 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Eastthorpe Hall Health & Beauty Spa - 5 bubbles
Time truly stands still at Eastthorpe Hall, a stress-free haven from the outside world. Sedate Spy and her friend were invited along to enjoy a day of Yorkshire hospitality in Mirfield. They both left devoted lava-shell lovers.
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?
First impressions?
The train journey from London was painless. Mirfield is off the M62, no more than 20 minutes' drive from Leeds, Bradford or Huddersfield. The spa is on the busy Huddersfield Road but, once we stepped through the heavy wooden door, the hustle and bustle of the outside world simply faded away. The main reception area is homely and welcoming and features a large happy Buddha.
How did they welcome you?
The receptionist welcomed us with a smile and offered us refreshments. She led us through to the comfortable lounge which had a roaring log fire. This beautiful room had French doors opening onto the patio, looking onto a pond and striking garden. We drank some tea and completed our consultation forms. We noticed a collection of clocks on display. Only on close examination did we notice that all the clocks had been stopped.
What happens next?
Sam Pearce, manager and co-owner, welcomed us and explained the proceedings for the day. Sam was eager to get us relaxed, so suggested we change into robe and slippers. The changing rooms were clean and warm with lots of space and individual showers.
After an early start to the day we were ready for lunch. Lunch was set out in the orangery where we were greeted by the chef. He described the day's offerings and took our drinks order. The starter, we were informed, was a verrine, an elegant long glass filled with layers of food. The different colours and textures, some raw and some creamy, was an excellent way to get our taste buds involved in the whole spa experience.
The organic salads were tasty and the chicken succulent. All the food was excellent; beautifully presented and delicious, but the salmon was outstanding, cooked to perfection.
After lunch we were shown through to the relaxation lounge. The tall ceiling is covered by hanging ceiling drapes, which give the impression of being in a bedouin tent. The loungers were comfy and snug with individual lighting; the atmosphere was a tranquil haven for perfect relaxation.
Fed and relaxed, we were treated to a welcome hand and foot ritual. This comprised of bathing our hands, then feet in warm aromatherapy-oil-scented water followed by a short but relaxing massage.
Next we were taken through to the newly built extension, which housed the swimming pool and thermal suite.
Even on a cold grey winter afternoon, the pool room was bright, with natural sunlight streaming through the glass sliding doors which led out to the garden. To the right of the pool is another relaxation area. Along the length of this area are more glass sliding doors, also opening onto the gardens. There are loungers and a large round bed.
The swimming pool is not long enough to do proper lengths, but as we were the only people in it we were able to swim up and down a bit and have a splash around in the water. Then we relaxed for a while in the new Jacuzzi. One of the staff appeared and offered us a glass of water and then showed us through to the sauna, steam room and my favourite the steam box. I have never experienced an individual steam like this one. The cabinet is just like those you see in old films. You step in and sit down, the doors are closed and finally a towel is wrapped around your neck to keep all the steam inside.
After drinking more water, we went back to the changing rooms to get out of our wet costumes. Now, dry and relaxed, we were ready for our treatments. The treatment rooms are upstairs and have been transformed from bedrooms. My room was dimly lit and the walls were covered in decorative paper and a scattering of jewels which looked like stars in the twilight.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Signature Holistic Facial followed by the Lava Shells full body massage. My friend also had the Lava Shells, and braved the Colonic Hydrotherapy.
What were the treatments like?
My therapist was Faye, who was armed with my consultation form which we discussed. She altered the lights to suit me and left the room while I de-robed and climbed onto my warm treatment bed.
I had never experienced a Lava Shells massage but had read a lot about this new twist on hot stones, so I was looking forward to trying it. The massage is done using warmed Tiger Striped Clam shells. A chemical mixture inserted into the shells keeps them warm for up to two hours. This is the major advantage over using hot stones which need to be changed over once they start to lose their heat.
