 If the first quarter of the year has passed you by in a mist of FSA returns, I know just the place to un-wind, even if it’s just for one day. Located less an one hour outside of central London, Traveling Actuary Eve Hartridge reviews The Pennyhill Park Spa.
Built a little over five years ago, The Spa at Surrey's five star luxury hotel- The Pennyhill Park, is simply magnificent. Located just a short walk from the main hotel you find 45,000 square feet of pure relaxation and self indulgence, it really is a three storey sanctuary of well- being. The Spa has been nominated and won many prestigious awards since opening and I believe is still in the top 20 best spas in the world.
Many beautiful hotels that I visit claim to have a spa and by this I mean they have a pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and gym which equals “spa”. The Pennyhill Park is simply in a different league with 21 treatment rooms, eight indoor and outdoor pools, a fully equipped techno- gym, tennis courts and a 9 hole golf course, I wonder if 24 hours is long enough!
On arrival at the spa you are shown to the extremely spacious and cool changing rooms. The air conditioning is just at the right setting, rainforest showers are standard, the lockers are more like wardrobes and with fresh fruit, water and a number of comfortable day beds this is one changing room you won’t be rushing to get out of; I have never experienced anything like it. Take the lift down to the blue ballroom swimming pool where you can enjoy underwater music as you swim or indulge in some hydrotherapy. The tepidarium (headed ceramic daybeds) are also fantastic and the perfect way to relax away any back aches or pains. If you indulge in some treatments the Kodo massages come highly recommended as does the Chakra facial. On the treatment floor there are a number of relaxation suites complete with heated waterbeds- beware it is very easy to fall asleep here!
If relaxation isn’t the plan of the day, enjoy the perfect climate of the gym. Once again the facilities are excellent and I can’t image that anyone needs to wait their turn to use a piece of equipment. The gym is perfectly temperate and personal training is available by prior arrangement. Tennis and swimming lessons can also be pre-booked.
In the Spa there is the Themis Restaurant offering some delicious healthy meals and a smoothie menu to die for, The other alternative is the hotel’s Michelin starred Latymer Restaurant which is simply stunning but likely to be counter productive to any good work done earlier in the day at The Spa!
www.thespa.uk.com and www.pennyhillpark.co.uk
Check out the Spa website for special offers and seasonal treats.
Footnote- With thanks to Louis Manson at Star Actuarial Futures for his input(!!)
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