Review of Malvern Spa, Malvern

Malvern Spa, Malvern - 5 bubbles

Malvern Spa is a luxury spa retreat with a contemporary boutique feel. It is the only spa in the UK where you can find an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool filled with natural Malvern spring water. Sedate Spy found the facilities first class and the staff friendly and courteous. Best of all, Malvern's luxury is affordable.

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?

Sedate Spy was invited to try the therapeutic waters at Malvern Spa. The booking staff were very friendly and helpful when arranging arrival and treatment times to suit.

First impressions?

Malvern Spa nestles at the foot of the beautiful Malvern Hills. Despite being in an historic spa town and an area of outstanding natural beauty, Malvern Spa is the first spa to open in this region since 1910. Malvern Hills water was first bottled here in the 1600s. The Malvern Cold Water Cure, practised by the Victorians, is said to have helped many, including Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale, no less!

The exterior of the spa is quite plain and unattractive. Once you walk through the doors into the plush, modern reception area, any doubts brought about by Malvern's uninspiring exterior are soon assuaged. The reception area is large, bright and open, with polished marble floors and stylish decor.

How did they welcome you?

The staff at reception were both very friendly and helpful. They greeted me with big welcoming smiles and swiftly and efficiently checked me in.

What happens next?

A member of the reception staff took me upstairs to my room on the first floor. The room faced the back of the hotel with fantastic views of the Malvern Hills in the distance. The 34 en-suite bedrooms have been designed in a contemporary Italian style. The double bed in my room, covered with crisp white Egyptian cotton, was extremely comfortable. There was a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi for those who don't want to lose touch with the outside world. The bathroom was small but sparkling clean, finished to a high standard with contemporary limestone tiles and a double power shower. And, of course, complimentary bottled Malvern water.

I put on my fresh white robe and went down to the spa in the lift. At the centre of the spa is the Grand Salon. The Grand Salon is the main relaxation and contemplation area. It is spacious, airy, and very stylish. The entire area is bathed in natural sunlight which streams in from the glass atrium. There are deep, cosy sofas and armchairs between 200-year-old olive trees, a tranquil water fountain and a gigantic stone fireplace. Bowls of fresh fruit were set out on all the coffee tables.

I was hungry after my long journey and decided to have a light lunch. The Spa Brasserie overlooks the Grand Salon. The Brasserie is open all day for spa guests and offers a delicious range of healthy salads, soups and bites with a choice of daily specials and even afternoon tea. I particularly appreciated the menu for highlighting the dishes with less than 400 calories. I had the Atlantic prawn-and-coriander fishcakes (guilt-free at 400 calories)! Absolutely scrumptious!

I snuggled for a while on one of the sofas before trying out the much-talked-about hydrotherapy pool. I went through to the spacious changing rooms. There was a lovely vanity area with powerful dryers and hair straighteners and a full range of REN products.

I started my hydrotherapy session with the foot spa. I enjoyed sitting on the heated tiled seats while soaking my tired feet.

The 20-metre indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool is bright and impressive. The pool has water-jets, vigorous bubble-massage stations, and soothing hydrotherapy beds. The pool is fed by Malvern spring water from the hotel's own bore-hole. The water is kept at a constant temperature of 35 degrees C so is ideal for relaxing and soaking in, but is not a pool for serious swimming. There are plenty of loungers around the pool, both inside and outside on the terrace. The views of the surrounding hills help you drift away and leave the world behind.

The thermal suite includes four heat experiences. Each of the four thermal cabins has its own delicate fragrance which changes depending on the season. Ideally, you should experience the cabins in sequence to gently warm your body. The Salt Grotto is very gently heated. The salt vapour is reportedly good for respiratory problems but salt cabins do tend to have a damp smell.

The Herb Sauna was very pleasant and smelt delicious. The Crystal Steam Room was relaxing and the huge amethyst crystal is complemented by fibre-optic ceiling lights. For serious heat, try the rustic Kelo Sauna. This sauna is the first of its kind in the UK, and constructed from naturally fragrant wood from the Arctic Circle. There are also two scented experience showers. You can stand under warm tropical rain or refreshing cold mist. For the brave, there is an ice-cold bucket shower or an ice fountain.

Before my treatment, I showered in the changing rooms and strolled back to the Grand Salon. I informed the courteous staff behind the spa reception desk that I was a little early, so they encouraged me to have a drink while I waited. Before long, my therapist, Jade, introduced herself and led me down a wide, dimly-lit corridor to one of the ten treatment rooms.

The treatment room was pretty perfect. It was spacious, decorated in calm, neutral tones, and had a large treatment table.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the MalvernSpa Massage, which includes a body scrub (90 minutes, £75).