Faye used different parts of the shells, applying varying levels of pressure to different areas of my body. I particularly enjoyed Faye's massage of my feet and the sensation of the hot shells between my toes. Faye worked the shells more intensely around my shoulders and my neck. The whole experience was a wonderful seamless journey, whisking me away from stress and tension, to feeling relief and calm.
When the treatment was over, Faye brought me a glass of cold water and left me to relax for a while before returning for my facial. After checking that the lighting was still to my liking, Faye prepared a tailor-made combination of oils and lotions for my facial. The facial began with a deep cleanse, followed by a toner and then an aromatherapy oil massage.
The massage was thorough and ultra relaxing. Faye removed the oils using warm damp cloths, then applied a mask which had a refreshing citrus smell. She protected my eyes with eye pads and then laid a heavy cushion over the pads. I must have fallen asleep at this point, and I am not even sure for how long. Finally Faye softly removed the remaining lotions and applied moisturiser.
My friend is not new to colonic hydrotherapy and raved about the professional, relaxed environment. He enjoyed the abdominal massage and proclaimed this the best colonic he had ever experienced.
How did you feel afterwards?
My whole body was without tension. I felt calm and rejuvenated. I thought I had been up in my treatment room for days. When I finally came down the stairs, I felt like a new person. My face was fresher and brighter, dare I say glowing. The muscles in my face felt firm, my skin soft and completely nourished and my complexion was noticeably even.
What happens afterwards?
I took a long time to finally emerge from the treatment room. Once I had, I went back to the relaxation room on the ground floor. Cosy and warm under the covers on my comfortable lounger, I thought the day was complete. Not quite...
Faye reappeared and gave us instructions for a paraffin hand wax. I loved this treatment and highly recommend it. As you wait with your wax-dipped hands wrapped in tissues and mittens, you can feel the wax hardening. It reminded me of being a kid and playing with candles, dripping the wax on, waiting for it to harden and finally peeling it off. After fifteen minutes, Faye came back and expertly rolled the wax down from my wrist; in one simple manoeuvre, it was off!
Long-term effects
There were definitely two long-term effects of these treatments. The lava shells left me stress-free for days. The most obvious effect from the facial was around my eye area. The dark circles were remarkably reduced and the normal puffiness I carry was nowhere to be seen for a number of days afterwards.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely, worth every penny. We had a lovely afternoon together. The treatments are special and are delivered by professional skilful therapists. The food was healthy and delicious, and the surroundings and environment relaxing and serene.
What else could you have?
The Eastthorpe treatment menu has something for everyone. The spa offers a number of diverse packages which can be tailored to individual needs. Eastthorpe specialises in holistic therapies which include Indian head massage, Balinese, Hawaiian and Ayurvedic massage, chakra balancing, Reiki and reflexology. These treatments can be combined with facials and nicely finished off with a full range of manicures and pedicures.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
I wish I had known how beautiful the grounds were in this holistic spa. The gardens play a major role in the treatments offered at the spa. Therapists even offer massages outside in the Mongolian Yurt during the summer months!
Any special features?
The atmosphere of Eastthorpe Hall is a very special feature. The clocks in the building have all been stopped, there are serene pictures of angels on the walls, and stepping into this holistic haven can make you feel as though you have been transported to heaven.
Who do you think would like it?
Eastthorpe Hall offers beautiful surroundings and professional treatments that can be experienced selfishly or shared by couples, mothers and daughters, or groups of friends. I would recommend this spa for the spa novice because of its friendly, informal environment. Eastthorpe Hall is not a clinical white space; it is a quaint, friendly and charming family spa where attention to detail is primary to the experience.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave Eastthorpe Hall 5 bubbles. This spa has a clear objective: to provide wellness and relaxation; that is exactly what it does. The therapists provide a sanctuary from stress and the outside world, and tailor all their facilities and expertise to providing professional, friendly services. A perfect place to chill and relax before returning to the world invigorated.
Would you go again?
Yes, I'd love to make time stop again.
We visited Eastthorpe Hall in December 2009
See also:
* Contact details for Eastthorpe Hall
* A reader review of Eastthorpe Hall
* More about massage
 |
|
|