Well, where do I start? We had Facial/Massage at The Retreat, and went to the desk to pay with gift vouchers that my partner received for his birthday. The girl was putting it through, quite happily, and the assistant manager walked past and shouted at the top of her voice "you can't pay with vouchers, you booked an end of range treatment which was already discounted, therefore it is cash only. If I let everyone pay with vouchers for discounted services we'd be out of business!". I then politely exclaimed that I didn't realise the treatments we'd had were at a discount price, I just booked them because that was what we wanted. I also reminded her that someone had paid cash originally for the gift vouchers, so what difference did it make on what services we redeemed them against?! I had also informed them at the time of booking that we'd be using vouchers, and no one said anything! She was still insistant, and it it was her tone - so abrupt and rude. She then had the cheek to say we'd have to pay cash now and keep the vouchers for next time. Needless to say I didn't back down, and calmly and politely insisted that there most definately would not be a next time, and refused to pay cash when I had the equivalent in vouchers in my hand! She then continued to serve someone else for about 10 minutes, ignoring me, and then said "oh alright then, this time I'll make an exception, and on my head be it. I am the Assistant Manager and I suppose you have come for a day out. I'lll let it go" Like she was doing me a favour! Well, I then told her that perhaps she 'as the Manager' should send herself on a customer services/interpersonal skills course as part of her appraisal. We have been previously, and never had any problems, but in hindsight, the treatments are very average and very overpriced! I certainly would NOT recommend The Retreat for a relaxing day out. read more