Sometimes I take for granted how relaxing this place really is, that is, until I walk outside and…read moreforget where we've left the car. That's partially to do with me going a bit nuts, but I always leave feeling rested, much lighter and incredibly happy.
You don't get ultra modern neon-lit eternity pools, but a place where normal people (the ones that appreciate the nice environment that's been created there) can totally chill out.
With a separate changing area for members and non-members, there's always a lot of space, secure lockers and hot showers on the way in. Once you get inside robes and sandals are encouraged as everything is quite spread out.
My highlights include the giant tepidarium, containing 33 ceramic loungers heated to approx. 35 degrees to soothe the entire body. Each lounger has its own head phone socket, so you can bring your headphones and relax to your choice of music. There's also two large pool, a 49 seat spa pool with massage jets, a hydrotherapy flotation tank (with over 1.5 tonnes of salt in!) and an aromatherapy steam room.
Additional things to consider are a fantastic cafe-style restaurant, where you can lounge about and eat. They do the best salads I've had anywhere outside of my home (I just like fresh ingredients and knowing what's gone into something). And the beauty salon does an exclusive range of body butters/scrubs/bath foams in ever changing varieties. I fell in love with the raspberry milkshake 'flavour' a few years ago, and I haven't been disappointed since. My last purchase was angel cake bath melt (a thick bubbling foam) and hot butter fudge shower gel. Oh my.
There are three basic ways to go. One, buy a special experience pass (from £65 for entrance, a treatment and 'light supper', upwards).
Second, a spa membership ranging from £9 a month for 3 visits a year up to £30 a month for 12 visits, all on top of a £99 joining fee.
Or, a combined membership with the MASSIVE Pulse 8 gym across the way (literally a one minute from the spa). It's about £500 (sheesh) joining fee, then £80ish pounds for full come-any-time-you-like membership to gym and spa, then gets less as you strip away visiting at certain parts of the day. Just like most gyms and spas really.
Either way, we joined at Christmas time a few years ago. It was on a special offer with no joining fee and one visit per month for £15. Bargain! It pops up at the same each year and often during Summer. I'd recommend holding out for that, because it's SO worth it.