If you're on Tik Tok or Instagram, chances are you will have seen Carden Park at some point or another. Thanks to its glorious settings and ample facilities, the Spa at Carden Park has become something of a social media sensation - and is hugely popular with celebrities.
In my experience of spas (I've been to a lot), it's usually hard for them to live up to the picture which they create on the likes of Instagram or Tik Tok. That said, I took a trip to the Spa at Carden Park for a hands on analysis of the spot to see if it really lives up to the hype and it's impression of being just like a luxury five-star resort somewhere exotic. Weather permitting, I wasn't disappointed.
I grew up in Wrexham, and as a teenager, could only have dreamed to find such a luxurious setting so close by. Back in those days, Wrexham wasn't really on the map, and not many people really knew where it was.
Now it's known for Wrexham football club - which has become something of a global sensation. But nearby, the Spa at Carden Park is famous in it's own right, and it's easy to see why.
My favourite thing about The Spa at Carden Park was that it's adults only. I hate to sound like THAT person, but the last thing you want when you're trying to relax is a load of kids running about screaming, or splashing you in the face in the pools.
I'm not a parent myself yet, but I can imagine that for parents who are able to leave their kids elsewhere, with relatives or friends, the adults-only feature will prove relaxing, and at least give a bit of respite during the manic day-to-day tasks that come with being mum or dad.
The garden, without doubt, is the hero of this spa. It was a bit of a grey day when I visited, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I can only imagine how glorious it is in the sun.
In the Garden Spa area you'll find a Panoramic herbal garden lounge, a Fire pit, Outdoor hot tubs, Thermal garden pods, an Outdoor vitality pool and the Bollinger garden bar serving drinks and cocktails (I recommend the Carden Royale, it's delicious).
I absolutely adored the thermal garden pods which are dotted around the spa garden. To make you feel like a true VIP, they have a 'press for a drink button'. It's quite self explanatory, but when you press the button, a member of staff will come from the nearby Bollinger bar to bring you a drink of your choice.
I watched a few hen parties and couples doing this during my visit to the Spa at Carden Park, and it's really such a clever feature which people love, because it allows you to relax in the warmth of the pod and give full attention to the people you're there with - which makes for some really special moments, I think. I'd quite like a 'press for fizz' button for my house, to be honest.
The Spa at Carden Park really comes into its own when the sun begins to set. If you're lucky enough to visit on a warm day, it's absolute bliss to sit outside in one of the Outdoor Hot Tubs, glass of bubbly or a cocktail in hand, watching the sun set over the gorgeous Welsh countryside.
This was my favourite moment - it truly made me feel like I was at a luxury abroad somewhere hot. After the sun sets, in the spirit of Love Island I recommend heading to the firepit to chill out and lap up the warmth while you kick back.
Near the firepit you'll find the Panoramic herbal garden lounge. I've never experienced anything like this before, and I absolutely loved it. It's essentially a sauna, but instead of being a sweaty boxed off room, it's surrounded by glass panels so you can look out onto the sprawling green hills surrounding you.
The Spa at Carden Park has been smart with features like this, as they allow you to enjoy an outdoor experience even when the weather gets colder. But as the Summer approaches, it feels more like an exotic spa resort somewhere hot.
If you can tear yourself away from the lavish Garden Spa area, the indoor Spa section is jam-packed with things to choose from. There's an Indoor vitality pool, Heated relaxation beds, a Finnish sauna, a Bio sauna, Experience showers, a Tepidarium, Salt steam room and, my personal favourite, the Aroma steam room.
Food-wise, visitors can choose from a healthy lunch, or afternoon tea. I opted for the afternoon tea, and it was delicious.
The cakes and sandwiches were ample, and I fell in love with the cream-filled macarons - they're to die for. If, like me, you struggle to finish it all, the staff will box it up for you to take home at the end of the day, which I thought was a nice touch.
Because no trip to the spa is complete without a treatment (when in Rome), I opted for a facial. You can, of course, pre-book, but my facialist asked me about my skin and what I wanted to achieve before we went ahead with the facial.
Having explained to her I suffer from dry skin, and wanted to come out with more of a glow, she advised me to go ahead with the Signature Facial. This proved to be the right choice.
My 75-minute facial experience at the Spa at Carden Park was incredibly relaxing, and my facialist guided me through step by step with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
The Signature Facial uses highly effective ingredients with unique anti-ageing techniques to hydrate, tone and illuminate the skin. Powerful Vitamin C, E and fruit acids work together to neutralise fine lines, wrinkles and tired-looking skin.
The yoga-inspired facial also employs a unique massage that relieves stress and tension, combined with an infused facial mask - all of which I couldn't get enough of. I left the treatment room feeling relaxed, and with soft and glowing skin - 75 minutes well spent.
My friend actually commented on how amazing my skin looked after the facial. If that's not a compliment, I don't know what is.
There's a huge list of treatments available if you don't fancy a facial, including massages, manicures and Déesse Pro Led Light Therapy. I'll definitely be returning for one of the spa's Shimmering Body Rituals - which includes an exfoliating scrub and back massage.
Speaking honestly, I don't think I would completely forfeit a holiday abroad for a spa day at Carden Park, but as Summer approaches and the weather gets hotter, I will definitely be returning. The Spa at Carden Park is the most perfect place if you're looking to destress.
You can book a Stay Experience or Day Experience on the website here.
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