Set amongst 123 acres of sprawling Surrey countryside, parkland and pine forests, Pennyhill Park is a beautiful 18th Century manor house, golf course, and huge, state-of-the-art spa (at 45,000 square feet it's one of the largest in Europe).
As I approach the beautiful ivy-clad manor house I have some reservations; large can be impressive but it can also feel impersonal...
Thankfully I'm VERY pleasantly surprised - a roaring fire, flickering candles and huge fragrant floral displays create a cosy, welcoming ambience, and the incredibly friendly staff bring a charming personal touch.
Efficiently checked in to my room I venture out to my secluded terrace. Mesmerized by the rolling hills, woodland and strong scent of rosemary below I find it hard to believe that I'm less than an hour away from London, and just five minutes from the bustling town of Bagshot. I feel like I'm in a secret hidden oasis of calm, a haven of relaxation. A million fantasy miles away from the nearby stress of city life.
The Room: Lytham St Annes, a large contemporary style suite, with a cosy lounge area and French doors to a private terrace overlooking the golf course and countryside beyond. Facilities include: Flat Screen TV, mini bar with Nespresso machine, 'light therapy' bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, a wonderful monsoon multi-jet shower and Pennyhill Park own brand products. There's a turn down service with mini aroma products and relaxing pillow spray.
The Spa: The state-of-the-art Spa at Pennyhill Park is housed in a large modern building down a short stroll down the hill, from the manor house. Outside there's a heated swimming pool and deck with luxe-loungers, a bbq area and bar and four impressive outdoor hydro-jet pools surrounded by manicured lawns and pretty gardens.
Facilities include: Romanesque multi-jet rain showers. A vast hydro-therapy and aroma-thermal circuit. A 'Ballroom Pool' with underwater music, herbal aroma steam and sauna rooms, scattered foot spas and a nail bar. There are 21 single and double treatment rooms and various relaxation rooms with heated and gel beds serving fruit and herbal teas.
Spa Products: Pennyhill Parks' wonderful own brand products using local ingredients, such as honey from their own bee hives, and rosemary and lavender from the estate.
The Treatment: The Spa Aromatherapy Massage begins with a consultation and selection of aroma oils. There's a choice of aromatherapy blends from Pennyhill's Organic Range, including an uplifting scent of rosemary & citrus or relaxing jasmine & frankincense. A deep relaxation inhalation is followed by a fully body massage concentrating on problem areas and using the warm oils to work away tension. A pressure point head massage completes the treatment.
Other Treatments Include: Herbal Cocoon, the treatment is designed to reduce fluid retention, invigorate circulation and shift toxins. A warm, kaolin clay body wrap infused with ho leaf, geranium, may chang, peppermint and lemon is followed by an invigorating shower, then an application of a circulation boosting serum.
To Eat: The Latymer for two Michelin starred fine dining, headed by celebrity chef Michael Wignall. Try the incredible tasting menu featuring an exotic egg! Thermis spa café for salads, juices and healthy snacks. Afternoon tea is served in the main bar.
Activities Located near Sunningdale and Wentworth Golf Clubs, Ascot Racecourse and Windsor Great Park, the hotel has its own rugby and football pitch, a nine-hole golf course, archery, clay pigeon shooting and walking trails around the grounds.
The Deal: Autumn Spa Break: A luxury overnight stay including English breakfast, £25 per person towards dinner in the Brasserie (excluding beverages), full access to The Spa and a revitalising one hour treatment per person.
From £220 per person (based on two people sharing)
Available Sunday - Friday until 31 March 2014, all bookings are subject to availability.
Access to the Spa is available from 12pm on the day of your arrival.
Don't Miss: A full day using the spa facilities to the max! A stroll through the pine trees in adjacent Swinley forest.