Review of Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, Thorpe-le-Soken

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, Thorpe-le-Soken - 4 bubbles

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel is a modern retreat spa that offers unusual treatments, good food and a delightful environment. The contemporary design is impressive. Sybaritic Spy and Spouse enjoyed the bathing ceremony, the pool and the heat experiences, but felt that the spaces could do with being warmer in the winter. This dedicated spa offers good value, a wide range of activities, and will appeal to those who want to focus on their wellness.

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?

We turned at the sign on the main road hesitantly, since the landscape looked bleak. Ahead of us we saw some very modern buildings: a huge black square that we later realised contains the pool, and two white square buildings that make up the spa itself.

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel is a retreat spa with 89 rooms, a thermal spa area and pool, a gym and studio, and huge gardens and grounds. From a distance, Lifehouse does look a bit like a large municipal sports centre. But don't be put off -- inside is much more welcoming and stylish. The spa is contemporary, finished in wood and glass, and decorated with clear strong colours.

How did they welcome you?

A member of staff whisked us in from the grey winter afternoon, through the reception area, and into the main lounge. From the glass-walled lounge, we looked out at the glass corridors which link the new buildings and the old stone walls of the original house. It felt like a modern-day version of a medieval cloister, with people in towelling robes wafting along instead of robed monks. Very restful.

What happens next?

We went up to our room, which was a good size, though the furnishings were quite plain and simple. The bed was large and proved very comfortable.

We then took a look round the spa, starting at the Hub, where guests check in for treatments. Here, there is a drinks bar offering juices, smoothies and herb teas, and plenty of comfortable seating. Treatment rooms are on this level, and downstairs is the "swim zone" with the swimming pool and a large hydrotherapy pool with room for six to ten people.

The main 18-metre pool is rather dark, with windows at the far end of the room. There were just four loungers by the pool, but the area was too dull and chilly for us to want to sit there for long. The hydrotherapy pool was much busier, and is lighter and brighter.

The "heat zone" has a sauna (with nearby cold plunge pool) and steam room, experience showers, and three footbaths. It is a shame that there is no comfortable seating in this zone, as it is spacious, warm and sunny. Also, given the size of the spa, the heat-zone areas all felt quite small. We were fine the day we were there, as the spa wasn't very busy; if it is fully booked, this area may become rather crowded.

There is also a hairdresser, a library, a gym, a dance studio and a retail area. So, no chance of being bored! It took us several circuits to work out where everything was.

Which treatments did you have?

Together, we had the Lifehouse signature treatment, the Oriental Bathing Experience (2 hours, £120) which was carried out by therapists Laura and April.

What were the treatments like?

We began with a foot ceremony. Laura and April ushered us to seats in a dimly lit room, beside which were large wooden bowls finished inside in deep cobalt blue. Laura and April washed our feet, wrapped them in warm towels, and gave us some enjoyable reflexology massage.

The next step on our journey was a tepid bath with swan pipes for neck massage. The water was a bit too cold for me; I couldn't wait to get out and put on the robe Laura held out for me. Our therapists then invited us to walk on a circle of pebbles to stimulate the soles of our feet (this tickled a bit).

The next room houses a Japanese-style shower with small wooden stools. Our therapists gave us an exfoliant to rub on, then we sat on stools and washed off the scrub with a nicely hot hand-held jet shower. I was glad to warm up.

From the shower, we stepped into a room with two treatment couches adorned with warm water-pads. As we lay face down on the pads, Laura and April exfoliated our backs. Next, we had a hot shower to wash off the exfoliant, then stepped into a hot, deep pool. A small waterfall ran over copper tiles, gentle music played, and lights changed colour. Very warming and relaxing.

While we were in the pool, Laura and April brought us white tea with jasmine. Before we could drink it, we had to make a wish while they sprinkled us with salt. We drank the tea standing in the warm pool. We relaxed in the water for a while, then dried off and moved into the massage room for a lovely massage with hot stones. The soft sound of a gong signalled the end of the treatment.

How did you feel afterwards?

Sleepy, and very relaxed.

What happens afterwards?

Laura and April took us upstairs to the "sleep pod". This curtained enclosure has a large mattress on the floor, and a glass wall overlooking the pool area. Laura and April brought us some water, closed the curtains, and left us in peace. We talked and just watched the world go by.

Long-term effects

We were nicely relaxed and that lasted a day or two.

Was it worth it?

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel is good value, even more so if you book a special offer. There is plenty to do, even if you only book one or two treatments. Activities run from 6.30am for early birds, right up to a winding-down yoga class at 8.30pm. Lifehouse offers plenty of choice as well: "aqua fit", Pilates, a core stability/back clinic, Nordic walking, an outdoor stroll, the intimidatingly named "Bootcamp", or the rather gentler Latin Dance. All activities are included, but you must book in advance.

What else could you have?

Lifehouse offers an amazing range of treatments. Babor facials, massages, and manicures and pedicures. You can also book a range of alternative therapy sessions, including acupuncture, cranio-sacral therapy, flower remedies, kinesiology, meditation, naturopathy (billed as "a natural approach to health through the use of dietary correction, lifestyle education, herb supplements and flower remedies"). There is even "energy healing" with therapist Moon.

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

To take the train! The A12 is a slow road at best of times, and was flooded the day we tackled it, which ate into our spa time. Catch the train (1 hour and 20 minutes from central London) and the Lifehouse taxi will meet you at the station and whisk you straight to the spa in a few minutes.

That the grounds would be so lovely and so extensive; there are 12 acres of listed gardens, and 130 acres of grounds. We could only dash out between downpours, but in better weather there are plenty of walks and, in the summer, outdoor exercise classes.

Any special features?

How seriously Lifehouse Spa and Hotel takes the whole concept of wellness: The spa has a Wellness Manager, Sue Davis, who runs a team of former nurses on the "wellness team". Guests email their health forms before arrival. The wellness team books a session with anyone with a health condition on arrival to help make sure everyone gets the best from their stay. The team also offer weight-loss, de-stress, detox and back-to- work programmes with follow-up email support.

The excellent wine list: Yes, a retreat spa with a good wine list! The chef is also passionate about creating tasty healthy dishes, using local organic produce wherever possible.

Friendly, thoughtful staff: When my husband accidentally dipped the sleeve of his robe in his tea, the waiter not only noticed and brought some paper napkins over, but a few minutes later was back with a clean robe.

Who do you think would like it?

Young and trendy spa goers, who will enjoy the contemporary design.

Couples: Lifehouse is not at all feminine; the cool, modern feel makes it much more comfortable for men than many spas.

Bargain hunters: Lifehouse offers very good value spa-ing.

Anyone with specific health problems they want to work on.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Lifehouse Spa and Hotel 4 bubbles. The spa is very comfortable, modern and spacious. The treatments are interesting and unusual, the food delicious, and everywhere is clean. You could spend a very relaxing and entertaining day or two (or three) at Lifehouse.

However, there were a few teething problems when we visited (and our invitation came shortly after the spa opened). The building was quite cold. I had to go and put my clothes on under my robe and noticed several other people doing the same. Apparently, however, the building had been very hot a few days before. The radiators did not work at all in our room and the fan in the bathroom worked only too well -- it stayed on all night!

The reception area didn't quite gel, either. The log fires were not alight, despite the grey weather. Also, the reception desk is very close to the glass doors, so everyone ends up standing in a draught while trying to check in or out. This meant the spa lacked a sense of welcome. Outside, too, many areas were still very raw from the building works. All problems that are easily fixable and not unusual in a new spa.

See more on how we rate the spas.