How to fully relax - Our guide to spas in the region
The weather is a bit indecisive at the moment and with the kids off school you might need some time to de-stress and relax already. Here's our guide to some spa's to try out so you can grab some time to yourself.
Fairlawns Hotel and Spa, Aldridge Walsall
Fairlawns Hotel & Spa is set within nine acres of landscaped grounds at Aldridge, just 15 minutes north of Birmingham city centre. Relax in the peace and quiet of the rural surroundings in the adults only Health Club and Spa. It has an 18m indoor pool, air-conditioned state-of-the-art gymnasium, circuit gym, aerobic dance studio, tennis courts and spa, including steam room, sauna, infra red sauna and beauty treatment rooms. Each treatment is handpicked and offers a truly bespoke Spa Experience, tailored to your requirements. Great for that couples getaway.
www.classicbritishhotels.com/hotel/fairlawns
Ramada, Sutton Coldfield
Why not enjoy a relaxing and indulgent beauty treatment from the La Fragrance beauty salon at the Ramada, Sutton Coldfield? Set in spacious private grounds, overlooking a picturesque lake, this Resort is a peaceful setting and perfect for a relaxing break away. Enjoy a massage, soothing sauna, invigorating spa bath or, for the more energetic, a session at the gym. The Leisure Club allows you to do as much or as little as you wish. They offer classes too, ranging from the traditional step, pump and circuits to the more exotic Belly Dancing, Zumba and Salsa. Definitely a mix for all.
Imagine Spa @ Copthorne, Merry Hill Dudley
Dudley's Imagine Spa, based at the Copthorne Hotel is great value for money. They offer a 25% discount on your first visit (just sign up to their newsletter online); they also have a number of offers available throughout the year. Whether it's just a girly few hours or a hen weekend or even relaxing couples time, Imagine has a number of packages to suite everyone; you can even create your own. They also have packages which include use of the leisure facilities, however the Copthorne's swimming pool is a little on the small side – let's call it intimate. Feel yourself letting go of all that stress in the sauna, steam room or in the comfort of the bubbling Jacuzzi, the gym is also available.
Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
Deep in the heart of rural Staffordshire, snuggled in the hills of The National Forest, a sense of calm and stillness waits. The grade II listed stately home retreat is set in 50 acres of quintessential English countryside. It pairs period style with modern luxury and attentive service. As you enter the estate through the turreted stone archway and the sweeping tree-lined drive, your cares will fall by the wayside and you're in store for a total change of pace. This unique sanctuary offers a friendly atmosphere where kicking off your shoes is expected and total relaxation is the order of the day. Hoar Cross Hall is centred on balancing the body and mind, restoring a sense of calm and promoting a general feeling of wellbeing.
Wolverhampton College Spa Academy, Bilston Wolverhampton
The Spa Academy is a fully operational, commercially run Spa which is open to paying clients. The facilities allow students to carry out specialised techniques in a commercial environment. They work five days a week till 9pm and at weekends until they get the taste for early morning, late nights and weekend work, which is what the industry requires. Because this is a student facility they are a lot cheaper, however make sure you book as appointments fill up quickly. You are giving students the chance to practice while being supervised to make sure they're doing it right. They offer a wide range of treatments so why not give it a go?
Miruji Health Spa, Shrewsbury
Based in the historic town of Shrewsbury, Miruji is a tranquil, peaceful haven. As well as relaxing massages they offer a beach experience and their very own Wellbeing chairs which have featured on Dragons Den and The Alan Titchmarsh show. Their unique beach experience takes you back to that wonderful feeling when you arrive on holiday and take that first step on to the beach. They have the finest, softest sand, palm trees, a beach bar, sounds of waves lapping against the shore, and of course a sun simulator which isn't a tanning product, but is used by the NHS and Harley Street professionals to treat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Who knew you'd find a beach in Shrewsbury!
Avalon Health and Beauty Spa, West Bromwich
Avalon has a range of treatments ranging from the holistic and alternative therapies to diamond dermabrasion and oxygen therapy. There is a chance to try sunless tanning which is a lot better for your skin and even provides you with Yin Yang treatments – this is formulated around Yin Yang's signature botanical protein, enriched with a number of vitamins, and essential oils, described as moisturising skin food. They also offer Oxygen Therapy which is perfect rejuvenation treatment for ageing skin and acne problems.
www.avalonhealthandbeautyspa.co.uk
Telford Golf and Spa Hotel, Telford
A spa break at the Telford Hotel and Golf Resort in Shropshire gives you the perfect opportunity to relax and be pampered in one of the six treatment rooms. As well as chilling out on the heated loungers, getting in the sauna or steam room, or just trying out one of the refreshing experience showers there is enough to strip all that stress away. There are refreshments on hand while you relax, especially if you've been swimming in the pool or worked out in the gym. Spend some quality time drifting into another world where the treatment menu is top quality. Try a rejuvenating facial to leave you with a youthful glow, or a relaxing massage and body treatment that will chill you out beyond imagination. If you're still awake enough to find your way to the thermal suite, you can then take advantage of even more relaxation. You can even play a round of golf if you fancy it.
The Lion Quays, Oswestry
This waterside resort is best known as a wedding venue, but boasts a luxurious individually designed experience. Their new-generation spa boasts top-class therapists, and comes complete with a snow cave and a 72-station Technogym. Nestled in Shropshire, near Oswestry and Chirk, there is fast access to well-connected major routes. The banks of the Llangollen Waterway are part of a lovely scenic location which is surprisingly affordable. The Spa won the Decleor's National Residential Spa of the Year in 2012 and was also a finalist in The Good Spa Awards. They have 12 candlelit treatment rooms, a 25m Grecian style swimming pool, warm hydrotherapy pool with powerful jets, and much more. Escape the hustle and bustle in this countryside hideaway.
At One Day Spa, Birmingham
At One is a tranquil, independent, family-run beauty, grooming & therapeutic spa. It is situated in the mezzanine rooms above the Great Western Arcade in Birmingham's City Centre. They have a team of friendly and professional therapists, who offer a huge range of treatments for men and women using high quality products in relaxing surroundings. They are easy to miss as they are quite small, but once you climb the stairs, the relaxation lounge and treatment rooms open out across the balcony level of the Arcade. The atmosphere is set with soothing music, natural scents and easy sofas. Although centred in a busy city it is easy to relax whether it's a mammoth beauty session or just a quick eyebrow wax.
By Jody Ball
