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Rachel reviews the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa, Murcia, Spain
Was it easy to book?
It wasn't done by me! I went in January and mid-week, my appointment card was given to me on arrival for the spa treatment the following morning -- I was there well on time!
First impressions?
The area around the resort had a lot of building works going on, but once I passed the entry archways into the Resort it was new and clean. Charming townhouses and apartments lined the private roads.
This is a 5-star contemporary hotel. No swinging chandeliers or chintz here -- it's classical, cool and welcoming.
How did they welcome you?
The welcome was polite and efficient, the whole hotel layout and reception is open-plan and relaxing.
Having been shown to my room I briefly tested the King-size bed for comfort, (Yes, I jumped on the bed) then the whirlpool bath, but not quite so quickly -- I had been driving for nearly five hours!
The Moorish-style screens around the bath opened to the bedroom. I lay there being whirled and washed with a view from the huge wall of patio doors to the golf green beyond the outdoor pool. And cranes in the distance.
What happens next?
I had to explore, being the nosy sort of person I am. I located the basement indoor pool for later use, and the gym, then had a well-earned coffee in the poolside bar.
Then I just had to go and see the sea, walk on the sand and feel the breeze blow through my hair -- bliss.
The ESPA spa: The reception area is classy, with an open plan relaxation area, bar and a boutique to buy those luxury potions, creams and oils to take away with you. With nine treatment rooms there's space for everybody.
The changing rooms: A touch of peace before the session begins. There was no-one else but me dawdling here before entering the Thermal Suite and sauna area. There are huge and ample showers, towels and locker space. And all the bits a girl could need: moisturiser, combs, cotton buds and super ESPA products in the showers -- body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
The thermal suite: The vitality pool is designed to cleanse, relax and soothe. It gave out more than its promise, with a perfect temperature it would have been acceptable to stay there for my whole treatment time. But then I didn't know what was in store next!
There were lifestyle showers, waterfall showers, a heated bench and sauna -- as for me, I lingered in the pool, jetted, massaged and revitalised!
Which treatments did you have?
I had the ESPA signature treatment Chakra Balancing with Hot Stones. A 1 hour 50 minute treatment that felt more like 15 minutes. Never have I known the time go by so peacefully, OK, maybe I dozed for a moment.
What were the treatments like?
Glorious. It began with my worst fear -- a foot massage. Ask my hubby if I like my feet being touched. Oh no, she gets violent, he'd say. Not here. Foot massage, toe massage, between the toe massage -- I'm cringing and curling up my toes writing this! My masseur was very good! After choosing the combination of oils that I liked I was oiled, exfoliated, brushed and then stoned!
After some very relaxing massaging the Chakra balancing began with aromatherapy oils and hot volcanic stones. The heat of the stones mades for an incredibly pleasant massage.
The stones are placed on the energy points on your body, hands and feet. My critical tension points were massaged -- I didn't know I had any of those, but I sure did afterwards. The acupressure head and scalp massage sent me dreaming again. Even being asked to turn over seemed an intrusion!
The massage ended with tea and water in the Moorish harem-style relaxation room and boy, was I relaxed.
How did you feel afterwards?
Glowing. Relaxed. Unable to believe that I'd spent 3 hours doing nothing -- and hardly thinking, let alone planning.
What happens afterwards?
You can lounge for as long as you like, have a light snack at the Spa bar or go out to the pool bar.
I would love to have gone and continued the absorbing relaxation time in my bedroom instead of having to rush off to meet others for lunch.
Was it worth it?
As a resort hotel, unless you've shopping in mind, it's a great relaxing destination, especially if you or the other half play golf too.
What else could you have?
Full spa days, Ayurvedic rituals, body wraps and everything in between down to an eyebrow shape. Tinting, fitness training, bridal make-up and men's facials are all available. There are separate male and female Thermal Suites and a separate private spa for two.
There is a nine-hole golf course at this resort, an outdoor pool during summer daylight hours, heated indoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness studio.
You need to plan on staying a few days to check out the three restaurants and four bars on the premises, although the Al Fresco pool-side restaurant wasn't open in January when I was there, or the Aqua restaurant which boasts over 100 different bottled waters on its menu.
Just a short drive away is the famous salt water lagoon of the Mar Menor, or, in the opposite direction, the city of Murcia for a good shopping spree.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
That I'd want to spend longer than 2 nights there. I'd love to have had a golf lesson or two but sadly there was not enough time to do it all.
Any special features?
I loved the opening bath panel and enjoyed watching the golfers on the green and catching up with the news from the Jacuzzi bath.
Having a choice of very different restaurants and bars within the hotel was lovely.
Who do you think would like it?
I think that it would work as well for families, as well as girly groups or stag dos. Sun, relaxation, two pools, and golf are available to hotel guests too. There are town-houses on the resort, if self-catering with hotel amenities is more your style.
It's more of a holiday stay than just a spa break. Fly into Alicante or Murcia and arrive at the hotel and chill. Summer or January!
Would you go again?
Yes, and again.
Please note: The Reader Reviews and other comments posted on The Good Spa Guide are the opinions of the visitors who submitted them and are not the opinion of The Good Spa Guide.
See also:
* ESPA
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