Travel review: Get away from it Hall – Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
Too often in our busy lives, fitting in a hairdresser’s appointment can be a chore. Sadly it is a bit like going to the dentist – something that clearly has to be done but is usually squeezed in on a manic day off or shortly before the school run.
Surely visiting a stylist should be an experience to be savoured, so why not make an occasion of it and give your hair a little TLC as well as the rest of you during a relaxing spa day?
I was able to put this theory to the test at the Matthew Curtis Hair salon at Staffordshire’s renowned spa Hoar Cross Hall.
My stylist for the day was Deborah Wilson who has been at the salon for some 21 years and offers a wealth of knowledge. She spent some time talking through the sort of products I use on my hair, how much abuse I deliver to it (straighteners, blow-drying etc) and my hair type. After this personalised consultation, we agreed on a treatment that would best suit my hair and my lifestyle. We opted for the Kerastase Discipline range – which seemed apt for my unruly hair.
After a heavenly head massage, Deborah put my hair through a series of treatments including the Balin Fluidealiste shampoo, the conditioning masque then a Fluidissime protecting against humidity and moisture for up to 72 hours. There was also a Keratine Thermique for heat protection. My hair was like silk at the end of the session and had lost all that fly-away unruliness.
My visit didn’t end there, I was enjoying a whole body pampering experience and the facilities at Hoar Cross are exceptional with two pools, an aqua massage area as well as the Nordic Heat and Ice suite with a range of steam rooms and saunas.
Wherever you settle, Hoar Cross has an ambience of luxury, indulgence and calm. As you slip into the robe in the opulent changing rooms the stress levels start to fall.
For the more athletic among us there are extensive gym facilities and also classes. Venture outside the hall, nestled in the idyllic and secluded countryside north of Lichfield, to enjoy cycling, tennis and even archery. After a bit of tone and stretch you may want to enjoy, for an extra charge, one of the many treatments on offer. Spa guests enjoying the full day experience are treated to a three-course lunch in Hugo’s restaurant. There are a number of choices for both main meals and desserts and portions are substantial.
So well fed, relaxed, pampered and preened I left Hoar Cross Hall feeling like a new woman – can’t wait for my next hair cut!
l Ultimate 24 carat ritual at Matthew Curtis is £45 for 45 minutes. Call 01283 576512 or visit www.matthewcurtis.biz. A free hair consultation is available to all day and residential guests.
l Simply Spa Day packages at Hoar Cross, from 8.30am until 5.30pm, begin at £79 per person although there is a 20 per cent off offer throughout June. For more information visit hoarcross.co.uk or call 01283 575671.
