Review of Horsted Spa at East Sussex National, Uckfield

Horsted Spa at East Sussex National, Uckfield - 5 bubbles

The East Sussex National Golf Resort is a contemporary golfing paradise, with a modern hotel with excellent leisure and conference facilities, overlooking two championship golf courses. The Horsted Spa is a perfectly formed addition to the hotel and provides an ideal environment for complete relaxation. With an impressive range of ESPA treatments and superb wet and thermal facilities, the spa is ideal for whiling away the hours either alone or with a friend.

First impressions?

What's on offer?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

What else could you have?

Food facts

Was it worth it?

We loved

We didn't love

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

The hotel resort sits nestled in 1100 acres of beautiful Sussex Downs countryside, just 30 minutes from Gatwick airport. The modern red-brick building at the end of a long, green drive houses the accommodation, the conference centre, and the health club and spa.

The main entrance to the health club and spa has natural light streaming into the building through the atrium roof and huge windows. Within the Horsted Health Club there is the gym, the fitness studios, and the pool area. The Horsted Spa has its own entrance and reception. The hallway that takes you to the treatment rooms and relaxation room is beautifully illuminated by contemporary floor-lighting. The hallway leads around the circular chamber housing the heat experience, so there are no straight lines to be seen. The spa is neutrally decorated throughout, using natural materials such as oak and slate. The shiny, clean spa has clearly been well cared for.

What's on offer?

The hotel:

The hotel has 104 tastefully decorated and comfortable bedrooms, including 10 luxury suites and 2 bridal suites. Each room has a Queen sized bed, large en-suite bathroom with separate bath and walk-in power shower. Air conditioning is standard, as is the wall-mounted flat-screen television with satellite and free internet access.

Golf:

Golf is taken very seriously here. The East Course has two loops of nine holes with well-bunkered greens and fairways which bring you back to the Clubhouse. The West Course is often regarded as the more scenic. There is also a Golf Academy which includes a 13-acre driving range, with open grass tees and covered bays, and a championship-standard three-hole academy course.

The health club:

The Horsted Health Club boasts an impressive 20-metre indoor swimming pool (access for children is restricted to particular days and times) complete with a spacious poolside Jacuzzi, steam room and infrared sauna. The bright air-conditioned 50-station gymnasium has a range of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance training equipment. There is a spinning studio and another for classes which include aerobics, yoga, Pilates, tai chi and boxercise.

The spa:

The spa has separate changing rooms and thermal facilities to those in the health club, so you get a nice sense of seclusion. Each of the nine treatment rooms is named after a flower, and has mood-enhancing coloured lighting and background music. The VIP Room is a dual treatment room that is ideal for sharing, and one room has a rasul. The spa's own heat experience includes a sauna, a salt vapour room, an aromatherapy room and two invigorating monsoon showers. All are beautifully tiled and lit with twinkling ceiling lights. The peaceful relaxation room has seven ergonomically designed loungers and subtle coloured lighting.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the ESPA Skin Brightener Facial (60 minutes £55).

What were the treatments like?

My treatment room was spacious and airy, with lights dimmed and calming music playing softly in the background. Before beginning my treatment, my therapist Leah went through my consultation form, asking questions about by skin's condition, then explained the steps of my treatment.

ESPA treatments begin with a sensory test to match products to your current physical and emotional needs. Leah asked how I wanted to feel after the treatment and gave me a choice of scents to see which I was most drawn to. I had a meeting later in the afternoon, so wanted to feel energised and alert, with bright, nourished skin. I chose a floral toner and a sandalwood-based facial oil.

Once I was cosy under the silky-soft blanket, Leah began my facial. She started with a thorough double cleanse to remove traces of make-up and impurities. Next, Leah applied the cool, floral toner followed by a gentle rose-scented exfoliator. Leah then expertly massaged my skin with my choice of oil. I began to feel awake and alert as Leah used her fingertips on my tired, tense facial muscles. Leah removed the oil using a warm flannel, then patted my skin dry before applying an ESPA brightening mask containing marine extracts, natural AHAs and BHAs, and anti-oxidising berries. While the mask was on she gave me an intense scalp massage. Finally, Leah removed the mask, applied a rich replenishing moisturiser and spritzed my face with toner.

My normally dry, dull skin looked noticeably bright and felt unbelievably smooth. My new-found radiance was quite surprising!

What else could you have?

Horsted Spa use ESPA products exclusively. You can choose from eight facials and ten body treatments. There are also a number of holistic treatments on offer, treatments for men, brides to be and pre-natal options. Finishing touches include waxing, lash and brow tinting, plus a choice of manicures and pedicures.

Food facts

The main Pavilion Restaurant boasts panoramic views over the golf course and an à la carte menu for fine dining. They also have an extensive list of fine wines and exquisite malts. If you need a burger or other bar food, you can try the Lounge. We had our lunch in the health club café. Our fish cakes were absolutely delicious.

Was it worth it?

These well-delivered ESPA treatments are definitely good value for money. The affordable day programmes are also appealing.

We loved

The separate thermal suite and changing rooms give spa-goers that extra sense of privacy and peace.

We didn't love

On occasion the door to the relaxation room closed with a bit of bang.

Who do you think would like it?

This spa has a fabulous range of facilities which can be enjoyed alone or with a friend. A perfect spa for golf widows!

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Horsted Spa 5 bubbles. The treatments are excellent, the facilities are top-notch, the staff are friendly and highly professional, and there is plenty of space to unwind and relax. This spa has been lovingly maintained and kept at a high standard, being as spotlessly clean and well run as the day it opened.

See more on how we rate the spas