Review of runnymede-on-thames, Egham

runnymede-on-thames, Egham - 5 bubbles

runnymede-on-thames in Surrey is a modern hotel complex with great business and family facilities. It is also home to a delightful spa with a private spa suite, Aquitaine. Our Spa Spy found that the excellent treatments and customer service made this a spa experience not to be missed.

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?

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?

Runnymede is just a five-minute drive from Egham Station and just a few minutes off the M25. We arrived by car to see a large, modern hotel sprawling out either side of the driveway.

Once through the shiny glass swivel-doors, we were greeted by a hive of jovial activity in the huge open-plan reception and lounge area. A live musician played his electric guitar to an audience of business execs, families and couples who were chatting and consuming refreshments. The space and huge windows meant that this area was very light and airy.

How did they welcome you?

The smartly dressed receptionists were friendly and offered to park our car. A receptionist told us where our room was and that Yvonne would meet us to take us on a tour of the facilities.

Just past the reception desk was the lift to our first-floor room. Opposite the lift was a back-lit, colourful display of novelty rubber ducks.

What happens next?

We took our bags up to our riverside room. It was bright and cool, with a large flat-screen TV, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer, desk, and a spotlessly clean bathroom. White Company products completed the scene. Bottled water is available but you must pay for this. I liked the frosted glass partition between the bedroom and the bathroom that was inset with tall reeds. A natural theme that continued throughout the hotel.

Yvonne met us at reception and took us on a tour of the hotel. I could see, through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, out to the pretty patio, the picturesque lock and the Thames.

Doors to the right of the entrance lead to the refurbished wing of the hotel that houses rather impressive business facilities. This wing, known as "meeting-on-thames", comprises 13 rooms all with natural daylight, as well as break-out areas, and chill-out zones.

The spa is in the opposite wing of the hotel complex, and is for use by spa members and hotel residents only. Along a glass-walled corridor, past the flagship Lock restaurant, and through double doors, is the spa reception. Stationed to one side was a small nail bar, displays of products, and a treatment-booking desk. Further doors led from here to the spa facilities.

The Garden Room is a relaxation area for members, hotel residents and spa day guests. Lots of seats and tables filled the bright room, and a huge wall-mounted flat-screen TV was showing a football match. A side table provided a good selection of juices, coffees, teas and water. The Garden Room also has its own patio area that is open for guests to take lunch or afternoon tea on warmer days.

There is a very large gym complete with Technogym equipment with inbuilt TV-screens, Power-Plates and free weights. My friend and I enjoyed a good workout here, and found there was always a staff member to hand.

Opposite the gym are male, female, and family changing-rooms, which were lovely and warm. A sufficient quantity of wooden lockers lined the walls of the female changing rooms, with a couple of mirrors but just the one hairdryer. There was a powerful massage-chair for use, as well as weighing scales. There were three showers and White Company products were on offer throughout.

There was an abundant supply of towels, a wet towel drop, and a cold plunge-pool beside a small, hot sauna. There was also a swimming-costume spinner and plastic bags for your post-swim cossies.

We showered before entering the pool area. There is a small children's pool separate from the main pool. In the main pool there was a lane was cordoned off for length swimming. There were plenty of wooden loungers poolside, two open-doored showers, a stock of fresh towels, a perfectly-hot sauna, a steam room and a Jacuzzi.

That evening we dined in the Leftbank restaurant. The buffet food included a whole plethora of hot and cold delights, and fresh fish ready to be cooked to order. The smarter, fine-dining Lock restaurant was sadly not open the day we visited.

The following morning we ate a hearty breakfast, again with many hot and cold buffet options from which to choose from. It was then time to head to Aquitaine, Runnymede's private spa suite that can accommodate four to ten guests at a time. Laura, our spa host, gave us the door-code to enter this private area, then gave us a guided tour around the facilities.

Aquitaine consists of a large open-plan living room and kitchen area, plus private treatment rooms and changing facilities. The neutrally decorated space and had a massage chair and a corner sofa laden with cushions and fluffy blankets. By the wall-mounted flat-screen TV were a selection of DVDs and girly magazines. In one corner a vanity table was laiden with Jessica nail vanishes, cotton buds and pads, eye masks and a variety of Clarins and ESPA products.

