Chocolate breaks that won’t pile on the pounds

Addicted to chocolate but wary of its unflattering effects? Then head to Spain this October for National Chocolate Week to indulge in a range of chocolaty treats that will invigorate the senses as well as slim and reduce cellulite.

With resorts in Barcelona, Marbella and Tenerife, Expo Grupo Hotels offers the ultimate in indulgence with their delicious range of chocotherapy spa treatments.

A must for any chocoholic is a visit to Barcelona and the Museu de la Xocolata to learn all there is to know about the history of chocolate, along with a sumptuous tasting session in one of the cities many luxurious chocolate shops.

After visiting the sights and shops relax and unwind at the five star Gran Hotel Princesa Sofia with a truly chocolaty treat. The mouth watering chocotherapy treatments combine chocolate with traditional massage, wraps and facial therapies that leave guests both relaxed and invigorated as the scent of the cocoa ignites senses.

Stay at the Gran Hotel Princesa Sofia, Barcelona from 84€ (approx £74) per person, per night including breakfast. The chocotherapy sessions include free entry into the Wellness Circuit and cost 68€ (approx £60) for 55 minutes and 95€ (approx £84) for 80 minutes per person.

A true passion of the Spaniards, chocolate in the Canary Islands is extremely highly regarded. A delicacy of the Canaries, churros con chocolate, is a local treat that’s worth a try. Enjoy sitting outside a Churreria Chocolateria dunking churros into a cup of rich, thick, steaming hot chocolate.

Once fully indulged, head back to the Mare Nostrum Resort in Tenerife for a chocolate sensation that really starts to blur the boundaries between food and pleasure. The chocolate, used within the Mare Nostrum Spa, is an ideal ingredient to help relax, whilst it’s antioxidant properties help fight the signs of aging along with helping to improve the firmness of skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. This all takes place whilst guests enjoy the aromas of the cocoa treat.

The Mare Nostrum Resort is offering accommodation and breakfast from 52€ (approx £46) per person per night, with a one hour 15 minute Chocotherapy session costing 100€ (approx £88) per person.

Meanwhile, in Marbella, renowned for its opulence and extravagance, the Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa is offering the ultimate in luxury chocotherapy. As well as the standard hour and a quarter Chocotherapy session and Mint Chocolate treatments, the Don Carlos Spa also provides a three day Chocotherapy programme to leave guests feeling truly satisfied from their chocolate splurge, whilst still having the confidence to strut along the world famous Nikki Beach Club adjacent to the resort.

The Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa is offering accommodation and breakfast from 92€ (approx £81) per person per night, with mint chocolate treatments costing 110€ (approx £97) for one hour 20, chocotherapy at 105€ (approx £93) for one hour 15 and the three day programme for 335€ (approx £296) per person.

All prices are based on two adults sharing, and are available from the 1-31 October 2009. Whichever resort you choose, it’s a must do this chocolate week.

For reservations visit expogrupo.com call or email psreservas@expogrupo.com.