A Slice of Heaven at Eden Hall Day Spa

My Mum and I set out on a sunny spring morning in April en route to the glorious Eden Hall Day Spa. A luxurious day of relaxation and pampering lay ahead of us, the pure notion making me decidedly mellow days before hand!

We are old hands at Eden Hall, treating ourselves to a couple of trips each year. Time seems to stand still every time you visit this marvelous spa; upon entering you are transported into an oasis of calm and tranquility. The moment that dressing gown and slippers are put on the stresses of everyday life always seem to just melt away! Yet this visit was set to be mine and Mums most special yet, the first time that I was going as a pregnant lady; 3 generations all at one of our favourite places...well ok, 2 ½!

Welcomed by the professional staff and the lovely Lucie on reception we were given our itineraries for the day and made our way to get changed. Once robed up we made our way for some breakfast in the light and airy conservatory. Full of ladies, chatting and with a smell of toast and coffee in the air we pulled up a comfy pew, kicked off our slippers and ordered buttered teacakes and smoothies, promptly putting the world to rights, a delicious start to any girly day!

We both had treatments planned in the day, Mum’s being a head, shoulder and neck massage (a creature of habit she has it every time and swears it is the best!) Mine however was completely out of the norm and especially for me and my growing baby bump! Being 24 weeks pregnant I was excited to find that I was able to book the specially created ‘Little Butterfly’ treatment designed solely for expectant mothers in their second and third trimester. Other than watching what I have been eating and lathering myself up in anti stretch mark oil I haven’t done much for myself so this was my idea of a little bit of heaven, an indulgence lasting 85 minutes no less!!

My therapist Chloe went through all that she would be doing during the treatment and explained the ingredients within the Little Butterfly oil that she would be using and then left me to get ready. I lay on my side with a long maternity pillow for me to cradle to make sure I was comfortable and then Chloe expertly massaged my back, legs, feet, head, neck, shoulders and lastly my bump which was positively divine, I even had the seal of approval from baby who gave me a few kicks, I think we may have woken her up! I of course have had the odd aches in my lower back as baby gets heavier so this wonderful massage was such a relief and days on I still feel refreshed from it! A bonus at the end of the treatment is that you get to keep the Little Butterfly Mother and Baby oil which I have been using since the day.

Following our treatments we met up in the post treatment room, a private conservatory area equipped with recliners, throws and on the day with lots of gorgeous sunshine streaming through the windows, a real suntrap! The feeling of relaxation in this area is always overwhelming to me and being a person who struggles to switch off and unwind I am always practically asleep within minutes of reaching this room which is pretty impressive; this day was no exception for either of us, the only thing that finally prised us from our resting position was the mere thought of The Seventh Heaven Restaurant which beckoned!

After a quick refresh we made our way for lunch, if you have been to other spas before you may be expecting a cafe style environment but you might be amazed to find instead a restaurant environment spread across the top floor of Eden Hall. With dining areas set into alcoves and original rooms complete with studded ceilings from the old house the mood is set for something a little more special than just sandwiches or a jacket potato! In fact a 3 course menu with plenty of delicious options is available as well as a fabulous salad bar for you to peruse and indulge in which sees the likes of whole poached salmon and every salad known to man calling to you! All healthy, we stacked our bowls with green bean and potato salad, smoked salmon and homemade bread amongst other gorgeous delights..a little overindulgence never killed anyone and as I was eating for two I had my excuse primed and ready!

We toasted our perfect day out with a glass of wine (for Mum) and a fruit juice for me and then sat back relaxed and awaited our meal. We both had decided on a goats cheese and fig salad to start with followed by a gorgeous butternut squash risotto. We rounded off the meal with an apple and blackberry crumble and an Eaton mess. The menu and presentation of the food is worthy of any restaurant plus the service from the staff is great, they just couldn’t do more to help. The only difference is you may not sit in a classy restaurant in your dressing gown I guess! 

The afternoon lay ahead of us and after a brief lie down in one of the hanging relaxation domes in the sedate and stunningly refurbished slumber lounge we took a stroll around the beautiful grounds and lakeside garden and then made our way to the main vitality pool where we kicked back once more and explored the various spa rooms such as the steam room, saunarium and sauna. Being pregnant I had been advised which rooms I could go in and ones that were a no no which was really helpful. The pool area and outdoor element to the pool on this sunny spring day was where we found ourselves for most of the afternoon, more basking in the sunshine than swimming was going on, quite apt really as after lunch I looked decidedly like a beached whale anyway! Of course for the more active amongst us there is a gym and a daily full class programme but for those of us, like my Mum and I, happy to relax in our own company you might want to give this a swerve in favour of a frothy latte and huge slab of cake!

As our day finally came to an end we showered and changed and took up a final spot in the afternoon sun on the conservatory terrace with a well earned ice cream. The day just couldn’t have been any better, this place has it all from the stunning backdrop of the 19^th century house, friendly super knowledgeable staff to the fabulous treatments, spa area and of course the heavenly food! Our praise of Eden Hall should give any of you reading this just cause to go ahead and book your spa day right away, you won’t be disappointed!

For more information on your perfect spa day at Eden Hall please visit their website: http://www.edenspa.co.uk/