Relaxing in a spa isn't just a job for the girls! Increasing numbers of guys are also opting for a bit of rest and relaxation in style...
hill Out: Featured Spas in Kent
Relaxing in a spa isn’t just a job for the girls! Increasing numbers of guys are also opting for a bit of rest and relaxation in style...
Aquamanda, Hempstead House Hotel, SittingbourneThis relatively new spa is the brainchild of hotel owner Mandy Holdstock. The dimly lit pool, Jacuzzi and hydrotherapy area are a tranquil escape and the sauna and steam room are adequately sized.
Treatment rooms are upstairs, together with a relaxation room. We tested out the dual-treatment room and were wrapped in clingfilm for the Green coffee anti-cellulite wrap (�50) and the Aromatic Moor mud wrap (�50), which both gave impressive results.
The verdict:Ambience: Modern luxury spaTreatments: Wide range using luxury Pevonia productsPrice: Spa day from �50, treatments from �30. Stay overnight in the adjacent Hempstead Hotel for additional costOverall experience: Great day spa with treatments that deliver results
Tor Spa, Ickham, near CanterburyThis quirky, family run spa in the depths of the Kentish countryside is more of a unique retreat where treatments are based on Ayurvedic practices, which follow ancient Indian traditions.
While the pool and steam/sauna facilities aren’t huge, the relaxation areas are private and comfortable, and vegetarian Indian food is served for lunch around a huge table, providing a chance to get to know your fellow guests.
I had an Abhyanga full-body massage (�50), delivered by a member of staff who spa founder Kim Clague poached from an Indian spa retreat! It transported me to the Indian sub continent and culminated in a session in the steam cabinet. The detox effects were incredible, and lasting.
The verdict:Ambience: A relaxing oasisTreatments: Wide range of alternative treatments Price: Spa day from �65, treatments from �50. For an overnight stay add another �70.Overall experience: Incredible, well worth a try for a unique spa experience.
Wallett’s Court, near DoverSet high on the White Cliffs, this is the spa of choice if you want to make a real experience of it, with cabin-style treatment rooms set in the lovely grounds. I enjoyed a Ren problem skin facial treatment (�50) which left my skin glowing and included a bit of Reiki. Also worth a try is a Hydrotherm transformational massage from Ben Barnett (�75), which includes guided meditation and a massage on a dry bed of water.
The verdict:Ambience: Superb – unlike any other spa experience you’ll ever haveTreatments: Good range of affordable treatmentsPrice: Spa day from �79 including a 30-minute treatment, treatments from �30. Overnight spa breaks are from �140 including dinner, B&B and a 30-minute treatment.Overall experience: Combine it with an overnight stay in a tipi for true bliss.
Tor Spa, Ickham near Canterbury - 01227 728500
Walletts Court, St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Dover - 01304 852424
Aquamanda, Bapchild, Sittingbourne - 01795 518590
