by plenty of celebratory champagne.

Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa

Macdonald Berystede hotel is a historic manor house, with a large staircase and richly coloured interiors. The spa has an 18-metre pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, ice igloo, experience showers, relaxation area and six treatment rooms – and they do a nice line in afternoon tea.

ESPA Life at Corinthia, London

Repeatedly referenced as a bucket list destination in London, ESPA Life is the perfect fusion of expert spa knowledge and unrivalled luxury. No stone goes unturned here, which is probably what makes it a favourite amongst the capital’s elite. A spa day here is guaranteed to make you feel expensive, so if you’re looking for a gift, this place is hard to beat.

Of course, half the fun is choosing where to go when it comes to a spa break. So we find that the best way to earn brownie points is with a Deluxe Spa Break Voucher. It’s easy, it’s decadent, and you can forget just earning brownie points; this is the ticket to a whole delicatessen of good will.