Telford Hotel Spa, Shropshire - travel review

Those were the words of wisdom given to TV presenter and journalist Anne Robinson by her mother when she got married.

Now maybe the Weakest Link ice queen has taken her facial work to another level, but as pieces of advice go her mother had it pretty much bang on.

With our busy lives – at work and at play – we all need to take a little time out every now and again for a bit of pampering and tranquility. And what better therapy is there for a weary body and soul than a day of relaxation, calm and rejuvenating beauty treatments at a spa. Especially if you go with a friend or family member for some real quality time.

Virtually on our doorstep here is the Telford Hotel spa and golf resort nestling in 170 acres of Shropshire countryside with panoramic views of the Ironbridge Gorge.

The recently renovated health club has an incredible indoor swimming pool with an abundance of beds, including the heavenly heated loungers, a sauna and a steam room, six spa treatment rooms and a serene relaxation room.

Guests can stay in the hotel for a nice spa break or there are very reasonable spa day packages offered.

I opted for a sneaky away day and this included use of all the facilities – even the gym if you are so inclined - use of robes, slippers and towels, and what was said to be a ‘light lunch’ but in fact included soup, a choice of wraps, salad and a dessert options. I highly recommend the lemon cheesecake.

You can enjoy all of this for just £39 a person – a small price to pay for the health benefits it certainly brings and a day well spent.

Though while enjoying the facilities most guests want to experience a treatment or two to really ease those muscles, refresh the skin and maybe glam up a little.

We tried out the new ESPA Personalised Express Facial. Any facial is a bit of self indulgence but this really does feel like some luxury pampering - and it is tailored just for you.

The beauty therapist first uses a SkinVision lamp which, though I had to have my eyes closed, seems to pass a blue light over your face to detect your real skin type and any problem areas. Then the therapist can use the various creams and ointments that best suit you.

My skin was confirmed as combination skin and she showed me where there were areas of dryness and ‘congestion’ – I think this meant blackheads!

Armed with this information I underwent a thorough cleanse, tone, moisturising and a soothing face mask. This was made all the more relaxing as it was accompanied by a lengthy head and shoulders massage.

Lying in a semi-comatose state in the darkened room, tranquil music playing the background, and with my constricted muscles turning to jelly, the thought passed through my mind that life really does not get any better than this.

And 55 minutes later it seemed to have done the trick – when I left the treatment room my skin felt softer and a little more ‘elasticky’, not the usual dry and taut complexion of a tired, working mother. I’m hoping it knocked years off me.

One of the spa packages currently on offer is the Little Slice of Heaven which includes all of the facilities and lunch but also four 25 minute treatments such as a nail file and polish, facial, pedicure and back, neck and shoulder massage. At £75 each who knew a place in Heaven was so cheap.

Also good value is the two for £99 experience which includes all of the facilities, lunch and a 60-minute treatment from a number of options.

With such invaluable therapy and respite on offer at such good value surely we can all think about a facial once a month and a bit of help in the house. Good advice indeed.