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Verbena Spa, Helmsley - 5 bubbles
The Feversham Arms and Verbena Spa scooped the 2009-2010 AA Hotel of the Year for England and is one of Tatler's 101 Spas of the World, so when they sent us an invitation we were eager to investigate. What we found was a luxurious and stylish destination spa with a charming old country-house twist. The hotel and spa combine to form a perfect rural retreat to relax both mind and body.
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?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
Helmsley is a picturesque old market town on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors within easy reach of Leeds, Harrogate, York, and Teesside. The village is enchanting, filled with quaint little shops and pubs and there are even three ruined castles to explore. From the moment we walked through the front door of The Feversham Arms, there was a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
How did they welcome you?
The receptionist welcomed us with old-fashioned Yorkshire warmth and hospitality. Checking in was painless and the staff were professional, informative and charming. By the time we had finished at reception, I felt at ease and was looking forward to the rest of our stay.
What happens next?
Our spa suite was on the first floor. It was a wonderful mix of elegant and homely. The bedroom and sitting room were decorated with stylish traditional print wallpaper, armchairs and sumptuous fabrics, finished off with modern touches such as a Bang and Olufsen integrated TV and DVD player. The bed was enormous; the pillows gigantic, and in the centre sat the Do Not Disturb teddy. There was a large glass south-facing balcony overlooking the outdoor pool and gardens. The bathroom was spacious and immaculately clean. It contained a large two-person bath with separate walk-in shower, double sinks and under-floor heating. There were L'Occitaine products, a huge bottle of bubble bath, as well as strategically placed candles and even incense. Fluffy robes and slippers were hanging behind the doors.
The bar and both lounges downstairs were filled with groups of lively guests. The atmosphere was jolly and relaxed, as if you were in your own local, a real home from home!
When our table in the restaurant was ready, our waiter collected us from the bar and led us through. I loved the vibrant artwork on the deep red walls. The room was beautifully lit and looked out onto the pool and garden. The staff were professionally attentive, friendly and always polite. Nothing about the restaurant felt stuffy or pompous.
The menu aims to reflect the area; seafood, lamb, beef, game and local farmhouse cheeses. I adored the duck foie gras followed by locally reared lamb, and winter vegetables, all cooked to perfection. Dinner was accompanied by breathtaking South African Sauvignon Blanc from the extensive wine list.
Next morning, I was eager to try out the pool. Access from the hotel to Verbena Spa is over a glass link bridge. The reception area is inviting and has its own juice bar offering fresh smoothies, herbal teas and infusions and champagne. The spa's food menu, available all day, offers either appetising healthy options or delicious home-baked pastries and cookies. The changing rooms are ultra-modern with bright red lockers and roomy showers. The vanity area has large, well lit mirrors, cotton wool pads, cotton buds, tissues, body lotion and even shower caps attractively displayed. Each shower has body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
I started my shower and gradually reduced the temperature in order to prepare my body for the outdoors. I donned a fluffy spa robe and tip-toed outside to the terrace. It was a chilly December morning and the steam was magically sitting above the water. I threw my robe over the back of a chair and bravely lowered myself into the pool. Once I had submerged my shoulders, I was pleasantly surprised; the water was the perfect temperature! I swam for about twenty minutes and then ran over to the outdoor hot tub. As it was still early on a Sunday morning, I had the whole area to myself. I sat in the hot tub and gazed over the garden. I felt as though I might have been turning into a prune so I ventured inside. I didn't want to miss breakfast but was enjoying having the place to myself and wanted to try all the elements of the thermal suite.
I started in the aromatherapy steam room and enjoyed the gentle vapour of the essential oils fused with the steam. Next, I ventured from the sauna into the salt vapour room -- a bit like standing on a warm salty beach! Outside the "heat experiences" was the cold bit: the "ice cave". I took a couple of handfuls of ice flakes from the bowl, rubbed them over my neck and arms, then decided to bring my body temperature down by using the monsoon shower. Fully cleansed and refreshed, I sat for a while on the heated bench and gave my feet a gentle massage in the bubbling foot spa.
