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Suzanne reviews Grayshott Spa, Hindhead
First Impressions
I couldn't believe how easy it was to find, I didn't even bother with the sat nav! Set in the heart of the Surrey/Hampshire countryside and a stark contrast to the nearby A3. I found this beautiful and regal house nesting amid the backdrop of rhododendrons and manicured gardens (47 acres apparently).
The imposing front door gave way to a lovely light, Victorian reception area, beautifully furnished and carpeted and with high ceilings and light streaming in through the leaded windows. It was a great first impression and I almost skipped in feeling excitement and anticipation!
How did they welcome you?
The receptionist was warm and friendly and very efficient, she seemed genuinely pleased to welcome me and gave me a quick 2-page form to fill out – this was quite a simple health questionnaire and only took a couple of minutes to complete. As I was only checking in for a day spa, there was no need for room keys or luggage and so I was quickly dispatched into the hands of Dan for a guided tour.
What happens next?
There were two other ladies (mother and daughter) waiting when I arrived so we joined up together for the tour with Dan. We were given a show round of the areas available to us in the main house and where lunch would be (breakfast was just finishing and looked lovely when I peeked in!) We were then shown around the spa area, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, and most importantly for me, where the all day tea and coffee was located!
Dan had a good knowledge and was even able to advise us of the water temperature in both the indoor and outdoor pools! We were also shown where to find our towels and robes, although towels were in abundance everywhere around the spa and never in short supply. I never went back to use the areas in the main house, the bar area and lounge, but they were absolutely beautiful and I could well understand the pride Dan demonstrated when showing us these beautiful rooms.
Which treatments did you have?
I booked 2 treatments in advance, the first being the De-Stress Massage (£65) and the Zenspa Pedicure (£65). I wasn’t entirely happy with the timings I had been allocated on booking, although changing them wasn't a problem so that I had one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. I was then free to plan the rest of my day.
What were the treatments like?
The De-Stress Massage wasn't the usual pummel massage one normally expects, although with the use of an aromatherapy oil, it warmed deep into the muscles and I felt as if all my stress was literally being smoothed away. It was deeply relaxing and Fay, my therapist, was obviously very experienced and loved her work. It took 55 minutes, but I wasn't clock watching, and when it was finished I felt, as promised, completely de-stressed. Fay accompanied me downstairs afterwards where she helped me to some water and settled me into the relaxation room where I hunkered down into one of the day beds, duvet over me, cold compresses on my eyes (they acted as very good do not disturb signs), and I went to sleep for an hour – something I would never normally do, I must have been relaxed!
My afternoon treatment was the Zenspa Pedicure. I was directed to one of the two high back massage chairs (this would be great if you were there with a friend and booked it jointly). Once I'd chosen my nail colour, which I would be taking home with me, I was treated to just under an hour of luxury all using the Zenspa products which smelt and felt glorious. My feet and legs were massaged, and my toes soaked, filed and polished so that, once finished, I came away with beautiful feet, all ready for my holiday to Greece in a week’s time. I was offered some toe-friendly flip-flops and took Jenny’s advice and sat quietly downstairs with a warming cup of peppermint tea for half an hour while my toes dried. The huge bowl of fruit had just been replenished when I got there so I also treated myself and took advantage of the complimentary fresh fruit!
What else could you have?
It might be quicker to list what you can't have at Grayshott Spa! There is a hugely long and comprehensive menu of treatments and it was quite hard to decide what to have before going. If you are into the natural therapies, they offer Reiki, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Oriental Head Massage and Shiatsu. I noticed some of the books in my therapist's room on the Dali Lama and some of the more spiritual, alternative methods of healing. In keeping with this, Grayshott operates very much along the lines of a health farm so you can even book in for Sleep Consultation, Hopi Ear Candling, Lymphatic Stimulation and even Cranial Osteopathy!
In addition, the day offered the use of the pools – indoor and outdoor – I wasn't brave enough to go outside but was told by others braver than I that it was lovely, jacuzzi hot tub, sauna, steam room and plunge pool (which again, I wasn't brave enough to try). One mention must go to Helga who runs the women's spa area where you find the sauna, steam room, relaxation rooms etc. Helga is always around to assist and support, even to offer cold flannels for those like me who run the risk of over-doing it in the sauna!
Lunch was available from 12pm until 2pm and there wss no dress code so guests were welcome to saunter in wearing their towelling robes and slippers. The food was well thought out and again, like everything at Grayshott, impeccable!
The food policy works on the principles of portion control rather than calorie counting (something I've never got the hang of). The menu was devised to combine the 3 main food types, fibre, fat & protein with a colour code for food types that is mirrored in the rectangular plates (Grayshott Healthy Eating Plate). If you take the time to read the leaflet on each table, it guides you to a healthy, balanced and yummy selection of salads, meats, baked potatoes etc with a soup to start (carrot and ginger on the day I went). I got up from the table feeling replete and satisfied. You can order wine if you wish although I stuck to the mineral water on this occasion.
Was it worth it?
Definitely and without a doubt. My treatments were not cheap but I did feel I got value for money and did not leave feeling that anything could have been improved upon. Indeed, my only question was what will I be booking next time!
Any special features?
They incorporate the use of the grounds for guided nature walks as a way of de-stressing, which I thought was something I'd like to try. Apparently there is also a champagne bar but I didn't see this on my visit.
Who do you think would like it?
I went on a Monday and it was surprisingly busy with residential and day guests alike. It seemed very popular with mothers and daughters and groups of girls. They offer specific treatments for pregnant women so it would be good especially for mums-to-be. This all makes it sound very female but there was a healthy mix of male and female guests and it is the perfect retreat for couples wanting to get away from it all!
Because of the range of therapies and consultative treatments, it is also good for anyone looking for a way of addressing the physical manifestations of the general stresses of life - food intolerances, sleep disorders and emotional problems. It would also be good for anyone wanting to get on the first rung of the "healthier lifestyle" ladder.
I couldn’t fault it. As a facility the property has obviously undergone extensive refurbishment and it stood close scrutiny in all areas. There wasn't anywhere that hadn't been worked upon and then maintained lovingly. I didn't get to explore the gardens but from what I could see from the windows, they also looked immaculate.
I didn't see the bedrooms (of which there are 59 of various standards and suites) but if the rest of the place was anything to go by, absolutely no expense had been spared in making every single part of Grayshott Spa into a top quality establishment. It is beautiful by anyone’s standards in its furnishings, decor and style.
The service was impeccable and consistent throughout. I never came across anyone who was less than obliging and friendly. The pride that has been taken in the bricks and mortar are reflected in the staff who work there who all know they are working in beautiful surroundings and are keen to make sure that every guest is valued and nurtured.
I can't wait to go again!
This reader review was submitted in September 2009
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.
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