 |
 |
 |
1. Ten out of 10 for the spacious changing rooms First impressions are always important and when you open the door and walk into the spa's changing room there is an immediate wow factor! I have never experienced such spacious surroundings. My private changing cubicle was huge and there was plenty of space in the wardrobe-like lockers. But the piste de resistance had to be the powerful walk-in shower with its five jets – it was so big I had to take five steps to reach the shampoo and conditioner bottles – not that I was complaining! A bowl of apples was also tastefully positioned by the door providing a healthy end to the day – as they say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Once you have prised yourself away from the luxurious environs of the changing rooms (situated on the main floor) you take the stairs (or lift) down to the lower floor which houses all the thermal heaven area plus pools, saunas, steam rooms and fitness suite. The size of the spa can be a little daunting at first but if you take your time and carefully read the guide pinned to the wall it will all become clear. Prior to entering ‘heaven’ it is wise to have a glass of water with a slice of lemon which is provided free of charge in the corridor. After all the excitement of arriving at the spa it’s now time to start to relax and unwind and the first port of call should be the tepidarium. This is a warm relaxation room which is designed to help you chill while you recline on the curved, gently-heated ceramic couches which are shaped to the contours of your body. It may not look comfortable at first but once you get settled you begin to totally relax and it’s quite a challenge to move on to your next spa experience…
3. Ten minutes relaxing in the steam room Steam rooms are to be expected in a spa – and at The Spa I was impressed by the wide variety of heat options available in the Thermal Heaven area. A Schnapps steam room uses aromas based on the famous alcohol, there’s a herbal sauna, and laconium (a dry heat treatment room or sauna which lets the body heat up slowly and gently. The room is cooler than a traditional Finnish sauna and provides a more relaxing, less intense experience. It usually incorporates light, sound and aroma to stimulate the five senses). For use after a sauna or steam bath there are specialty showers (Amazon forest to Highland mist) and an Ice Grotto which has frozen walls four inches thick, a ceiling meant to evoke the Northern Lights and an ice fountain producing flaked ice for scrubbing the skin and cooling off the body.
4. Ten pools big and small A shimmering blue pool is the first thing you see when you walk from the hotel up to the imposing spa building – but this is one of many pools, both big and small, dotted inside and out. You can choose from the grandiose, indoor ballroom pool with its majestic pillars and underwater music to the tiny cold plunge pool near the four foot spas and the two outdoor Canadian tubs – ideal for those on the Two’s Company package. But my particular favourite has to be the hydro pool complete with its Monet mosaic! As you step into the heated waters you body is enveloped in warmth but the best bit is when you feel a little over-heated you have the option of slipping outside into the fresh air. There’s nothing better than languishing in a hot tub while breathing the cool autumn air – come rain, shine or snow this pool is pure escapism.
5. Top 10 LI’TYA treatments LI'TYA unlocks more than 40,000 years of ancient Aboriginal plant wisdom and healing traditions to bring you the world's leading spa care range with a truly unique Australian spirit. Working closely with guidance from Aboriginal elders, LI'TYA has created a complimentary range of indulgent spa treatments that work with the individual energies of the client and therapist for maximum results. From the harvesting techniques to product packaging LI'TYA adopt a 'tread lightly upon the earth' philosophy to the mostly organic inspired high performance range of natural spa care products that integrates the potent qualities of the earth and sea. The comprehensive range of face and body treatments and spa rituals include: The face, hands and feet, body massage and wraps, kodo rocks, exfoliations, spa water therapy and spa rituals.
6. Kodo massage This rhythmic body massage is inspired by traditional Australian indigenous techniques that tone and realign energy flow, enhancing mind and body wellbeing. A combination of pressure points and spiralling movements ground and uplift the body. Used as a preventative maintenance therapy against the stress of the modern world, massage enables the body to start healing itself, relieving physical and emotional tension. A choice of native aromatic oils is offered to address individual client needs – to rejuvenate, re-harmonise or detoxify.
7. Ten friends for a hen weekend Taking your best friends away for a spa treat before your wedding is becoming one of the most popular ways for brides to spend their hen weekends. What better way to mark the occasion than by booking the VIP Suite and you will ensure you are given the attention you deserve. The stylish suite is not only suitable for hen weekends but also is an ideal location to offer a ‘thank you’ to valued clients. It boasts sink-in sofas, plasma screen, and separate therapy rooms which you can dip in and out of all day Private dining can also be arranged and the suite is suitable for a gathering of up to 15 people.
8. The golf course 10th hole If the spa and grounds are not enough to keep guests occupied, the hotel also boasts a parkland type 9-hole course. Surrounded by woodlands and well-placed bunkers, the course is a haven for wildlife, with deer, rabbits, ducks, geese and other birdlife roaming the fairways throughout the day. Then there is the 10th hole for a well-earned after golf tipple: Al Fresco offers everything from a glass of Pimms to an exquisite dinner which can be enjoyed under sunny skies and moonlit nights in the beautiful gardens and terraces. The Ascot Bar is a haven of tranquility with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.
9. Ten-course taster menu at The Latymer Yes, 10 courses! After a day at the spa you’re ready for a relaxing dinner before bed. And with the 10-course taster menu at Michelin-starred Latymer Restaurant there is no chance of hurrying. However, this marathon menu wasn’t as daunting as it sounded as every course was exquisitely presented and the minute portions left you begging for more. Who could resist the cassoulet of clams, baby squid, poached quail egg, squid ink gnocchi, clam veloute or the fourme d’ambert, Beaufort, smoked paprika crisp, pickled apples and celery cress with coconut parfait, confit pineapple, rum gel and marinated raspberries? And I haven’t even mentioned the other seven courses! Head chef Michael Wignall has recently added five new dishes to the established menu. “Although we regularly change dishes, unusually we have introduced five new ones to the menu in one go. Soft fruit is in its prime at present and our herb garden is in full powerful swing,” he said. “The scent as I wandered through the garden was intense and inspirational - it was the best time to capture the benefits, drawing on the superior taste and heightened flavour it can provide now.'
10. Perfect 10 for the Pennyhill Park, The Spa
experience
Contact us |
|
