Count yourselves lucky Hampshire readers, because our beloved county is home to some of the best Spa’s in the country! Laura Lewis shares the latest updates from our favourites to help you pick

AWARD WINNERS

SenSpa’s very own Sarah Soffe won the Therapist of the Year award 2014! We asked her how SenSpa have helped her achieve this amazing accolade.

“SenSpa have given me the experience to be the best I can by performing treatments of such a high standard”, said Sarah, “they have also given me opportunities to further my training such as management NVQs, retail qualifications and in the treatments we offer. Progression within the spa environment is always encouraged, going from a therapist to senior therapist, and being involved with more of the management side of the industry.” So, what is Sarah’s top beauty tip?

“Moisturise! Moisture is the key to delaying the ageing process, keeping your skin hydrated on the outside so moistening twice a day using the correct moisturiser for your skin type and from the inside by drinking plenty of water. When you are applying your moisturiser massage it in using upward motions to help lift and firm your skin.”

Multi-award winning SenSpa have also introduced KORE Therapy to their extensive treatment menu. This makes them one of very few Spas in the UK to offer this particular therapy, which uses a range of diagnostic aspects alongside muscles testing, before the appropriate therapies are given to alleviate issues raised. You can now also find SenSpa’s fantastic range of Body Therapy products exclusively in Waitrose stores around the UK from £5.95.

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OUR TOP 4

SenSpa at Carey’s Manor

SenSpa offers a true Spa experience, with a range of Thai themed thermal relaxation rooms– it’s everything a traditional Spa should be. Take yourself through the full experience and find yourself blissfully relaxed and detoxified. The food is out of this world, and completes the true Thai sensation. Call 01590 624467 to book.

Four Seasons Hampshire

Unparalleled luxury greets you from the start and the sophisticated design complements the style of the surroundings. Unrivalled treatments await, with top class therapists and luxurious treatments rooms. Call 01252 853000 to book.

Herb House Spa at Limewood

Health and wellbeing is a top priority here, and is reflected in everything from the award winning Raw and Cured food bar, to the herb infused rooftop garden. Be at one with nature and fill every sense with the finest herbs and aromatherapy oils. Call 02380 287177 to book.

Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa

Nestled between the New Forest and the coastline, Chewton Glen offers traditional luxury, surrounded by the beautiful Tromp L’oeil that sets the hotel apart from other Spa’s. Combine this with a welcoming vibe, and a wide variety of treatments and you’ve got unadulterated relaxation at its best. Call 01425 275341 to book.

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A NEW SPA FOR BOTLEIGH GRANGE

The Spa at Botleigh Grange has undergone a transformation over the last year, with a brand new name and redecoration throughout. The new name, Shambhala, is a mythical Kingdom, hidden deep in Inner Asia. Ancient texts mention the name and it is believed to be the inspiration for the fictional place of Shrangi-La described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton. ‘Shambhala’ also evokes that exoticism of the orient and the east, a theme that is incorporated into the Spa. Days start from £79 per person including treatments and lunch.

Call 01489 787700 to book.

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FACIALS

Save - For utmost nourishment, protection and hydration discover Willow’s Signature facial with the No. 1 anti-ageing ingredient Barbary Fig. This facial is designed to renew skin texture, plump out wrinkles and fine lines and promote cell regeneration with antioxidants to fight free-radicals - the fundamental cause of ageing. Your skin will look brighter, rejuvenated and feel refreshed.

75 minutes, £89 at Senspa, Careys Manor

Splurge - This exclusive facial treatment acts on a multi-dimensional level using Swiss cosmeceuticals to target signs of aging. It visibly lifts and improves the skin firmness while promoting cellular renewal. It combines the most innovative rejuvenating treatments to remodel the face contour while smoothing away wrinkles.

60 Minutes, £720 at Four Seasons Hampshire

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WELLNESS

Senior Spa Director for Europe and Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, Maria Hererra tells us what ‘Wellness’ means to her.

“Wellness is not just about being pampered for a day, but instead it is about focusing on giving your body what it needs to function at an optimum level. Spas are a key part of this process and the key focus of the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire; where I have made sure that every sense is taken care of by incorporating specific ingredients, techniques and therapies that can soothe, revitalise and improve your overall sense of wellbeing.”

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HEALTHY EATING

The Raw & Cured food bar at Limewood’s Herb House Spa is now open to the general public after being awarded the ‘Best Spa/Gym Restaurant’ in the UK by Tatler magazine. With the help of Lime Wood’s Chairman Robin Hutson, healthy eating guru Sheila Hulme founded Raw & Cured and is still the creative force behind the menus, which include Mexican nut wraps and home cured produce. Despite nearing its four year anniversary, Raw & Cured is still very much unique. There is certainly nothing that matches its healthy vigour in London.

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POOL SIDE

Tylney Hall Health Suite’s outdoor pool, which was closed for the winter season, re-opens this month ready for summer. Some notable features of the pool are that it has been voted both ‘One of the Coolest Pools in Britain’ by The Times and also ‘one of the best outdoor pools in the UK’ by The Telegraph. Book in now on 01256 764881.