Review of Norton Park, Winchester

Norton Park, Winchester - 4 bubbles

Modern and functional, with very good conference and leisure facilities, Norton Park is a great destination for business events and weddings. The manor house, tithe barn and walled garden add some olde-worlde charm to the otherwise corporate hotel complex. Though this isn't a dedicated spa hotel, the health club and spa are an enjoyable place to get fit or chill out. We loved our excellent ESPA treatments and the truly tranquil relaxation room.

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?

Approaching Norton Park along their winding driveway, we were greeted by a modern building and large car park. There's an old manor house and converted 17th century tithe barn in the grounds, too.

What's on offer?

The hotel:

Norton Park seems most comfortable as a conference hotel. It's ideal for business folk wanting a balance of work and relaxation. The manager reliably informed me that Norton Park is also a popular wedding destination. We were shown around the separate manor house (which was in the process of being refurbished), and we could definitely see the appeal of taking over the place for a hen do or wedding. You can have treatments in the manor house too, if you book the whole place out. When we visited there was a conference going on in the manor house, with business people milling about.

Our hotel room was clean, comfortable and decorated in the key Q Hotel colours: purples, rich browns and creams. We had a flat-screen television, large comfortable bed, and a clean and functional bathroom.

The pool and thermal facilities:

The spa was brand new when we visited, and the enthusiastic spa manager greeted us eagerly as soon as we arrived. We filled out our consultation forms and chatted with the staff, who were very friendly. After being shown around, we changed into our costumes and headed out to explore the heat facilities. It's worth remembering that the heat facilities and pool are shared with the health club (which includes a fitness suite, complete with the latest gym equipment). Children's swimming times are restricted, so you can get a child-free swim if you check the timetables.

The sauna was nicely hot and clearly new. The steam room was also perfectly hot and steamy, with enough room for around ten people. The experience shower offered "aroma", but this button didn't appear to do anything. I made the most out of the ice fountain in-between heat experiences. The two heated loungers looked over the pool, and we found these the perfect cosy spot to read a magazine and have a chat. The pool was a good size, and we partook of a few lazy lengths.

When we visited, we had the pool and heat facilities to ourselves, but the area is not huge. I could envisage it getting rather crowded at busy times.

The spa:

As soon as you enter the hushed luxury of the spa area, you are health club member-free. There's a cute little mani-pedi area (completely spotless), a relaxation room and beautiful treatment rooms.

The relaxation room was divine. Subdued lighting, huge comfortable loungers (a bit of investigative work revealed that these were actually treatment beds) with thick, opulent blankets and cute little teak side-tables with candles. There was a good range of teas and fresh fruit available, as well as water.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the ESPA Holistic Total Body Care (100 minutes, £90), and my friend enjoyed the Luxury ESPA Back, Face and Scalp Treatment (85 minutes, £80).

What were the treatments like?

Divine. My therapist Olga came and found me lounging by the pool, and we chatted on our way to the treatment room. We talked about what I wanted to achieve from the treatment. As it was early afternoon and I had things to do afterwards, I said I'd like to feel invigorated. Olga performed the obligatory ESPA scent test and unsurprisingly, I was most drawn to the citrusy, invigorating scent.

The treatment began with me lying on my front. Olga held a bowl of scented warm water by my face, asking me to take three deep breaths to introduce me to the treatment. Olga left the bowl under the treatment bed for me to continue benefiting from the essential oils.

Olga proceeded to perform a full-body brush, followed by a full-body exfoliation. Olga was gentle but thorough, and when I hopped up to shower the exfoliant off, I could already feel that my skin was smoother. The full-body massage that followed was very relaxing. Olga and I discussed pressure, and I said I liked a strong, powerful massage. I'd say that the massage wasn't quite as heavy on the pressure as it could have been, but the result was a very pampering and indulgent experience.

After the massage Olga performed a facial cleanse and then a long, long, long scalp massage. I have to admit that I definitely drifted off, perhaps for some time. The scalp massage used ESPA pink hair and scalp mud (a Good Spa Guide favourite), and Olga gently pulled my hair, massaged my scalp and temples and worked on my neck and shoulders too.

By the end of the treatment I was floating on air; although the whole treatment felt slow and floaty, at no point rushed, it also felt like it had ended far too soon. The perfect combination!

Returning to the relaxation room I found my dopey, half-asleep friend who murmured something along the lines of "best … treatment … ever" before promptly falling asleep and snoring rather vigorously (thank goodness we had the room to ourselves!)

What else could you have?

You can enjoy a full range of ESPA treatments, from facials to body rituals, envelopments and massages to treatments especially for men, pregnancy indulgences and finishing touches including manicures, pedicures and waxing.

Food facts

You can dine casually in the bar/brassiere area downstairs, or there is a more formal option upstairs in the fine dining Scene restaurant, which also offers outside terrace seating. If you're feeling extra-extravagant you can choose a private dining experience in the manor house.

We dined upstairs, and enjoyed fresh mackerel to start, followed by a delicious pea and broad bean risotto and miniature Bakewell tart to finish. We chose a crisp bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from the great wine list. Later in our room we couldn't resist ordering a cheese platter and another cheeky glass of wine from the room service menu.

Was it worth it?

The treatments are good value, and the experience of 100 minutes of pampering definitely leaves its mark. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated; even the two-hour drive back to base the next day didn't faze me – we sang and laughed all the way home.

We loved

The friendly staff and the lovely ESPA treatments.

We didn't love

The lack of spa-only pool and thermal facilities. Sharing these with health club members and hotel guests would make a spa day less than serene on a busier day.

Who do you think would like it?

Business folk, without a doubt.

Lucky health club members who can indulge in a great-value ESPA treatment.

Brides and their entourage looking for a last-minute pampering session or beauty pick-me-up.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave the spa at Norton Park 4 bubbles. We loved our treatments and thought the relaxation room was truly divine. The staff were friendly, and our therapists well-informed and very professional.

The hotel itself lacked a little in the luxury department, but those choosing to stay in the manor house could find themselves a wonderful olde-worlde escape. You will have a short walk over to the spa, though.

Norton Park is primarily a conference and events destination and not a dedicated spa hotel. Manage your expectations and you'll have an enjoyable trip.

See more on how we rate the spas.