A Tale of Two Spas
Not just one but two lovely spas in one modern hotel on the banks of the River Thames in Surrey – a super smart main spa and a secluded private retreat. Val Reynolds Brown experiences both spas on a Crystals and Champagne break.
It was easy to relax and chill out in the darkened room, with soothing music, gentle aromas and competent hands massaging my weary body. It was quite companionable as my colleague was on a treatment couch just feet away. We didn’t speak to each other, but it felt good.
I was in the private Aquitaine spa at the runnymede-on-thames at Egham in Surrey. Having battled through the M25 traffic with the aid of my trusty sat nav, I welcomed the chance to try a Crystals and Champagne spa break. After a particularly trying week at work, I was pleasantly surprised at the peace and quiet.
Our group of six had booked into the Aquitaine spa (named after Eleanor Aquitaine, mother of King John, who signed the Magna Carta in the famous fields opposite the hotel) with a member of staff assigned to look after us. This is a completely private area separated from the main spa and gym areas by a flight of stairs and accessed with pass codes – absolutely ideal for private parties of up to eight people. There is a beautiful chill-out room with comfortable seating, a TV and DVD player, a private treatment area for two people at a time, a massage chair and an exclusive changing room with lockers, two large shower rooms and lots of fluffy towels and toiletries. The facilities of the main spa upstairs were ours to enjoy too, so it was seldom that we were all in the room at the same time. Meals and refreshments can be served in the Aquitaine spa – so it is a perfect retreat venue, ideal for a group wanting to spend time meditating, doing yoga or simply being silent and quiet together –there is absolutely no extraneous sound. However, if your spa break includes an overnight stay your room would be in the hotel itself.
The main spa is designed around a large and airy 18-metre heated swimming pool, with whirlpool bath, saunas, eucalyptus steam room, children’s pool, high standard treatment rooms, spacious Techno gym and a dance studio offering a range of classes. There are pleasant seated areas for relaxation and an attractive dining room. The food was excellent, imaginative, well displayed and light.
My soothing Crystal facial treatment included a neck, back and shoulders massage using hot stones and a choice of oils – I opted for an invigorating one! The facial began with an in-depth skin analysis to identify any problems and included a deeply relaxing lymphatic drainage massage using rose quartz crystals to hydrate and revitalise. The final head massage was excellent. ESPA products were used throughout and I felt thoroughly pampered having a coordinated massage that lasted well over an hour.
From the moment you step through the revolving door, the runnymede-on-thames feels like a luxury hotel and the service, decor and facilities are all of a high standard. It's also a family hotel with a few rules to please those of us wanting to be childfree. For instance, at 12 noon children have to leave the spa. They are then allowed to return between 3 and 5 pm.
With easy access from the M25 and Heathrow, the runnymede-on-thames is conveniently located for travellers wanting a stopover between flights as well as those looking for a short break that combines historic sightseeing with a gorgeous spa experience.
The runnymede-on-thames, Windsor Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 0AG
www.therunnymede.co.uk Tel: 01784 220960
Rooms cost from £160 per night based on two people sharing, inclusive of VAT and service.
Visit the hotel website
www.therunnymede.co.uk for current packages and special offers.
The spa can be contacted directly on 01784 220600 and has an excellent Treatment Finder on the website.
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