SUE BRADBURY visits a new spa at an iconic North Devon hotel which takes visiting there to another level
Life for many of us is a frenzied, stressed-out rush. Which is why taking time to stop, escape and indulge in pure, unadulterated me-time is something to be treasured.
And there are few places more likely to re-charge your batteries than the brand-new Source spa and wellness centre at the luxurious Saunton Sands Hotel in North Devon.
Spanning three floors, Source has been specifically designed to make the most of the magnificent, unrivalled views of the vast expanse of beach and sea below. It’s a breath-taking experience and one which undoubtedly sets the spa apart.
“People are living longer but often in poorer health thanks to all the stresses and strains most of us confront on a daily basis,” said director Peter Brend Jnr.
“Our aim was therefore to create an experience that blends our incredible location with the very best treatments available. It’s a calm, beautiful space that reflects our magnificent surroundings.”
The ground floor comprises a lounge where clients first ease themselves into relaxation with a drink from the well-stocked bar (trying one of the four very healthy smoothie shots comes well recommended), an indoor heated pool (good-sized, with plenty of natural light) and a gym (full of state-of-the-art equipment to help keep you fit).
Then there is a thermal suite which comes complete with a salt inhalation steam room, a Finnish aroma sauna, a contrast shower and a marine vitality pool that you’ll probably never want to get out of.
Why? Because it’s positioned right next to a huge window overlooking Saunton Sands beach. The bubbles automatically turn on as you step in – requiring only the effort of lying back whilst the warm water, gentle pummelling and fabulous seascape perform their therapeutic magic.
When you do emerge there’s an ice fountain available. If that seems counter-intuitive when you’re feeling all mellow and toasty, it’s because the sudden contrast between heat and cold is said to help you live longer.
There are six large treatment rooms on level two of the spa, the biggest being a double that enjoys another epic vista.
There are a variety of products to choose from, including Source’s own natural brand, IS Clinical, Kerstin Florien and, for mums-to-be, basq NYC – an award-winning pregnancy skincare range popular with celebrities.
The relaxation room on the top floor of Source is the perfect way to end a spa journey. Comfortably plush beds in the lounge or on the sun deck face the ever-changing ocean, offering more mindful, tranquil moments of serenity.
We’ve teamed up with Saunton Sands Hotel to offer one lucky Devon Life reader the chance to experience the benefits of Source for themselves.
The prize includes a two-night midweek stay for two people in a cosy room, full use of the hotel’s facilities, full continental or English breakfast, access to daily fitness classes, 1½ hours of thermal suite use each day and a 60-minute Source treatment each.
To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question:
How many varieties of healthy smoothie shots are available in the bar at Source?
E-mail your answer, with Saunton Sands Hotel in the subject heading, to competitions@devonlife.co.uk 9am on 13 March. Please make sure you include your name, address and daytime telephone number. The prize has to be a midweek stay and is subject to availability. Devon Life’s normal terms and conditions, which can be found on our home page, also apply.
The winner of our January competition for a stay at Bayard’s Cove Hotel was Angela Taylor.
