Why it works: The Beer Spa at Norfolk Mead Hotel

Norfolk Mead Hotel has a particular talent for offering unique treatments from their Pig in Mud Spa Experience using fig and vanilla body salts and specialist muds, to the UK’s first-ever Beer Spa. A rising trend harnessing the healing powers of hops, the spa invites guests to enjoy the antioxidant effects of their authentic wooden hot tub, containing vitamin-rich malt and hops from the local Woodforde’s Brewery. Here's what you need to know:

What is the Beer Spa experience?

It's a self-led bathing experience, where guests bathe in our specially designed wooden hot tubs in a dedicated room. There are two wooden hot tubs available, each lined with mosaic on the inside, but with this authentic barrel appearance on the outside. Each tub is suitable for up to two people, and there is a seat in each one, so you can enjoy the experience on your own, with a friend or partner, or as a group of up to four people.

What does the Beer Spa treatment involve?

We fill the tubs with fresh warm water and then add our special ingredients, best known for appearing in beer, including a blend of antioxidant-rich malt and hops. Malt is used to sweeten beer and add the taste, but it's also high in vitamins, especially zinc and magnesium, while hops are very calming, and good for arthritis, aches, pains, and insomnia. Those are added into the tub before the guests are brought in, then a therapist explains the process and benefits before leaving you to relax in the water, massaged by the water jets. You also have your own beer tap next to the tub, so you can pour your own pint. It's a 45-minute experience, and despite the name, people tend to treat it as a wellness experience, where they really take the time to unwind.

Where does the spa treatment come from?

Beer spas have been popular in Europe for a long time, especially in places like Prague and Budapest. As an independent spa we're able to design our own experiences and choose what we want to offer. Our owners had spent quite a lot of time travelling and were inspired to do their own version of a Beer Spa experience, having enjoyed it while they were away. When we reached out to spas in Budapest, they were incredibly helpful advising us, and from there we were able to put our own spin on it - designing our own hot tubs, for example, and adding small details so it's entirely our own.

What are the benefits of a Beer Spa?

There are lots of benefits to bathing in warm water, and taking the time to relax, soothing muscles, and it's great for detox. In addition, the individual ingredients that we add to the water offer lots of benefits.

For example, malt benefits the skin thanks to its high concentration of B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (like phenols). It's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and contains compounds that unclog pores and help skin heal. Meanwhile, the zinc content supports wound treatment and skin healing, and it also has anti-ageing qualities aiding soothed and nourished skin.

The hops that we use are sourced from our local Woodforde’s Brewery and are the same ones they add into their English lager, which we supply on tap. Hops offer soothing qualities which help to reduce insomnia and help with anxiety - they're even recommended as a herbal tea. They can also help to relieve menopause symptoms, improve mood, stimulate collagen production, soothe dry and stressed skin, and help with arthritis, aches and pains.

Who does the Beer Spa experience suit the most?

Lots of couples really enjoy it, and men in particular are attracted to it because it's a bit different. It's great for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary, but equally, some people want to enjoy a treatment but don't like being touched - so this is a great option as it's self led. It's also nice to have that really relaxing experience to share with a friend or partner - creating space to catch up and have private time to chat and connect. For those who prefer something fizzy, there's also a Prosecco Spa!

Is there anyone who can't have the Beer Spa treatment?

It's great for just about everyone - even people who are gluten free as the ingredients we use from Woodforde’s Brewery are from their gluten free lager! That said, it's not recommended during pregnancy.

Do you recommend spa guests do anything before or afterwards to make the most of the Beer Spa?

I would definitely recommend having a massage afterwards because the warm water, ingredients and water jets relax the muscles and stimulate circulation, so a massage directly afterwards would really help if you're suffering from aches and pains or just want to enhance the sense of relaxation.