Review of Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange in Kent

Relaxing at Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange

Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange - 4 bubbles

We were invited to Rowhill Grange's Utopia Spa after the spa's recent facelift. We found plenty to do with the pools, gym and walks in the grounds, and your treatments are tailored to suit your needs. The country-house hotel and the modern spa make a pleasing blend of the traditional and the contemporary. An ideal environment for a day of revitalising and pampering.

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?

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?

First impressions?

Rowhill Grange is an English country manor house, dating back to 1870, set in acres of Kent country side. The hotel is easily accessible from anywhere in the south-east, just 30 minutes from London, 5 minutes from the M25 and M20, and a 10-minute drive from Ebbsfleet International.

At first glance, the hotel looked too small to contain 38 rooms, 2 restaurants and a spa. However, as I entered the spa reception area, I remembered that first impressions can be misleading.

How did they welcome you?

The spa reception is a large space with a comfortable waiting area and a display cabinet full of products. The reception staff were friendly, very courteous, and showed me through to a very comfy lounge. The walls were beautifully decorated and the sofas and large armchairs covered in contemporary fabrics.

Laid out was coffee, tea and a selection of croissants and sweet breakfast pastries, which I ate while I filled in my consultation form. As I finished my coffee, the receptionist returned to take me back to the spa reception. I handed over my consultation form and she explained my schedule for the day.

What happens next?

The receptionist then showed me downstairs to the changing area. There is plenty of room, generous locker space, and each locker contained a soft robe and spa slippers.

First, I wanted to try out the gymnasium. Although not huge, the gym contains a complete range of exercise and weight-training equipment, and a fitness studio offers a regular timetable of classes.

After an energetic workout, I showered, changed into swimwear, and set off for a swim.

The pool area looks like a Roman bathhouse, complete with stone columns. There are two different pools, and the staff recommend that you follow their suggested programme, which starts with the coolest experience first, then you gradually increase in temperature.

So, as advised, I started with the exercise pool. This is the largest, long enough to swim lengths, and is actually very cool. I then moved on to the therapy pool, which is designed for relaxation and body massage. On one side of the pool is a sculptured bed, where you lie while jets of water firmly massage you. In the centre are more underwater jets which rigorously massage your feet and lower body. On the other side of the pool are Japanese shower heads which provide deep muscle massage for your shoulders.

The last water facility is the stainless-steel Jacuzzi which I found warm and very relaxing.

Finally, I spent some time in the sauna and steam room before taking a rest on one of a handful of loungers around the poolside. Although there were at least three different groups of spa goers also enjoying the facilities while I was there, there was never anyone actually in my way, I never had to wait to use anything, nor did I ever feel cramped.

Back in the changing room, I dried off and prepared for my lunch.

Rowhill Grange has two restaurants. The 3AA award-winning restaurant Truffles, and the more relaxed Elements. I ate in Elements and enjoyed buffalo mozzarella, plum tomatoes and basil pesto, followed by pumpkin and pecorino romano ravioli with wilted spinach, pine nut and rocket.

After lunch, my therapist collected me from reception for my treatment. As we went through to the treatment area of the spa, the atmosphere completely changed. The lighting became much softer, background spa music played quietly, and the temperature was fresher.

The receptionist guided me to a large relaxation room, filled with comfy chairs and a refreshment station. One group of ladies excitedly whispered in one corner and a smaller group sat quietly reading in another.

My therapist came through, introduced herself as Toni, then led me through to one of the fourteen treatment rooms. The room was faintly lit, spacious and clean.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the My Kinda Skin Prescriptive Facial (£62, 55 minutes), which uses Temple Spa products. Toni explained that the range is "inspired by the Mediterranean" and made solely from natural ingredients.

What were the treatments like?

Toni referred to my consultation form, asked me a few additional questions and then took a closer look at my skin. She explained that my skin was dry and that she would prepare a selection of products with a tailor-made routine to rehydrate and nourish.

My facial began with a double cleanse. The cleanser smelt fresh and had a really creamy texture. Toni followed the cleanse with toner, then an exfoliant. The exfoliant smelt so distinctive, I had to ask what it was. Toni explained that it was the Breakfast Smoothie, so naturally contained apricot, honey, oats, and fruit.

After removing all traces of the Breakfast Smoothie, using a warm, soft cloth, Toni applied a face mask that smelt of avocado. Toni explained that the mask was full of hydrating ingredients and that she would massage it in for full rejuvenating effect, then leave it on for ten minutes while it soaked into the skin. She massaged the lotion slowly and deliberately over the whole of my face and throat.

During the soaking period, I chose to have a scalp massage. Toni worked expertly over all my scalp and deep down into the base of my neck. I felt relieved of all tension in my face, neck and shoulders.

Toni washed me off, patted me dry, then went to work on my eyes. A soothing eye lotion with rosewater and witch hazel instantly refreshed, and was followed by a moisturiser that contains anti-ageing ingredients.

Finally, Toni applied a Double Cream that felt exactly like its name: double cream. The cream was incredibly rich and began to rehydrate immediately.

My facial was over all too soon. Toni brought me water while I gathered myself together.

How did you feel afterwards?

My skin felt fantastic. It seemed to be free of all pollution, and looked fresh, clear and hydrated, with an even tone and no blemishes. There was less puffiness, too. My eyes, which nearly always feel dry, felt clear and relieved.

Long-term effects

I don't actually think that the effects of a facial last any longer than a day or two on average. Although the Temple Spa facial was fresh and rejuvenating, I looked my usual self the following morning.

Was it worth it?

Rowhill Grange is not cheap, but it is not exorbitant either; it's on a par with other spas in the area.

What else could you have?

Utopia Spa offers over forty treatments to choose from, including facials, scrubs, wraps, and an assortment of massages (including lymphatic drainage) and relaxing body treatments. You can also have Indian head massage, reflexology, Ionithermie, xan-tan and manicures and pedicures for men and women. There is also a fully equipped hair salon.

You could also take a stroll around the Victorian walled garden.

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

That the hotel provides luxury accommodation. I wish I had booked an overnight stay!

Any special features?

The award-winning gardens include rolling manicured lawns, a small lake and black swans.

Who do you think would like it?

Rowhill Grange offers a perfect spa day for anyone with any excuse to celebrate.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange 4 bubbles. The spa is stylish, spacious and contemporary. The changing rooms are clean and fully stocked with products. The treatment was relaxing and professional.

My lunch was nice enough but when you are sitting eating on your own wearing a spa robe, it is a little unnerving to have other guests (with children) staring at you and thinking that you were rude not to change for lunch.

See more on how we rate the spas.