Sometimes, there's nothing better than a relaxing spa break to relax and unwind.
I've only ever visited a spa once before - and that was Carden Park where I had an absolutely amazing time. I've often been put off by the price point of spa breaks, until after I visited Carden Park when I realised you truly do get what you pay for when it comes to spa breaks.
Considering Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa is a little closer to me, I can't believe it's actually taken me this long to visit. The spa features an array of luxurious treatments, a heated swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, and to top it all off, a truly relaxing setting.
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I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when visiting the spa, but I ended up being incredibly surprised by just how quiet and peaceful the area was. As soon as I stepped foot into Formby Hall, everything slowed down, all thanks to the quiet and rural setting that really added to the experience.
As I walked through the doors I felt instantly relaxed, greeted by a friendly staff member who pointed in the right direction - the bar! The gorgeous weather made my stay at the spa even more pleasant, with the sun beaming down on me as I sipped on my chilled Aperol Spritz.
The treatments
There were an array of different packages to choose from at the spa, including a 'Rest and Recover Spa Day' priced at £99 per person, or spa breaks including a night away for £200+ per person.
I chose the 'ESPA Express Facial' and a 'Oriental Head, Neck and Should Massage' as my treat, and I have to say, I was in absolute heaven. The facial wasn't just a bog standard facial, because you could really tell how much thought and effort was going into the process by the masseuse.
Every little detail was clearly carefully thought out, and delivered softly. At one point, I'm more than certain I fell asleep I was that relaxed.
The scalp massage for me was a highlight, and the natural oils in my hair made it feel super soft. I'm already longing for another one and it's only been a few days.
The hotel
In terms of the experience Formby Hall Hotel and Spa was serene, to say the least. The pace was slow and the spa was surrounded by nature which I really loved it.
It was actually hard to tell that we were only 30-40 minutes away from Liverpool city centre because everything was quiet and chill. I also really loved the interiors of the hotel, which were a glorious mix of modern and classic.
The rooms were fresh, clean and spacious and the beds were incredibly comfortable. I was a little conscious that I was going to be kept awake by the wedding party disco in the hotel at the time, but thankfully, I didn't hear a peep.
The food
As a huge foodie, I have to say, the food at Formby Hall for me was a highlight. I was actually shocked at how delicious the food was, and there was a good range of different options available for hungry spa goers.
The food at Formby was a good mixture of comfort and luxury, and I particularly enjoyed their small plates at the bar (big shout-out to the cheesy chips!). For dinner, my duck leg was priced at a whopping £23, but the meat fell off the bone, it was tender, and truly bursting with flavour.
Another highlight of our meal at The Fairway Grill was the scenery. We dined and enjoyed wonderful views of the lush green golf course in the golden sunset which made me feel like I was on holiday.
The verdict
Of course, a trip like this doesn't come cheap, but I truly believe that sometimes, it's so worth it. Formby Hall gave me the chance to totally relax and switch off for the weekend, which was a blessing in itself.
I do think the experience could've been made even better if there were outdoor pools and experiences (especially with the glorious weather we've been having recently) but that wasn't necessarily vital.
Let's just say I think I'm officially hooked on spa trips, and already can't wait for my next one as a nice treat.
You can find out more about Formby Hall & Spa here.
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