A touch of Thai spa in the New Forest: spotlight on Careys Manor

It’s really hard to understand quite how magical the experience at Careys Manor is until you’ve been there. However, this is a luxury New Forest hotel spa experience where everything has been thought of and where the team are really passionate about what they do. A treatment is not just a treatment. It’s been designed on site. The hotel is not just romantic and luxurious. It’s warm, welcoming and personal - perfect for a New Forest spa weekend.

A luxury Hampshire hotel spa

Let’s start with the hotel itself. Award winning and surrounded by the New Forest National Park, it is the height of sophistication and luxury. Plush bedrooms and suites are located in a magnificent Manor House, where super king sized beds are made with layers of wool and silk for an utterly decadent night’s sleep. It is romantic to a fault.

The Thai-inspired spa

There are a lot of Thai-inspired spas in the world, so it’s hard to talk about SenSpa at Careys Manor and to really do it justice. We suppose the best way to start is by saying it isn’t really Thai-themed; it’s the true essence of a Thai spa. When the diligent proprietors set about creating a true wellbeing experience, they spent time in the Far East learning about and exploring Thai spa practices. The result is 22,000 square feet of wellbeing, where facilities were designed under the guidance of acclaimed spa director, Lina Lotto.

Spa facilities open to all hotel guests include a 14-metre UV treated swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna and steam room as well as a state of the art gym. Meanwhile, spa guests also have access to the hydrotherapy suite. It includes a hydrotherapy pool featuring jets, loungers and a volcano pool in the centre. There are also saunas, steam rooms and a relaxation suite, which is bedecked with Thai silks and decor.

When it comes to spa treatments, the experience continues to have the same high level of integrity and investment. Therapists enjoy some of the most extensive and ongoing training. All treatments are also designed at SenSpa, which is almost unheard of. So standards are kept superbly high.

That said, that professionalism is combined with a sense of fun, warmth and intuition in everything they do. Protocols are professional but not rigid. The result is a very personal approach enjoyed both by guests and the team. Everyone is encouraged to embrace a spirit of ‘S̄nuk’, a Thai word for fun. That really brings a human warmth to the whole experience where you can tell therapists are enjoying the environment as much as the guests.

The range of restaurants

The New Forest hotel has three on-site restaurants and much to recommend all of them. Cambium is part of a new renovation at the heart of the restaurant and offers beautiful food inspired by the local area. Le Blaireau is the hotel’s traditional French brasserie-style restaurant, and the Zen Garden is connected to the spa. When in the spa restaurant, forget all other UK Thai restaurant experiences and approach this as an entirely new one. They serve some of the finest authentic and healthy Thai food. It is inspired both by street food and Thailand’s royal culinary traditions.

The hotel’s New Forest location

Located in the heart of the New Forest, Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa is one of Hampshire’s finest spa hotels. The location lends itself to a relaxing spa escape. However, it also allows for much to see and do in the local area. Explore the National Park with its famous wild ponies, potter around beautiful villages, go cycling, hiking, sailing or maybe even canoeing close by.

Who would love this luxury Hampshire spa hotel?

It goes without saying that anyone in their right mind would enjoy a visit to this beautiful hotel spa. However, it is perhaps best described as a romantic hotel spa or one for mums and daughters. It would also work for a couple of friends looking to spend time together. The vibe is one of real quality time together and a sense of intimacy. So keep it one-to-one and enjoy every luxurious minute.

Top tips for your luxury spa break

• Definitely have a treatment because it will be unlike anything you have anywhere else. An authentic Thai massage is certainly a must.
• Stay overnight so you can experience each of the dining experiences. Definitely dedicate a whole day to being in the spa - including lunch.
• If you stay for a couple of days then spend the second one exploring the grounds and taking in the sheer beauty of the location. It’s all part of the experience.