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Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, Nr Welshpool - 4 bubbles
A Good Spa Spy (and friend) hot-footed it to stunning Snowdonia for a spot of spa. A spa with an amazing view, no less. If the Welsh weather proves too much, you can recuperate with warming Ytsara treatments and a leisurely lounge around the spa's heat experiences (shame about the chilly changing rooms). Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa is a Welsh one to watch, offering excellent treatments in a stunning location.
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?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
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, I called the hotel, and was put straight through to the spa staff, who were helpful and well-informed about their treatments.
First impressions?
A stunning location. Lake Vyrnwy Hotel sits on a hillside above the vast and atmospheric lake of the same name. There are just pines and water as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by a Transylvanian-style "princess" tower. There are 52 bedrooms at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, housed within the original building and in two subsequent additions. The rooms I saw were all well decorated, with a good balance between traditional and modern, and with new oak-floored bathrooms. The lake-view rooms -- some of which have balconies -- are clearly the most requested. However, I was impressed by the almost equally appealing land-side views of the rooms at the rear. It's worth calling to talk through your preferences with the helpful reservations staff before booking. The spa at Lake Vyrnwy is a new addition to the hundred-year-old hotel. The spa is in a separate building, next to the main hotel. You can access it through a door from the main hotel building without having to brave the elements -- very important in North Wales.
How did they welcome you?
The spa receptionist welcomed us and immediately gave us health questionnaires to complete.
What happens next?
The receptionist showed us to the spa's clean and functional changing area, gave us locker keys, then left us to change into our swimming costumes. The changing room was on the cool side so we didn't hang around. One of the therapists then met us outside the changing room to show us to the thermal suite. The main thermal suite is a large room with a huge window along one side to give a wide-screen view of impressive Lake Vyrnwy. There's no swimming pool at this spa, but spa visitors can enjoy a full heat experience, alternating from hot to cold to boost circulation. Try the Jacuzzi, complete with recessed purple lighting, the sauna, heated tepidarium loungers, rasul chamber, salt steam room, two experience showers (monsoon and fragrant mist) and the ice fountain. If the heat gets too much, you can nip out onto the balcony for a breath of fresh lake air -- but stray too far to the left and you'll be mingling with drinkers from the adjoining pub. Not wanting to be in wet swimwear for our treatments, we resisted the call of the Jacuzzi and reclined on the heated tepidarium loungers. We relaxed, drinking the provided iced lime-infused water and taking in the lake view, until our respective therapists came to collect us.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Ytsara Thai Herbal Energizer (90 minutes, £80). This body treatment promised a combination of three massage techniques: shiatsu pressure point massage, traditional massage, and massage using an Ytsara herbal lemongrass and ginger poultice -- a blend of herbs in a muslin pouch. This herbal poultice offered to bring "medicinal warmth to the muscles, releasing tensions". I'd had an Ytsara treatment before and liked the natural products and holistic approach, so was looking forward to experiencing this body treatment. My friend booked an Ytsara Facial Indulgence treatment (90 minutes, £80), an extended facial to include a luxurious back, neck and shoulder massage and hand or foot massage.
What were the treatments like?
The treatment room was welcoming and oriental in style, draped with deep purple-and-gold fabric, which gave the room a warm and un-clinical feel. It provided the perfect setting for my Thai-inspired Ytsara treatment. Before starting the massage, Ellyw, my friendly and well-groomed therapist, began by giving me a "welcome foot bath and hand cleanse". Whilst bathing my feet in a large bowl of freshly-scented warm water, and enveloping my hands in a warm, scented flannel, Ellyw talked me through the treatment. Her enthusiasm confirmed to me that I'd made the right choice. Once my feet and hands were fresh and fragrant, Ellyw held up the towel above the massage couch to protect my modesty, and instructed me to take off my robe and lie face down on the comfy, heated couch. She started the treatment by pressing various points on the back of my calves, through the towel, performing "Royal Thai massage". Next, Ellyw applied a warm, steamed poultice with firm rocking movements up the back of my legs, followed by standard massage strokes to complete the trio. She returned the poultice to a steamer when it wasn't in use, to make sure it remained warm. She carried out same routine on my back and arms, then asked me to turn onto my back so she could carry out the same procedure on my front. The different massage techniques made this Ytsara massage more interesting than many I've had, and, with the zesty lemongrass and ginger aroma from the herbal poultice, it was more invigorating than most. At the end of my treatment, Ellyw electronically lowered the couch, raising the back as she did so, which I appreciated, as did the cup of herbal tea that she offered me. I liked these finishing touches as it took my mind off the disappointment that the treatment had ended. Having made the tea in the room, Ellyw left me to enjoy my sencha tea in situ before I re-robed and made my way back to the thermal suite for further relaxation before lunch. Before she left, she also handed me the poultice that she'd used in the treatment so I could take it home for a one-off infusion in my bath. Nice touch. My spa buddy booked an Ytsara Facial Indulgence treatment. She reported back that this thorough and relaxing facial treatment came with unexpected indulgences in the form of a welcome foot ritual, foot and lower leg message, and relaxing back and shoulder massage. Her treatment was also carried out professionally on a heated couch and culminated with the Ytsara signature herbal tea. She loved the fact that her treatment was so much more than a facial, particularly appreciating the arm and hand massage she received while the face mask was working its magic. She recommends the Ytsara Facial Indulgence treatment for anyone torn between a facial and a body massage.
