Clarice House Colchester - 3 bubbles

Clarice House Colchester is a health club and spa in the picturesque Essex countryside. With plenty of space to eat, swim, steam, or catch up over a coffee, Clarice House makes a perfect destination for a sociable spa day with friends. Offering a range of absolute steals for day packages, Clarice House is a popular place, so just don't expect to find a quiet corner for contemplation.

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"I eat out a lot but have never thought of eating in a Spa until my girlfriend booked a Spa Day for us. She has treatments quite a lot but I was a first timer she had been told by a friend about a Mud room treatment, keen to try it out we booked a Rasul Mud treatment followed by a Full Body Massage. I'd say for any couple this treamtnet is a deffinate must! I won't say too much about it, just go and give it a try! After the treatment we went through to the bar and discovered a large terrace overlooking the countryside we stayed and enjoyed Pimm's in the sunshine and the most amazing chocolate brownie. Go check it out!"

"It sounds like i went to a completely different place to everyone! My day was fabulous!I was greeted with a very warm welcome on arrival. I has a spa day with my 2 dauhgters a couple of weeks ago at Clarice House in Colchester and had a very pleasurable experience. I found the sevice spot on, very efficient. We all enjoyed our treatments and the food was to die for! Professional. Friendly. Most importantly relaxing! Iv booked my next visit for July already. Keep up the good work all. Mrs Wheeler"

"Just returned from a fantastic day with my boyfiend and felt I had to leave feedback given some of the negative commnets posted about this place. The setting is calm and relaxing, the facilities are superb, the therapists and treatments are excellent and the food is worthy of a michelin memtion. I have visited a number of other spas that simply didn't offer the same personal touch and for me the food was streets ahead of some of the "buffet" style food served at other places. Best of all we only paid £50 each - can't wait to come back."

"Fantastic.I am so glad I took no notice of the comments posted, this was the best value for money Spa Day I have ever been on. The food was superb and worth the money on it's own, however I also had use of the lovely facilities and surrondings and 2 treatments. The staff were so helpful and full of fun it proved to be the most relaxing spa day ever. Will be visiting again very soon."

"Have been on three occasions. The first, in June 2009, was a good experience, apart from a bad manicure and pedicure where the nail polish bubbled and I therefore had to remove it the next day. Unfortunately the next two visits were not so good (Oct 2009 and Dec 2009). On each occasion my mother and I were told we had to share a locker. As a beauty editor, I have visited many spas across the country and have never, ever had to share a locker – it's almost impossible when you have to store your clothes, toiletries, coats, shoes etc. On both occasions I complained and was told by a very sullen member of staff on the locker desk that there was nothing she could do and I'd have to complain at the main desk. On doing so, I was awarded another locker. At my first visit, an initial cup of coffee or tea on arrival was complimentary, but incredibly when we returned this offer had apparently ceased, and you now need to pay through the nose for a drink on arrival (again, every spa I've visited has offered complimentary refreshments on arrival). The staff are what lets the place down the most though – not the therapists, but the bar staff, who are rude, unhelpful and generally patronising. The spa facilities are averagely ok - pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and hydro pool – though on each visit not all have been working/accessible. To summarise, I'd go an hour up the road to Centerparcs' Aqua Sana – it's cheaper and far, far superior."

"Booked a special offer package for 6 people and was completely disappointed. Booked 3 months in advance and on the day, only 3 of us had any spa treatments. The spa cancelled the treatments and did not offer an apology or refund. Staff are rude and only care about the money. Repeat business clearly isnt important to this spa. The place is grubby and could do with a clean. Carpets are thread bare and need hoovering. Treatments are rushed and pushed through. When we complained about the cancellation of the treatments, we were told we were "lucky" to be getting any by the Spa Manager. We were paying customers and shelled out nearly £400. Currently talking to the owner to arrange a full refund for this terrible experience. You pay for everything here, packages include lunch, but when you arrive you notice theres a suppliment fee for everything they can charge for. You have to share lockers and they herd guests around like cattle. Absolutely shocking. Worst spa experience I have ever had."