An oasis of tranqility
From luxury spa to 18-hole championship golf course and two tennis courts — it is all complemented by 157 acres of beautiful grounds and a wonderful Jacobean main house.
But it was the hotel’s luxury offering we were recently invited to put to the test – tough job, but someone’s got to do it!
At the heart of the health club are the indoor swimming pool and gymnasium.
Upon merely entering the health spa reception area, the stresses of life very quickly start to unravel. It is a blissful environment complemented with first-class facilities.
It didn’t take us long to seek out the impressive level-decked swimming pool and external vitality pool, and then it was time to relax and rejuvenate in the foot spas and four thermal experience rooms; the Finnish Sauna, a Caldarium, a Laconium and a Tepidarium. Inbetween times, the heated loungers or the brand new poolside furniture were calling. Then it was time to refresh in tropical or polar storm showers.
For those looking to crank the pampering up to the next level – as we did – the Clarins and Elemis treatment rooms are beckoning. In these little coccons from the outside world - there is even a dual treatment room – we were in the expert hands – quite literally – of the Welcombe’s team of highly experienced and friendly therapists.
The treatments menu ranges from deep tissue muscle massage and aromatic balancing body therapy treatments to facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and tinting.
If it’s fitness you crave, there is a superb state-of-the-art gymnasium and aerobics studio on hand equipped with touch-screen Precor equipment. We didn’t quite make it here however as rest and recuperation was definitely more the order of the day!
But, while we’re on the subject of fitness, it is appropriate to mention that there is a good range of classes on offer, including Pilates, yoga, circuits and Aqua Tone. You can also enjoy a game of tennis on the all-weather outdoor courts.
All spa day packages include fluffy towels, towelling robes, slippers and a light lunch – a choice from a selection of sandwiches and salads.
There is apparently the promise of more to come too, with a new Champagne Nail bar with luxury Pedicure chairs and a new food and beverage area in the planning.
All in all, our first Welcombe Spa experience was just what the doctor ordered – and most definitely won’t be our last. Any stress had been left very much at the front door of this oasis of tranquility. That is thanks, in the most part though, to my therapist, who certainly had the ‘magic touch’ when it came to my full body massage. A coiled spring no more!
For more information, including details about their spa membership packages, visit their website at: http://www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/hotels/welcombe/leisure
For your chance to win a spa membership worth £850 buy this week’s Herald, out now. Closing date for entries is Wednesday at midday.
