Author: Tracey McAlpine Category: Lifestyle, Spa Breaks
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Located less than two hours from London there’s a luxury spa guaranteed to help you unwind and relax

January was a cold, grey dreary month and February looked all set to be the same.  Thoughts of escaping to the sun weren’t far from my mind when an invitation arrived to visit The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel.

The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel

Just one and a half hours drive out of London, The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel is situated in Newmarket, Suffolk, the home of British horse racing.  Only minutes from the famous racecourse, The Spa at Bedford Lodge is nestled in beautiful manicured grounds adjacent to racing stables.

The Spa at Beford Lodge Hotel

After an easy drive from London, Nikki Taylor and I drove through the gates of the Bedford Lodge Hotel and instantly started to relax.  The pace of London far behind us we quickly unpacked and headed straight for the bar.  Before you jump to any conclusions we chose a delicious cheese soufflé, salad, and a glass of sparkling water.

Feeling virtuous after our lunch and ready to head for the spa, we realised that the weather had taken a turn for the worse and it was raining heavily.  After a quick dash from the hotel to the spa, we were in the warmth and comfort of the lounge filling in our treatment forms and sipping more chilled water.  Mobile phone service is limited in the spa lounge ensuring that you really do switch off.

The Hydrotherapy Pool at The Spa Bedford Lodge

After a quick change we started to unwind in the luxurious surroundings of the hydrotherapy pool.  With five different water experiences you can quickly relieve tired muscles and achy limbs.  Relaxing in the warm water, stretching out in the steam room and for Nikki, experimenting with the experimental showers, we soon started to feel many miles away from London.

The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel

As inviting as the steam from the roof top hot tub was, we didn’t venture out in the rain to try it, but on a beautiful sunny day this would be an idyllic spot to relax with a cold drink, stretch out on the sun beds and top up your vitamin D levels.

Nikki had booked for a personalised facial and I chose a full body massage.  As someone who spends many hours in front of a computer, I jump at any chance to have the knots in my neck and shoulders worked on.  We were both met by our therapists who led us to the beautifully appointed treatment rooms.  The Spa only opened its doors in 2013 and still has that lovely newness of freshly decorated rooms.

Rachel, my therapist, invited me to smell two different oil blends to establish which I preferred; this also helped to establish which was more suited to the mood I wanted to create.  For me it was relaxation all the way and after the Restorative Oil was chosen and I was comfortable on the treatment bed, Rachel placed a steaming bowl of water and oil on the floor below my head.  Just breathing in the beautiful aroma and feeling warm and comfortable I started to relax straight away. 

For the next hour Rachel’s skilful hands massaged away any tension I had in my neck and shoulders, she worked tirelessly to unknot the concreate muscles in my shoulders and gave me a fabulous head massage.  The treatment was both relaxing and therapeutic, I’m sure I left the Spa at least an inch taller where Rachel had stretched me back into place.  Rachel suggested that I have a massage monthly to help loosen the muscles, something that I know I should schedule in, but never do. 
 
The Spa at Bedford Lodge use ESPA products which contain a potent range of ingredients to rejuvenate skin and indulge the senses with their aroma.  Combine these with a skilled therapist and you have a winning combination to revive the spirits and visibly improve the skin.

Nikki’s therapist Zoe came to collected her and here she recounts her experience.

My first impression was how luxurious and spacious my treatment room was.  My therapist Zoe immediately made me feel at ease and gave me an outline of the procedure that I was having.  Another great feature of this room was the bed, it was curved under the body for maximum support and I have to say extremely comfortable.

Prior to my facial Zoe examined my skin under a therapists lamp to identify any areas of concern.  I stated that my main concern was slackening of the skin.  I have experienced an ESPA facial before and one of the features I love is that the therapist asks you to smell two different oils and she then uses products based around the smell that you selected.

The facial started with a double cleanse using Hydrating Cleansing Milk and then the gorgeous Nourishing Cleansing Balm.  Zoe asked me if I wanted steam on my skin – I chose not to during this treatment as I felt my skin wasn’t congested.  The treatment continued with an exfoliation and mask.

Whilst my mask was working away, Zoe applied ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp mud and gave me a scalp massage – it was glorious.

My facial finished with Zoe applying serum, eye cream and face moisturiser from the Lift and Firm range.  As a final touch my arms and hands were spritzed with the Body Silk Spray.  I came away with a comprehensive brochure with product recommendations and tips from Zoe.

As a summary, the whole experience was delightful and my skin felt so amazing that I even went make up free to dinner that evening – oh and also left the hair mud in! I didn’t scare Tracey too much, I promise.

Ps. I enjoyed the ambience in the spa so much I even squeezed in a pedicure the next day which two weeks later still looked great.

The Bedford Lodge Hotel and Grounds

Following our treatments we had a glass of champagne sent up to room while we got ready for dinner.  The Squires restaurant has an extensive menu and comprehensive wine list.  We enjoyed a lovely meal and a delicious bottle of wine.  Retiring to our comfortable and modern bedroom we felt more relaxed that we probably have for months.

The following day we woke up to glorious sunshine which meant that we could really appreciate the grounds and seeing the horses leaving for the gallops was an added bonus.

The Bedford Lodge Hotel Suffolk

Combined with the 4 Star Bedford Lodge Hotel, The Spa, is a haven of luxury and tranquillity.  Whether you can stay for a day, evening or weekend they have a package to suit you.  The extensive range of treatments available will leave you feeling pampered and re-energised.

It won’t be long before we revisit The Spa at Bedford Lodge because both of us said it felt like we had been away longer than just overnight.  In the same time as it takes to cross London you can be in the countryside, sipping champagne and relaxing in The Spa.  This is the perfect retreat to visit with a friend or partner as there really is something for everyone.  We didn’t even have time to visit the extensive gym and fitness facilities at the hotel or explore the countryside, something that we will definitely do on our next visit.  I’m already planning it!

The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel

If you love horses, spa treatments and a luxury hotel you will certainly love The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel!

Treatments start from as little as £20 and there are many different Spa Packages to choose from. 

The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel Bury Road, Newmarket, Suffolk. CB8 7BX Tel: 01638 676130

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