I’ve been desperate for a spa trip for years, and considering that I’m someone who loves a good massage and a pamper, it’s pretty surprising that I’ve never visited one before.
There’s something about a spa that is so appealing to me, but I’ve often been put off by the price point. Let’s be honest, a spa trip is bound to be expensive, but if it feels like it’s worth the money then that makes the hole in the bank account feel a little better - right?
Carden Park in Cheshire boasts a new £10 million complex with stunning outdoor facilities and tranquil surroundings. The spa offers several different packages including morning and afternoon garden retreats.
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I was visiting for a friend’s birthday, and we all chose the ‘Morning Ritual With Spa Gardens’ which includes a morning spa day experience with full use of the Spa Garden and Thermal Experiences between 9am-1pm.
Also included in the package is a 50 minute spa ritual treatment and a brunch. Being big massage fan, I decided to choose a back and neck massage and a facial, which is something I’ve actually never had before.
The experience cost around £160, which I truly believe was worth it. From arrival at 8:30am until 1pm I felt utterly relaxed, pampered, and like I was in total paradise.
The experience
We were greeted by friendly staff and got changed into our soft fluffy robes and slippers. After getting comfy and cosy, we were given a choice between tea, coffee and juice and a buffet selection before our day began.
After a cuppa and a chat, it was time for our treatment, which was honestly one of the best pamper experiences I’ve ever had. Everything about the massage was perfect, from the choice of relaxing lavender oils, to the pressure of the massage.
It was evident from the start that this was going to be a very high quality treatment, with a heated massage bed, a choice of relaxing music and soothing dimmed lighting. After almost falling asleep during my massage, it was time for my facial.
I’ll be honest, I was very nervous about my facial because I do get self conscious about my skin. I suffer with troublesome hormonal acne, so it took a lot for me to go bare faced.
My massage therapist suggested products and talked to me about my skin issues with genuine compassion, and continued with the absolutely unreal facial. I was surrounded by gloriously luxurious scents and creams that were lightly massaged into my skin, and my face was so glowy afterwards.
After my facial, it was time for the Thermal Experiences. I was actually blown away by the amount of saunas, and the spa gardens were absolutely beautiful.
With ‘experience showers’, a Finnish and Bio sauna, a salt steam room, an aromatherapy steam room and an indoor vitality pool, I was spoiled for choice. The Spa Gardens were the definition of stunning, with hot tubs, a Bollinger bar and an outdoor pool.
Put it this way, I’m not used to a Bollinger bar, I’m more of a cheap glass of Sauvignon Blanc kind of girl - so this was beyond dreamy. One important thing to note is that the drinks are, naturally, pretty pricey here, and I ended up paying around £18 for two small glasses of house fizz.
The verdict
I’m fully aware that a trip to Carden Park is a huge treat, and it’s definitely not something I’d make a habit of, but I think it is so worth the money.
I left the spa feeling light, airy and like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Stresses and strains of daily life can often take its toll on our body and mind, so it’s key to enjoy treats like these when we can.
You can book a trip to Carden Park here.
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