Whittlebury Hall outside
Whittlebury Hall Day Spa Pool
Whittlebury Hall gives a striking first impression as you pull up the long drive towards the imposing house. The grounds are green and lush and the building looks like something out of an Austen novel-you half expect lords and ladies to be waltzing around in Elizabethan garb. I was here to try out the brand new GELeration Package at the Whittlebury Hall Day Spa, and was looking forward to some R&R.
I checked into my room and immediately eyed up the lush looking Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom and the comfortable robe hanging on the bedroom door. After a quick tour of the hotel I headed over to the Day Spa for some pampering.
I was met at the reception by a friendly therapist who gave me my detailed itinerary for the day--one treatment at 11.30 and one at 12.30. I was also shown the layout of the spa (two floors!), the location of the pool, various rooms and the chilllout areas. I happily changed into a comfortable robe and padded slippers and proceeded to relax in the ambient surroundings. The air was fresh and scented with a mixture of eucalyptus and orange essential oils and Grecian style statues adorned the place, with white pillars and floral displays giving the Spa an aura of luxury and decadence.
Whittlebury Hall Main Pool
My first treatment was the GELeration pedicure, which started with a luxurious foot scrub and massage whilst I flicked through the latest magazines. My feet were groomed and dead skin was removed leaving my toosies feeling relaxed and fragrant. The foot and calf rub was especially delicious; I floated away on a cloud of bliss as pressure points were expertly kneaded. I chose a light pink colour which was applied using a UV lamp to cure it- this meant zero chance of smudging and a colour that won't chip for three weeks.
My manicure was also done using the Jessica GELeration system, which left my hands looking fresh and smooth, with a wonderfully glossy colour that sparkled when it hit the light. My cuticles were tidied and pushed back by the manicurist who gave me a great squoval shape and then there was just the tricky choice of colour for the nails) I opted for a royal blue).
The rest of the day was free time and I decided to try out the delights of the spa and pool area. The pool was vaguely daisy shaped and each petal of the daisy provided different delights from hot and cold jets to varying pressure of bubbles, Dotted around the room were various intriguing doorways, which led on to different spa experiences.
There was a crystal steam room with sparkling lights on the wall, a caldarium to let the body recover, two experience showers which alternated between hot and cold, shooting out water unexpectedly at midriff level- very bracing, but exciting. They had a bucket shower- literally a bucket on a chain- which was a scary experience and an ice cave which featured cold showers and ice popping out a machine (good after a trip in the sauna).
Whittlebury Hall refreshments in room
Whittlebury Hall toiletries in bathroom
Whittlebury Hall bathroom of room
When I'd exhausted the various options round the pool I retreated upstairs to hang out on the couches and sip the free tea and apples that were provide. The magazines were the latest available and it was very comforting hanging out in robes with other adults, like children at play in a relaxing environment, not a worry in the world. I took a snooze in the Relaxation Room, a chill out area with 20 cots and duvets with the light dimmed and then headed off for the buffet lunch. The lunch featured healthy option such as cold meat and jacket potatoes, and we had lovely service from the friendly waiters.
They also had a gym on site as well as an aerobic studio and a larger pool, and my friend enjoyed a fitness class whilst I took some laps in the large pool. A quick walk of the ground proved it to be very scenic, with lush green fields making you feel you feel very countrified.
Whittlebury Hall was a lovely experience, with unfailingly polite staff, a multitude of activities on offer and a spa area filled with many options to try. I had a lovely time and left refreshed with gleaming nails and a promise to return. I'd heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a great getaway as it was such an enjoyable time and the service and facilities were exquisite.
Try the Whittlebury Hall Day Spa Geleration package for £99 per day here. This includes;
• 45 Minute Jessica GELeration Overlay Manicure
• 60 Minute Jessica ZenSpa GELeration Overlay Pedicure
• Two-course lunch in The Terrace Café
• Full use of the Heat and Ice Experiences
• Full use of The Spa and The Leisure Club facilities
• Subject to availability
• Available Monday to Friday, until 4th September 2011
. If you stay overnight an extra cost will be incurred (variable).