In search of rest and relaxation, Derbyshire Life visits Eden Hall Day Spa near Newark
10am As I turn off the A46 towards Newark and pull into Eden Hall’s car park, I can’t help but admire the spa’s stately surroundings. Bathed in glorious sunshine and surrounded by immaculate lawns, the Grade II listed mansion – which was built in 1875 and was converted into a spa in 2002 – effortlessly combines the elegance of a stately home with the welcoming atmosphere of a boutique hotel. Spa-goers are free to do as much, or as little, as they wish and there’s a timetable of exercise and relaxation classes including archery, pilates and indoor cycling.
10.30am Following a brief tour of the facilities, and a refreshing ice-tea in the airy Palm Conservatory, I head for the changing rooms where I’m immediately impressed by the thoughtful layout. Every detail has been carefully considered and there are private showers and a stylish ‘grooming room’, with comfortable seats and hairdryers.
10.45am After slipping into a cloud-like robe, I peek into the exercise room where guests are enjoying a high-energy ‘Clubbercise’ class. As fun as it looks, the salt-water vitality pool looks too good to resist. Massage jets and fountains create a gentle current and there are adjoining jacuzzis, with bubbling water to soothe aching muscles.
11.15am Wanting to make the most of the summery weather, I head to the outdoor hot tubs. Here I meet Sandra and Ruth, who tell me they have been coming to the spa as a pick-me-up treat religiously for the past few years. Their favourite area is the rose-infused steam room – which is said to strengthen the heart and circulatory system whilst releasing impurities.
12pm I arrive at the grand Seventh Heaven Restaurant where separate, smaller dining rooms maintain a feeling of intimacy. A three-course meal with complimentary buffet is included in all full day packages and the restaurant certainly delivers on everything its name promises. Whilst browsing the menu I’m served an amuse-bouche of red pepper and cream cheese tartlet. I choose ham hock and piccalilli to start followed by tender beef brisket with bruschetta for main course – both expertly-cooked and delicious. Dessert is a palate-cleansing smoothie and treacle tart with honeycomb ice-cream.
1pm Complimentary tea or coffee is served on the outdoor terrace. Other guests are enjoying Italian-style gelato, cakes and truffles – purchased from the Temptation Café. Still feeling sated from earlier, I visit the aptly-named ‘slumber lounge’ and sink into one of the huge beds, feeling as if I’ve escaped into my own little bubble of tranquility.
2pm Returning to the pool area, I try the Aqua Detox Centre’s rose-infused steam room, herbal caldarium, sauna and saunarium. Each has a different atmosphere to cleanse the body and the herbal caldarium includes the gentle aroma of lavender grown in the gardens at Eden Hall. The special showers and water therapies, designed to massage, refresh and invigorate, include a tropical mist shower, warm foot bath and revitalising body jets.
3pm One of the best things about the spa, I happily find out, is just how many ways there are to unwind. The fully-equipped gym and various water facilities are complemented by ranging treatments from massages and body therapies to manicures. I’m booked in for a 25-minute taster Elemis facial and fill out a form highlighting problem areas beforehand. Friendly therapist Sharon then leads me through to the peaceful treatment room, where mood lighting and soft music induce complete calm. Sharon detected which products would suit my skin best and performed a deep cleansing ritual followed by an enzyme peel and heavenly head massage. I could immediately see a difference in my skin’s radiance – impressive, considering it’s a taster – and I’m given a list of the products used, which can be bought in the spa’s shop.
4.30pm After reclining in the post-treatment conservatory, where loungers are topped with cushions and soft blankets for a truly float-away feeling, I spend the rest of the day in the idyllic courtyard garden. The spa remains open until 8.30pm and as I leave the sanctuary of the hall feeling pampered and indulged, I’m reminded of a sign at the entrance which states: ‘What a difference a day makes’. I couldn’t help but agree.
Eden Hall Day Spa, Lodge Lane, Elston, Newark NG23 5PG, www.edenspa.co.uk