How did you feel afterwards?
My Thai Herbal Heat Energiser treatment was relaxing yet revitalising. I'd told my therapist that I'd been having lower back ache and she paid particular attention to this part of my body, firmly pressing the poultice into the base of my spine with a soothing rocking action. The luxurious Ytsara Facial Indulgence treatment left my friend's skin feeling and looking great. She was super-chilled and knot-free after all those massage add-ons.
Long-term effects
Three days later, I felt less stiff than I had done pre-Herbal Heat Energizer treatment. I really enjoyed my poultice-infused bath at home the following evening, too. My friend reported back that a week after her facial, her skin looked clearer, and her complexion seemed to have retained some of its post-treatment glow.
Was it worth it?
At £80 for 90 minutes, both treatments offered good value, and were very professionally delivered. The shiny, new thermal suite facilities really add value to your spa day at Lake Vyrnwy, too.
What else could you have?
Other Ytsara treatments available at Lake Vyrnwy Spa include the Recovery head massage and a Head and Face treat for men, which uses a warm herbal poultice -- perfect for soothing post-shooting tensions. Indulgent Body Oil Ceremonies offer a combination of pressure point massage and full-body massage, and there's an Ytsara Luxury Hand treatment for silky-smooth mitts. Lake Vyrnwy spa also offers Pevonia spa treatments, including a variety of facial treatments. You can try a prescriptive facial, deep cleanse, or Escutox -- a "natural alternative to Botox". Chaps can try a Skinfit Facial For Him. Body treatments include a Pevonia Back Ritual, Swedish back massage, Detox Thalasso wrap, and a Green Coffee body wrap for cellulite. There are treatments targeting eye puffiness and lips for those looking for something more specific. You can also slather yourself and your spa partner with sea salts and mud in Lake Vyrnwy Spa's own Rasul. Try a £120 Lakeside Relaxation day, including a Rasul mud treatment and Asian aromatherapy full-body massage. Group spa day deals are also available along with a £60 half-day express package. Hotel guests can use the spa facilities for a very reasonable £10, and if they book over £80 of treatments, use of the facilities is free. Clay pigeon and pheasant shooting can also be arranged by the hotel, which is apt, as the hotel was originally built as a hunting lodge at the turn of the twentieth century when the lake was created.
Any special features?
The spa takes full advantage of its lake-side view with loungers, Jacuzzi and sauna all designed to allow those enjoying them to admire the scenery while relaxing.
Who do you think would like it?
The spa at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel would appeal to anyone looking for a sense of space and escape, to nature lovers, and to anyone looking for a complete change of scene. I think it would appeal to older spa goers, as well, as it has an unintimidating feel. A good place to take your friend or mum.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave the spa at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel 4 bubbles. The spa offers a good spa experience at a very reasonable price, and the amazing location adds to the relaxation benefit. The spa has only been open a couple of years, so it's modern and well-kept. The changing area does let the spa down a little; it was rather cold when we visited and not overly luxurious or comfortable. With a single hotel room-style shower, this area didn't seem well-enough equipped for the potential number of guests or visitors using the spa. Having said that, the treatments were very professionally carried out, the treatment rooms comfortable and creatively designed, and the spa feels well-loved.
See more on how we rate the spas.
Would you go again?
Yes. Lake Vyrnwy Hotel is not exactly on the beaten track but I'd definitely go again if I were in the Snowdonia area. We visited Lake Vyrnwy Hotel in March 2009
See also:
* Contact Details for Lake Vrnwy Hotel & Spa
* All Spa Spy Reviews
* Our Spa Spies review Ytsara products
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