USP The only spa in Tallinn’s beautiful old town.

AMBIENCE Estonia has become something of a spa destination for savvy Scandinavians who can get up-market treatments for a fraction of the price they pay at home.

When I said I was off to Tallinn, my Dad asked if I was going on a stag weekend – uhh, no! In fact, I didn’t see any all-male parties even though we hit the town late on Friday night.

Instead it’s all cobbled streets, jazz bars and prettily painted houses. And right bang in the middle of it is the luxurious Hotel Telegraff, which used to be the old telephone exchange.

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Tucked away in a quiet corner of the hotel is the spa, which reminded me of a Roman Temple - marble-clad walls, stone fountains and terracotta tiles.

A sauna and a refreshing dip get you in the mood for the treatments, with one eye on the Scandinavian gods ploughing up and down the Olympic-sized pool. Afterwards I sat among brightly coloured geraniums on a deckchair in the hotel’s pretty patio, exclusive to the spa, sipping a glass of cucumber flavoured water. How spa-like is that?

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE There are a whole range of Elemis treatments. I opted for the deep-tissue massage which is the most popular with stressed-out clients. I laid face down on the bed, admiring my very competent therapist’s immaculately painted toe nails, as I breathed in the delicious rose aromatic oils and revelled in her expertise. She was anxious to know how much pressure I wanted her to exert. I stopped short of all-out torture favoured by her middle-aged male clients and went for the middle road which was very relaxing.

IN-CROWD Apart from the Scandinavians, glamorous locals and Brits in the know. The hotel’s new sumptuous look – opulent cushions and elegant wooden panels - is geared towards young professionals but for now they seem to be attracting more of a middle-aged clientele.

FOOD The spa serves a delicious range of fresh fruit smoothies at around £4 a pop.

WALLET WATCH The deep-tissue full-body muscle massage will set you back a very reasonably prices £50, as will most of the other treatments including facials and body scrubs.

Exsus offer three nights at the Hotel Telegraaf, from £815 per person. This price includes accommodation in an executive double room based on two people sharing, breakfast included, return flights, transfers and three luxury spa treatments.

Return economy class flights with Estonian Air from London Gatwick to Tallinn cost from £170 per person.

Rooms at the Telegraaf start from £202 per room per night including breakfast.

For further information call Exsus on 020 7292 5060. www.exsus.com

NEED TO KNOW Hotel Telegraaf, Vene 9, 10123, Tallinn, Estonia (00 372 6000 600; info@telegraafhotel.com)

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