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A Good Spa Spy was invited to St David's for one day and a night during a busy working week in the area. And found it more than enough to boost her energy levels.
Was it easy to book?
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
How did you feel afterwards?
What happens afterwards?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
Was it easy to book?
Yes. Impressive website with a button to click that asks the spa to ring you back at a time that suits you; and they do!
First impressions?
Dramatic, modern hotel build right on the waterfront on Cardiff Bay. The reception area is a huge atrium overlooked by the lift and corridor part of each level. The immediate impression as you walk in is of huge white cliffs; appropriate for a seafront hotel.
How did they welcome you?
By the time I had paid the taxi driver, someone was there to take my case and escort me to the reception. From that point on, I was greeted by name - very impressive. I was booked in quickly and taken to my room. The porter pointed out the separate lift down to the spa. Great idea as you don't have to walk through any public areas dressed only in your robe.
What happens next?
My room was heavenly. This is a five-star hotel and it shows. Huge windows overlook the bay, and the wooden balcony is actually suspended over the water, so as you step outside, you feel as if you are cruising along. Wonderfully comfortable beds, large bathroom with shower and bath.
I found it hard to tear myself away to go to the spa! But (ever the professional!), I donned the long fluffy robe and slippers and wandered down to the spa. Here the greeting wasn't quite so prompt and I had to ask for attention. I was taken up to the relaxation room, and asked to wait in another room with glass walls overlooking the bay. It's no hardship to wait here and help yourself to herb tea and snacks of cranberries and dried bananas.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the St David's Signature Treatment, which includes a facial, a massage with hot stones, and a reflexology massage. The treatment lasts an hour and 40 minutes.
What were the treatments like?
The treatment began with the lovely back massage involving lots of stretching of the spine, which felt wonderful. Then came the hot stones, used to massage and relax my muscles. The reflexology bit was great as I love having my feet massaged and there was plenty of firm holding of the key points on the feet. A Thalgo facial followed. Amongst all the cleansing and toning and exfoliating, it's the thick cooling face mask that stands out. I drifted off to the lovely fresh smells of mint and the sea while the therapist gave me a hand and arm massage. This treatment, combining massage and a facial, is a good chance for all your important little bits to get some attention and is ideal if time is limited.
How did you feel afterwards?
I felt wonderful afterwards, really refreshed and pleased. My skin was very bright, I had no dark circles under my eyes and there was a definite softening of lines and wrinkles. I even felt prepared to be seen without make up - not something I'm usually comfortable with these days.
What happens afterwards?
After my treatment, I decided to try the famous facilities. A friend had told me about the series of hydrotherapy pools and I was keen to try them out for myself. The main pool is a good size and ideal for some serious swimming. Ploughing along, I looked out of the window to find a sailboat passing me; the pool is built on the same level as the bay outside. There's a wonderful sense of careful architectural planning at St David's to make interesting little moments like this commonplace. The hydrotherapy spa pool with underwater jet beds and the hydrotherapy walk-through corridor with swan neck showers were also special. The water in these pools contains marine extracts to cleanse and nourish the skin and it feels slightly silky to the touch. There's also a large sauna and a gymnasium.
Long-term effects
My skin looked good for several days, until the usual regime of long hours and too much coffee took its toll again. I certainly did feel revitalised by the way I looked afterwards, and my turn in the beautiful facilities only deepened my enjoyment.
Was it worth it?
It's pricey but it's a good price for a hotel of this standard. The wonderful views really are the icing on the cake here.
What else could you have?
There are plenty of other choices of treatment at St David's including a range called "Junior" for children over 12 - they've got in early on the evolving teen market. The perfect teenager party treat as long as the parental budget will stretch to £30 for a facial and the same for a massage. As well as the Thalgo brand, they offer E'spa treatments and the Chantecaille Flower Facial. Other activities are available locally such as golf and horse riding.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
That I'd want more time to eat! Allow yourself plenty of time to really enjoy St David's. As gorgeous and inviting as your bedroom might be, it's worth making the most of all the facilities. Whether you're there for the day or for a stay, make sure you visit the restaurants as well.
The spa restaurant, "Waves", is on the first floor. It has a huge terrace overlooking the bay and offers healthy drinks and snacks all day. Breakfast and lunch are served here and all the food is designed to fit into the healthy theme. I was glad to find they offered ordinary coffee and tea as well as herbal drinks, and fruit juices.
The main restaurant, "Tides", is the place for dinner. Delicious food including plenty of local produce. Don't miss the Assiette of Welsh desserts; the blueberry and honey tart alone is worth a few extra laps in the pool the next morning. Service is excellent, something that is even more important for any woman travelling and eating alone.
Any special features?
The dramatic location, architecture, and light.
Who do you think would like it?
Any business person, especially those travelling alone.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
The St David's Hotel and Spa is top class, and it's hard to fault it. No matter who you are, you're likely to be more than happy with the treatment and the treatments at the hotel. The hotel itself is in a stunning location, and the building, too, is very special. The staff are professional, relaxed and friendly, and a lot of attention has been paid to getting all the details right. My only whinges would be that, although the treatment rooms were a good size, you could hear people out in the corridor and voices drift into the room. I would also have liked a tour of the spa area when I arrived; I had to work it all out myself. But neither of these concerns was enough to affect my rating: 5 bubbles.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Yes. I would have loved more time to enjoy the luxury of the hotel as well as the spa.Like the sound of this? You're in luck.
Follow this link to book a great hotel offer at St David's with our partners lastminute.comSee also:
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