A little pampering......

We all need a little pampering now and again, so maybe once or twice a year we head to our favourite day spa for a little R & R.

This year has been quite a tough one - particularly for Anne C following her accident earlier in the year in New York (still not allowed to talk about it yet.....) so a relaxing facial and a full body massage was just what the doctor ordered for both of us.

Our favourite Spa is a beautiful old Yorkshire stone house in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. Family owned and a proper home-from-home Eastthorpe Hall is a peaceful oasis with  traditional beamed ceiling, big squashy comfortable sofas, huge open fireplaces, candles, lovely furnishings and quite a few angelic decorations to create a heavenly atmosphere. 

Spas we love

I love my spa days.... In a previous job, I was known jokingly as "the spa lady" having frequented many a spa or beauty salon. But both Anne H and I enjoy pamper time, and have sampled many a massage and facial over the years. 

We loved Seaham Hall at Seahouses, which is both relaxing and since it is at the seaside, makes a wonderful overnight or weekend break with superb food - and the bedrooms are just gorgeous! Champneys offers a huge range of lovely treatments and the food is excellent - but if I'm being honest it is just too big and a little impersonal, although the staff were all very friendly. It is a little while since I visited, and I know they have refurbished the bedrooms since my last visit, so I hope they are a little more cosy than they were. Having said that of course - I wouldn't say no to another visit!

Regular readers will also remember that I always manage to fit in a visit to the Spa of the Gods in Santorini which has stunning views and great treatments, but there is nowhere really to relax, although soaking up the Greek sun comes in a close second.

Other fairly regular haunts include Oulton Hall near Leeds and Hazelwood Castle in Tadcaster - both of which run great special offers either through Groupon or direct from the Hotel.  Oulton Hall - owned by Q Hotels is beautiful and  as well as the spa, has a swimming pool and gym, while at Hazelwood Castle, though the treatment areas at the Imagine Spa are quite tiny, they do a fabulous afternoon tea to round off your visit and the grounds are lovely.  I have also had the pleasure of staying overnight there and it is just stunning!

So back to Eastthorpe Hall - which is our favourite day spa. This lovely home is set in beautiful tranquil gardens and is pure delight in the summer, with its tinkling water feature and outdoor gazebo.

The food, which is freshly prepared by Granville, the in-house chef is just to die for - I wish I could make healthy food taste as good.  They also serve a raspberry/apple and ginger drink which I must try and recreate, because it is delicious.

Our day kicked off with a welcome ritual and relaxation followed by a short session in the sauna to warm us up on a chilly Autumn day.  Then it was onto the hot tub - sorry too cold for swimming once you have got yourself warmed up!!!  We wrapped ourselves up in our own robes - though robes and slippers are provided - before having a late breakfast of very naughty warm croissants with that lovely raspberry/apple drink and an expansive range of teas.

Then it was onto our respective treatment rooms for a lovely relaxing massage before being allowed to curl up on one of those snuggly sofas. After a superb lunch - served with an optional glass of Prosecco - it was time for a "gymnastic" facial and head massage.  Actually I missed the head massage because I think I must have fallen asleep.  Ah well, my lovely therapist didn't seem to mind - I just hope I didn't snore.

Following afternoon tea - more tea and a cream scone - we were taken off for a paraffin hand treatment which left our hands baby soft and silky smooth.  By this time we were tucked up in very quiet room having a snooze.... until next time!