Looking for some down time in the build up to the big day or need some health and beauty solutions? Petra Hornsby discovers how Clarice House in Colchester has the answers
On average, it takes 18 months to plan a wedding and it seems that this amount of time really is needed.
No sooner has the proposal been accepted than lists of choices and decisions to be made are drawn up with plenty of work to do. Planning a dream wedding often falls on the shoulders of the bride and, as the big day draws closer, stress — even for the most organised bride — can become an issue.
Colchester’s Clarice House is a health club and luxury day spa that offers some perfect pampering and de-stressing solutions just tailor-made for the bride and her ‘support team’. For example, A Touch of Bliss or the Sheer Bliss Day packages are ideal, not only for the bride, but also as a great option for a Hen Day. Both packages include at least one beauty treatment, plus full use of the swimming pool, spa bath and sauna and steam rooms.
Relaxing and luxuriating can stimulate something of an appetite and a choice of lunch, afternoon tea or dinner is available as part of the package. Additional treatments can be added and there is an extensive menu of tempting facials, body wraps and massages to choose from. Using the finest ingredients from top European skin care house Germaine de Capuccini, the Clarice House team of highly-trained therapists will work their magic and give their advice on skin care leading up to the special day.
The Sheer Bliss package comprises a Germaine de Capuccini spa, a 60-minute facial and an aromatic full body massage. As well as the use of the swimming pool, spa bath and sauna and steam rooms, a two-course lunch (starter and main) and an express manicure and pedicure complete the selection of treats.
Looking her best is paramount for every bride and with the body massaged and relaxed, the face exfoliated, smoothed and glowing then attention is turned to the finishing touches. The Clarice House Spa offers a full range of waxing treatments and any bride wanting a healthy tan to complete her look can book a full body tan closer to the big day.
And the men are not excluded; if the groom needs grooming, then Clarice House Spa provides a range of treatments that include a classic facial, fitness massage and silk scalp therapy, waxing, pedicures and eyebrow shaping.
Many couples use their wedding date as an incentive to get into better shape and the Health Club at Clarice House has a fully equipped and air conditioned gym. By joining the club, help is on hand from fully-trained fitness advisors who can devise a bespoke programme of exercise and advice. Membership also includes access to the pool, group exercise classes and the facilities offered by the Day Spa.
Clarice House Colchester even makes a great wedding venue. Set in acres of beautiful parkland, it offers bespoke luxury wedding packages to suit the needs and wishes of the happy couple. The Clarice House lounge is transformed into a fabulous ceremony room with seating for up to 45 guests. Ceremonies can be booked for the afternoon (before 5.30pm) and after 6pm for an evening celebration. For both, there is a large choice of options for the wedding breakfast. More formal dining is available for up to 60 seated guests and an informal buffet, barbecue or hog roast can cater for up 150 guests. On arrival, guests are welcomed with drinks and delicious canapés if desired.
Once the feast is over, let the party begin! Clarice House is happy to accommodate any entertainment plans, from a casino to a live band or a simple disco to play favourite celebratory tunes and, of course, the music selected for that all-important first dance!
For more information please visit www.claricehouse.co.uk or call 01206 734301
