Way to go for a healthy glow
10:11am Friday 14th December 2007
AS the end of each week approaches, I'm usually beginning to feel physically exhausted by the strains and stresses of working life. So what better way to unwind over the weekend than by taking solace from the idyllic surroundings of a countryside haven?
Thankfully, this place is not an imaginary one; it's right on our doorsteps in the shape of Hartwell House and Spa, a stately home in one of the most beautiful parts of the Aylesbury Vale.
I was invited to experience a spa day at the luxurious hotel, and my husband needed little persuasion to join me. As we approached Hartwell House, we noticed that it stands within acres and acres - 94 to be precise - of beautiful parkland landscaped by a contemporary of Capability Brown.
Inside, the hotel is no less magnificent. It boasts Jacobean and Georgian features, as well as decorative ceilings and panelling, giving it a homely and traditional feel. The main house offers 30 tastefully decorated bedrooms and suites, while the neighbouring Hartwell Court comprises a further ten suites and six bedrooms, many with garden views.
After a tour of the hotel, we made our way to the spa, a short walk from the main house.
There is a Romanesque feel to the complex, which contains a generous-sized swimming pool, spa bath, steam room and saunas. There is also the opportunity to take advantage of the well-equipped gymnasium next door. Spending the morning by the poolside, we finally managed to extract ourselves from the luxurious spa bath and saunas and make our way upstairs for a light lunch in the Spa Buttery Café.
The menu offers a selection of light and affordable dishes, including homemade salmon and crab fishcakes, as well as renaissance mutton cobbler and roasted vegetables. We both opted for a panini of tuna, cheddar cheese and spring onions. There's also a mouth watering selection of desserts, including treacle tart with orange compote and Chantilly clotted cream, as well as my personal favourite, warm chocolate fudge cake.
Soon the time was upon us for some pampering treatments. There were so many to choose from, including detox body wraps and scrubs, hot stone massage and reflexology. My husband finally chose the Espa Life Saving Back Treatment (£55), which involves a combination of body brushing and exfoliation to stimulate the circulation, followed by massage and warm mud to condition the skin.
While he was being pampered and preened, I was treated to a Clarins Pro Active Facial (£70), which promises to provide the benefits of seven days' treatment in one luxurious application.
According to senior therapist Emily Mariconda, the treatment would work wonders for my skin, which has suffered some dryness in the past few weeks because of the wintry weather.
Emily started by looking at and feeling my skin to determine which products she should use, discovering it definitely needs a little tender loving care.
She began by applying cleansing milk to remove any impurities and make-up. My whole body relaxed as she ran her fingers over my face using specialised massage techniques and I felt like I could happily stay here forever. Next up, Emily used a gentle facial peeling powder, with fruit extracts. It smelt divine, but looked a little like oatmeal. I was unsure at first, but the unusual mixture certainly did its job exfoliating and refining my skin. She also applied some to the back of my hands and they felt super-smooth afterwards.
After applying some toning lotion to refresh my skin, followed by thirst quenching serum to help hydrate it, my face was ready for the first mask.
It comprised a powder made with plant and flower extracts, water and face oil, which Emily speedily mixed together in a bowl before applying to my face.
I was surprised by how cold the face mask felt, but there was something nicely invigorating about that. More interesting was how the mixture turned into a rubbery texture within seconds of being applied. It was a strange sensation and felt strange to touch, but I knew it was doing my skin the world of good.
After ten minutes, Emily removed the first mask and began preparing the second, which was designed to moisturise the skin intensively. This time, a creamy mixture was applied to my face and a thin gauze placed over the top. After a while, Emily removed this gently with hot mitts, before applying further moisturising and eye products.
Rounding off with a final massage of my face, neck and shoulders, Emily dabbed a fragrance on to my skin, which left me feeling refreshed and invigorated.
As for my face, it felt so much smoother to touch and the dryness had all but gone. In fact, in the days that followed, I noticed the real difference the facial had made to my skin. Who says you can't have a healthy glow in winter?
Special Offers
Fancy spending your Christmas break at Hartwell House? Enjoy a black tie Champagne reception on Christmas Eve, followed by a six-course sumptuous lunch on Christmas Day at the award-winning hotel restaurant. Then simply relax and enjoy the spa and grounds on Boxing Day. A selection of luxury rooms are still available.
There are plenty of seasonal offers from Hartwell Spa, including the Clarins Pro Active Facial for £60 (normal price £70) throughout December. Contact Hartwell House directly for more details.
Hartwell House Hotel and Spa Oxford Road, near Aylesbury Details: 01296 747444 or www.hartwell-house.com