Some people enjoy pottery classes on a Thursday evening, some like sweltering hikes across grassy hilltops and some really couldn't think of anything better than curling up on the sofa watching the latest season of You. Though I am a big fan of the latter, I also should be endorsed on LinkedIn for really enjoying a spa weekend. Honestly, all I need is an ample sauna, a steamy steam room and an extra, extra fluffy robe and I am golden.
So when I was invited to reviewThe Spa at Ardencotein the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, I excitedly scrolled through a plethora of Insta-worthy photos online showcasing the very boujee spa. The outdoor hot tub! The scenic saunas! The brand-new treatment menu! Reader, I knew I was about to be in my element.
So I took my keen and willing boyfriend along for a stay at The Spa at Ardencote and here is what we thought.
An overview
It's a new £1.1m purpose-built thermal spa, situated in a 4-star country house hotel. It's great value (starting at £55 PP for a half day) and has incredible countryside views - perfect for anyone hankering after a much-needed break from the city. Or just life in general.
One breakout star from the hotel was definitely the onsite restaurant - the Brasserie. At lunch, I tucked into a halloumi salad which looked and tasted out of this world. For dinner, we dined on posh, yet generously-sized risottos, steaks and chocolate tarts and we couldn't believe how incredible everything tasted, we were truly in our element. Hats off to award-winning Chef, Ian Buckle who designed the menu and pledged to use sourced ingredients wherever possible from local farms and traders.
If you're staying overnight, the hotel has 40 bedrooms surrounded by the gorgeous Warwickshire countryside. There is a large state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts, squash courts and a dance studio offering pilates, yoga and aerobics. We felt very looked after during our stay and the staff was very welcoming.
The spa facilities
Whilst the hotel itself is modest and easy-going with all the usual amenities, the Spa at Ardencote is next-level fancy.
When we arrived, we were handed fluffy robes and slippers from reception and given a recommended itinerary of rain showers, steam rooms, foot baths and saunas to ensure the maximum amount of benefits. The spa was surprisingly luxe and modern and a definite highlight was clinking a cold prosecco in the outdoor hot tub.
Then I had possibly the best facial of my life. It was the ELEMIS Pro Glow Resurface Facial and I've never looked as glowy or refreshed as I did walking out of the treatment room.
All in all, definitely one of my top five spa stays (ever!) and the perfect for your next staycation with your mum or partner.
For more information about The Spa at Ardencote, visit their website here.