I wished we hadn't gorged so much at breakfast as the table in the centre of the living room displayed yummy pastries, Ferrero Rocher chocolates and a canteen of chilled water. In the kitchen were plenty of drink options including fruit juices in the fridge.

Frosted-glass double-doors, again inset with reeds, led into a dual treatment room. There were also private changing rooms with their own showers and toilets, and lockers complete with white, fluffy gowns and slippers inside.

Laura and Jennie, our therapists, brought us our lunch. I chose a healthy poached-salmon salad, while my friend ate a tasty Thai chicken noodle salad. This was accompanied by a glass of Champagne with a fresh strawberry.

Which treatments did you have?

We both had the signature crystal facial (70 minutes, £75).

What were the treatments like?

Our treatments took place in Aquitaine's double treatment room. The treatment couches were divided by a white voile curtain. By each bed was a tall display of ESPA products, and some scented candles burning.

Laura began by asking me to choose from one of two scents for the toner and facial oil to be used in my treatment. Laura removed the final traces of my eye make-up, and performed a "triple cleanse". I questioned the need to triple cleanse, and Laura explained that each stage allowed for a deeper clean. Laura applied an exfoliator which she removed with warm mitts, and then a final cleanse removed any final residue. I loved the smell of the cool floral toner that Laura applied.

Laura used ESPA’s Rejuvenating Facial Oil to give my face a slow, soothing massage. Laura then used a smooth, rose-quartz wand to stimulate various pressure points. My face was warm so the coolness of the crystal was quite welcome.

My therapist pressed cold, wet cotton-pads over my eyes and applied a mask. Whilst the mask was working its wonders, Laura gave me a very pleasurable head massage. I'd been struggling to stay compos mentis and it was at this point that I lost the fight. At some point, Laura massaged hot stones into my neck and shoulder muscles, but I became too zoned-out to remember when!

After removing the mask with muslin, Laura finished the treatment with an eye cream and by pressing some ESPA Moisturising Complex into my face. Laura advised me to get ready in my own time and to meet her back in Aquitaine's lounge.

How did you feel afterwards?

I felt like I'd had some well needed me-time. My friend was ready to book a revisit to Runnymede on our departure.

What happens afterwards?

Back in the main suite, we snuggled up with fluffy blankets and relaxed. Before we knew it, it was time for afternoon tea: pretty fruit platters, and a trio of cakes that we couldn't squeeze in at lunchtime. Both therapists were very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed, even providing a small heater in case we became cold.

Was it worth it?

Yes. This was a very special experience and my friend and I shared some valuable quality time together.

What else could you have?

The Aquitaine experience can be tailored to suit your needs: the type of sweets and drinks; DVDs and books on offer; the iPod selection; the party decorations.

As well as a whole variety of Clarins, Guinot and ESPA facial and body treatments, there's a spa menu for men, treatments for teens, and finishing touches for your hands and feet.

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

That there are specific times when the pool is adults-only. Families are welcome at Runnymede, so you'll probably find kids in the pool during school holidays.

That the hotel is under a flight path. There was a noticeable rumble from our hotel suite.

Any special features?

The pretty setting by the Thames. In summer, you'll find giant games and big bean-bags outside, for lounging on the patio.

The good disabled facilities throughout the hotel.

Who do you think would like it?

Groups of men and women alike would love Aquitaine. As there are great business facilities, it is perfect for business executives desiring some relaxation time.

Runnymede is great for families, too. Especially as Thorpe Park, Legoland and Windsor Castle are so close by.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

For the third time, Runnymede get 5 bubbles. Aquitaine is the star of the show and a real must for those wishing to have a personalised, private spa experience with their best friends or family members.

The spa is well kept with good facilities and staff who display great customer service skills. Our treatments were expertly executed.

This spa and hotel really shines in its commitment to accommodate your every need.

See more on how we rate the spas