It's always nice to have a bit of a lie-down Main menu Post navigation The hills are alive... with the sound of spa-ing! If you've ever spent time staring up at the stars whilst you laze in an outdoor hot tub, you'll know that there's something special about experiencing those sort of delights outdoors. A MIND-sponsored study carried out by the University of Essex has shown that there's a definite link between spending time surrounded by nature and boosting your mental and physical health . The MIND study showed that, after a walk in the countryside, 71% of people reported a decrease in depression, and 90% felt their self-esteem increase. Ecotherapy , as it's called, can also lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Which is probably why I felt so utterly delighted in the thermal baths at Les Thermes du Saint-Gervais . Brand new this year, " Les Bains du Mont-Blanc " are an exceptionally well-designed addition to the existing spa and traditional medical centre. The thermal waters aid recovery for those suffering from a wide range of ailments, from asthma and bronchitis to eczema. There is a huge wellness centre at the spa, the second-largest in France, but I was there to experience the softer side of the waters. I was promised a " seven-stage multi-sensory experience ". To my amazement, the hype didn't even come close to describing just how fabulous it was. The first stop was the "dry area" where I lolled in a '60s-style egg-chair while