I
love a spa weekend and it seems a long while ago since Rebecca’s hen do at
Stratford Manor. I stumbled across the Lea Marston Hotel completely by chance,
on an advert as I was scrolling my Insta feed. There were a number of packages
and promotions but I was drawn to the Autumn Indulgence packaged, priced at
£149. Included was a two-course dinner and bottle of wine, overnight
accommodation and breakfast the following morning. No spa treatments (they
could be pre-booked with a 10% discount) but access to all the spa and leisure
facilities. The hotel was almost a halfway point between where we live and
where my best friend Gemma lives in Telford. I got it booked on the spot.
On
arrival, were able to check-in and go to our room immediately. We had a
superior room which was almost palatial, and the bed was so comfy. I don’t know
whether it was the plumpness of the pillow, the fact I was toddler-free for the
night or the copious cocktails I had consumed the night before, but I had the
best night’s sleep in ages... so much so, we didn’t get up in time for
breakfast! There were tea & coffee facilities (and biscuits!), an extra
large wardrobe to hang our clothes and the TV even had Sky! The bathroom was
beautiful and spacious too. We dumped our bags and went straight to the spa.
Unfortunately,
treatments with a therapist were fully booked, but there were three available
slots to have a mud rasul – priced at £65 for two people. We booked that for
5pm, but had no idea what to expect. With time to kill, we went to Bar 76 for
some fizz and a posh toastie. We shared the BBQ pulled pork sandwich and chips.
The lounge area was lovely, so comfortable with plush furnishings and BT Sport
Score was on the plasma screens.
After
a quick change and donning our robes (no slippers though), we made our way to
the spa. After filling in the standard health questionnaire, out therapist took
us to the room for our treatment and explained the procedure in more detail. We
had two different clay masks to apply – one for our face and one for our body –
before sitting in the steam room. It took about 10 minutes to warm up and when
it did, it wasn’t overly hot like a sauna, more comfortable. Once the steam had
fully filled the room, it was time for the rainforest shower and for us to
rinse off the clay, which for the most part had dried. Then there was a really
gorgeous salt scrub (one of my favourites and what I had planned on booking)
which he had to apply in circular movements, before rinsing off under the main
shower... my skin felt so lush and smooth afterwards.
Our
reservation for dinner was at 7:30pm, so enough time to crack open the
champagne while we got ready. Luckily, we had a mini fridge to keep it in all
afternoon. We ate the Brasserie and our waiter (who I think was called Curtis,
although that may have been the barman later) was friendly and helpful. He
offered us an aperitif and we ordered a round of pornstar martinis.
It
was a set menu and while we had a two-course meal on the offer, we could have
added a third course at a supplement, while some of the dishes incurred
additional supplements too. We both ordered steak – medium rare for me and medium
for Gemma – with peppercorn sauce. Both steaks were cooked too much for my
liking, but I also think I got the wrong one. It was nice enough and the chips
were good, especially when covered in lashings of peppercorn sauce! I think I
was way too excited for dessert – I honestly wanted it all! In the end, I
decided on the strawberry & tarragon tart with lemon sorbet, which was
exquisite – probably the nicest dessert I’d had in ages. Gemma had the cheese
plate.
After
dinner, it was back to the bar for a digestif and my after-dinner drink of
choice: an espresso martini. The barman told us all the deals, but
unfortunately the 2 for £7 gin & tonics were parma violet gins!
Like
I said, we missed breakfast, so I can’t comment on that. But we had a really
lovely stay. The staff were all pleasant and there was nothing that could be
faulted (maybe the lack of spa slippers). I would definitely return to the Lea
Marston for another weekend escape and take better advantage of the facilities.
On spa days, I’m usually a gym bunny but didn’t venture that way. We didn’t go
in the pool as we were told it was quite cold and we couldn’t get a look-in at
the Jacuzzi because of a family (with young kids). I’ll be sure to keep an eye on future offers.
Love,
Lucy xx
No comments
Post a Comment
Enjoyed this post? Let me know. Leave a comment, or find me on social!
Love, Lucy xx