After a well-earned delicious traditional English breakfast, I went back to the spa for my treatment. All treatments begin with a complimentary herbal tea. I chose the Lemon Verbena, and would recommend it for its fresh flavours.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Royal Miracle Ice facial (75 minutes, £115).
Verbena Spa added the luxury Anne Sémonin beauty brand to its treatment menu in October 2009.
What were the treatments like?
I filled in my consultation form while sipping my tea in the juice bar. Once I had finished, Sarah my therapist, collected me and took me through to my treatment room. The room is decorated in the same county-house style as the rest of the spa and hotel. It was pristine. There was a shower in one corner and a long counter along one wall. I climbed up onto the treatment bed and Sarah talked me through my facial. She started by explaining that Anne Sémonin products are made of natural ingredients at their "maximum concentration", designed to be combined specifically for each individual depending on their skin type and lifestyle.
Sarah prepared my bespoke blend of serums, complexes and essential oils based on our consultation. Sarah adjusted the lighting and turned on the background music to set the atmosphere. Once I was tucked up under thick soft towels, Sarah began my facial with a deep cleanse. This was followed by the most relaxing face massage I have ever experienced. The smell from the oil and serum mixture was musky and had an instant sleep-inducing effect. As I fought the urge to snooze, Sarah continued to massage in small firm circles. She removed the oils with warm water, then applied the mineral face mask. The mask had a creamy gel-like texture with a lavender smell and felt cold. Finally, Sarah gave me my ice massage. She slowly applied ice cubes over my face and neck, concentrating on the under-eye area. I was surprised that the massage was so pleasant. I thought the ice would make me wince, but I found the cubes strangely soothing. To finish, Sarah applied a moisturiser and eye serum.
How did you feel afterwards?
My face felt firm but moisturised. I felt as though I could have fallen asleep right there. Sarah brought me a glass of ice-cold water and encouraged me to take as long as necessary before leaving the room.
What happens afterwards?
I went out into the relaxation lounge -- a lounge like no other I had ever come across. It was a huge room filled with gigantic comfy sofas and enormous armchairs. This was not a clinical hushed room; it was more like your own ideal living room. The coffee tables were covered with every magazine you could ever want; if you fancied a longer read, the bookshelves were also fully stocked. I sat, with my feet tucked under me, with a magazine while I dreamily stared through the floor-to-ceiling windows out onto the garden and terrace. Sarah quietly appeared with another glass of water and delicious refreshing Verbena sorbet, which is served at the end of every spa treatment.
Long-term effects
When I went back to changing room, I went straight to the mirror and this really was a miracle facial. Not only had the circles under my eyes disappeared but there were also no signs of puffiness! My skin felt silky soft and there was a visible, even tone. My face was brighter, tighter, and definitely glowing. These effects lasted; with no maintenance, I looked radiant for three days!
Was it worth it?
An hour and fifteen minutes of absolute heaven. The experience and the results combined made every penny worth spending.
What else could you have?
Verbena spa has created a menu of treatments and packages using luxury brands Elemis and Anne Sémonin. They offer a variety of day and half-day packages for men and women, couples or groups of friends, expectant mothers and teens. They have a dedicated area for manicures, pedicures and beauty treatments. They also offer a range of alternative therapies, including Reiki and re-connective healing.
Any special features?
The private Rasul temple and double treatment room. At the centre of both the hotel and spa are the beautiful English garden and its heated outdoor swimming pool. They combine to form a haven of tranquillity that can be enjoyed all year round.
Who do you think would like it?
Anyone wanting to recharge their batteries. Those needing rest and relaxation have found their Eldorado. If you like clinical white spaces, Verbena is not for you, Verbena Spa offers un-intimidating country-house style luxury.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave Verbena Spa our top bubble rating of 5 bubbles. Everything about Verbena deserves recognition. The environment has been perfectly designed with special attention to detail. Service and treatments are outstanding, delivered by professional friendly staff. The outdoor hot tub and pool are the icing on the cake.
See more on how we rate the spas.
Would you go again?
Try to stop me. I would love to return in the summer and spend more time around the pool and see the gardens in their full glory.
We visited Verbena Spa in December 2009
See also:
* Contact details for Verbena Spa
* How to choose the right facial for you
* What makes a good spa therapist?
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