Myself and my partner booked a day at the Eden Day Spa adjoining Hoar Cross Hall hotel on the 28th May 07. We were originally planning to spend the day at the Thermae Spa in Bath until we called a couple of weeks before and they couldn't book us in for any treatments - this was very lucky on our part and I am so glad it turned out the way it did!
Location ******************** Located in a small village called Yoxall. Coming from Birmingham, you join the A38 North towards Lichfield and Derby. It is about 55 minutes away. Take the B5016 off the A38 at Barton Under Needwood and follow the sign posts. A sat nav is very handy indeed.
When you arrive in the grounds, you will notice Hoar Cross Hall on your left, the Eden Day Spa is located on the right hand side of the hotel, the reception of which is clearly signposted within the grounds.
Arrival ******************** On arrival, there was a lovely man who greeted us when we arrive around 10am, who showed us where to go. The girls at reception were very friendly and helpful. They explained how the spa works, gave us a couple of cards with our locker numbers on, which in turn would be used to pay for items throughout the day. Makes it easier to carry about a card then cash or credit.
Changing
Rooms ******************** The ladies changing rooms were beautiful. They had an area by the doors set out with mirrors and hairdryers, around 30-40. The changin room area is set out around a circle, with locker numbers clearly stated in signs. Each locker area consists of about 50 lockers and 2 changing cubicles and some toilets.
Your locker was keypad operated, on the back of you card, the instructions on how to program your number was included. Not having to pin a key to your swimming costume was brilliant.
Your locker contained a hand towel, bath towel, robe, a book written by the founder, a map of the spa and your timetable. Any treatments you booked and your lunch would be clearly marked, enabling you to book other treatments and activities around them if required.
On arrival, most people are relaxed. They change into their swimming costume and robe or their fitness clothing. Everything is so relaxed.
The day spa is not big, it is easy to navigate, especially with the help of the map you get and the staff are always there if you need to ask a question. On the other hand, there is a sofa seating area in the main reception, were you can meet a staff member and they will take you on a guided tour. This is useful if you have never been before and it only takes about 10 minutes.
Activities / Facilities ******************** Throughout the day, there is a number of treatments you can book from facials, massages, body care and also personal care (waxing, hair care etc). You are advised to book any treatments you require before you arrive, however, you can book the odd treatment once you get there. Your timetable should include any treatments you have already booked.
There is also an activities booking area where they have many classes throughout the day, in which 2 are included on your base tariff. Each one after that costs £3.00. The types of activities you can undertake are Pilates, Tai-Chi, Yoga, Salsa, Bums and Tums, Intermediate muscle toning and body combat. These are likely to change at the discretion of the organisers. Included in your activities allowance (weather permitting) is a 1/2 hour introductory golf lesson. You can also take Archery as one of your activities, but you must ask at the activity reception.
We booked the Pilates and the Tai-Chi, it was great to be able to try something new.
You also had full access to the Fitness Suite, which included all the usual equipment - running machines, rowing machines, elliptical trainers etc. You also had access to a personal trainer if required. Also, the gym reception could also set you up the table tennis table if you fancied hitting a few balls.
The Swimming pool area was accessed through the changing rooms. It was very clean and tidy, with hangers for your robes and storage units for you flip flops and towels. The swimming pool included 2 jacuzzis, a relaxing dark cave area and some massage vents. The area also housed an Aqua Massage Centre, which consisted of body jets, feet massages, back massages and the cold water plunge pool. The Detox Centre provided you with the Saunarium, Sauna, Steam Room and other massage jets. On the wall in both these areas, was an instruction notice, telling you how to get the best out of both the areas, by suggesting which order to undertake the treatments in.
There is also plenty of loungers placed around the pool area for those who wish to relax with a good book or just to sleep!
You also have access to an atrium area with sofa's and bean bags, used to sit and relax while reading a paper or, like some guests, sleep. It is a popular past time at the Eden Day spa, it is so relaxing you could fall asleep.
There is also a cafe, serving free tea and coffee until 4pm. It also serves soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and sandwiches if you wish to snack during the day.
Shop ******************** There is a shop selling all the treatments used, allowing you to purchase souveniers. They are pricey, but there is no pressure to buy. After a treatment, the therapist will give you a prescription, allowing you to easily pick out the products in the shop.
Lunch ******************** Lunch is served in the Seventh Heaven restaurant, adjacent to the atrium area and the main reception. You are entitiled under the basic price to a 3 course lunch. The lunch has about 3-4 options per starter, main and dessert (including a vegeterian option). Also, included is a buffet style area where you can eat as much as you like. It consists of salads, sauces, chutneys, fish and also hot food. The only thing you have to pay for on top is what you drink, and you are allowed to be served one glass of wine per person only. The service in the restaurant was swift, but smooth. Be aware that when booking other activities around lunch that you leave yourself at least 1 hour. You don't realise the time going by when you are so relaxed.
Cost ********************* What you have all been waiting for.......something this good must cost a fortune-right?
Well, Yes and No. I paid £60 for basic access each to the facilities, inclusive of the 2 activities, golf lesson and the 3 course lunch. The usual price is £69 for the basic (keep an eye on their website for deals - www.edenspa.co.uk)
The indian head massage my partner had was around £35 for 30 minutes and my Thalgo re-balancing facial was £42 for 50 minutes. Treatments cost from around £10 for an eyebrow reshape, to £30 to £100+ for other relaxing treatments.
In my opinion the benefits and relaxation from the day, outweighed all the costs. Our full day cost us around £201 and it was well worth it.
I would recommend this spa to anyone. It was relaxing, friendly and not at all rushed. You take your time and to arrive and 10am and leave by 6pm, you get a full 8 hours relaxation you would not got at home!
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Jun 5th, 2007
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