What were the treatments like?

I had filled in my consultation form earlier in the day. Jade referred to it as she talked me through the products and the massage. She started by explaining that the spa decided to use REN products because of their five guiding principles: the right ingredients, the right science, the right experience, the right environmental know-how and, most importantly, the right attitude. Jade then talked me through the miracle massage. This massage uses rose oils and creams which are particularly beneficial for dry skin.

The treatment began with a dry body-brushing and was followed by a thorough exfoliation using a gentle body scrub. The room immediately filled with the scent of roses. Jade worked for quite a while on my legs, arms and tummy. She gently wiped away the granules with soft and warm, wet flannels before repeating the process on the back of my body.

The massage that followed was deeply relaxing. Jade used REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Nourishing Body Oil. The smell was truly divine and I could feel the oil soaking into my dry skin. As Jade completed each section of my body, she covered it with a heavy duvet-like blanket.

While the oil was moisturising my skin, I was treated to a REN express facial. The facial also uses REN rose products. Although it was a condensed version of a facial, it felt thorough. Jade started with a double cleanse followed with a rose scrub. She then applied eye and lip serum before finishing with a rich, firming moisturiser.

My facial completed and body oils absorbed, Jade wiped away the excess oil from my body before finally applying a rich REN rose body moisturiser.

How did you feel afterwards?

Jade left the room to allow me to wake up slowly. I drank water and, as I put on my robe, I couldn't help but notice how amazingly silky soft my skin was. I felt energised and completely spoilt.

What happens afterwards?

Jade took me to another relaxation room to lie down. There were loungers on either side of the room with a refreshment area near the door. A full-length screen was showing video footage of a waterfall, a rippling stream, and gently swaying greenery. The footage changes regularly and includes scenes of beautiful beaches, a log fire and a host of other relaxing experiences. I fell asleep under a warm blanket and awoke feeling revitalised yet serene.

The Gallery Restaurant (named due to the works of art decorating the walls) offers fine dining alongside a traditional bistro-style menu. The staff were fantastic and the food rather impressive. The chef sent through a selection of complimentary amuse-bouches. The home-made breads were so delicious that I had to stop myself asking for more. I had -- and can highly recommend -- the pan-fried scallops and the succulent lamb. I should also mention the rather tasty sauvignon blanc which accompanied my excellent meal.

That night I slept soundly. I awoke fresh and relaxed and decided to give the gym a try. There are no less than 80 separate stations, and each cardiovascular machine is fitted with a TV screen and iPod docking station. There are two separate sets of resistance equipment and a couple of Power Plates. There is an air-conditioned exercise studio with a full programme of classes. If you're a gym bunny, you'll be very impressed with the fitness facilities.

I felt I had earned breakfast. I had tasty poached eggs on toast washed down by good-quality coffee.

Long-term effects

The effects of my treatment were apparent for days afterwards. My skin looked and felt nourished and firm. The most astonishing result was that I didn't have to apply any body lotion for days.

The stay at Malvern Spa had equally lingering effects. I was relaxed and completely free of stress. I felt radiant all over!

Was it worth it?

Absolutely! Malvern Spa delivers affordable luxury.

What else could you have?

A range of REN and ESPA treatments are on offer. There are plenty of facials to choose from: anti-ageing facials, aromatherapy facials, brightening facials, hydrating facials and facials for problem skin. You can have salt and oil body scrubs and hydrating or detoxifying wraps. Massage include the classic Swedish massage, and there are massages to relieve stress, relax or energise.

Treatments for men and treatments for pregnant spa-goers are also available.

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

That Malvern Spa has so much to offer. I wish I'd stayed for longer. I could have spent more time in the hydrotherapy pool and tried one of the classes on offer. You really do need to spend a full day immersed in this spa haven.

Any special features?

Malvern Spa is an adult-only spa. The absence of noisy children makes for peaceful me-time when you just want to relax.

The helpful staff: I had forgotten to bring my phone charger. Staff told me to complete my workout in the gym and collect my phone once I had finished. As promised, a fully-charged phone was there waiting for me.

Who do you think would like it?

The adult-only policy means that the clientele is a mix of groups of ladies and couples (of all ages) but I thoroughly enjoyed my day on my own.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Malvern Spa 5 bubbles. Malvern Spa is not a hotel with a spa... Malvern Spa is a fully fledged spa complex, which means that total relaxation and tranquillity is at the heart of your experience. There is a very comprehensive range of luxury treatments delivered by highly trained and skilled therapists. Customer service is superb and there is fabulous food. The perfect place to unwind and relax.