Saturday

Good morning.

Well, spas have not so far been part of my life-experience/world but they are now and it was great!

This spa is set out in the country as part of a health and fitness 'resort' not too far from both Colchester and Malden (sort of coast!) and has acres and acres of ground set out as a gold course and woodland walks.

It has a gym room with lots of machines (which I didn't use this time), a rather nice pool (which I did), with pool-side recliners, a sociable seating area and the usual jacuzzi bubble thing, sauna, etc, two relaxation rooms, one of which is pretty dark and is for sleeping and the other a bit brighter where poeple can chatter plus a lot of treatment rooms, a shop and an eating area.  Also a grill, bars, a restaurant and lots and lots of space.

We arrived, went in, registered and there was coffee and 'pastries' waiting for us.  Then we grabbed a towelling robe, towel and slippers and changed (most people have swimwear underneath, I gather) before starting the fun.

It was all very laid back and slow, lots of chat and laughter.  I had a lovely swim in the pool and then a facial (VERY nice and part of the package) before lunch which was afternoon tea style, starting with a glass of bubbly (well, prosecco) and going on to sandwiches, cakes and tea or coffee.  I'm afraid Slimming World didn't get a look in but I really noticed the sugar hit, given that I don't usually have very much nowadays.

After lunch (which took about an hour and a half with all the chat and a raffle to draw), I went to the relaxation room and snuggled down with my kindle.  I may possibly have dropped off for a little while too, as did everyone else in the room! 

Yes, that is a bed in the relaxation room and no, I didn't as the sofas were very comfy.  I couldn't get a photo of the whole pool because there were people in shot but you get the idea.

The whole place had this piped going-nowhere soothing sort of music all flutes, pan pipes and harp, the sort of thing that you are aware of but that is totally non-intrusive and designed to relax and chill.

As a way to spend a soaking wet, pouring with rain day, I can thoroughly recommend it and I will be going back again at some point, maybe with an overnight stay which would give me two whole days of spa and a chance for a few walks too, weather permitting.

Once home, I was utterly shattered but, as is often the way, haven't slept all that well.  Too much going on in my head, I expect.  Tonight should be a different matter altogether!  I'll be at Dad's and we will have dined at the Millstream.
Talk about living the good life, eh?

The cost of the day had a £10 extra charge which was a donation to Kids Inspire and, with the raffle, we managed to raise over £500, which is great and makes one feel less guilty about all that self-indulgence.
Looking forward to the next Lindsey organised one now (booked for October)

Back to normal blog things tomorrow!  xx