If you are going to kick-start a happy and healthy 2014 anywhere, Lifehouse Spa and Hotel is the place to do it, as Spabreaker, Rita, found out!

First Impressions

Winding along the Essex country roads, the hotel is easy to find nestled amongst the impressive grounds that greet you as you drive up, although for anyone visiting by train transfers can be easily arranged from the station.

The Hotel

One of the first things that you notice as soon as you arrive is that the staff are very welcoming and all the facilities available are explained before you pull on your swimming costume and get stuck in to your spa break as a member of staff takes your bags to your room and en route gives you a guided tour.  We stayed in a Signature Room, which was very spacious and had amazing views of the gardens.  Everything you need by way of robes and slippers are provided, and of notable importance (to me at any rate) were the extremely comfortable bed and pillows!

The Spa

The spa facilities are excellent, there really is no other word for it.  There is a pool, steam room, sauna, salt room, hydrotherapy pool, loungers, and plenty of towels piled up throughout the spa for you to use.  There are also many treatments to choose from and a great lounge to relax in afterwards.

The Restaurant

Adding a final dimension of complete relaxation, you can wear your robes to breakfast and lunch so that you don’t have to change throughout the day, but for a sense of decorum are asked to dress informally for dinner.  The evening meal offers a good selection to suit all tastes and there is also a specials board to choose from.  The food was absolutely superb and the staff were characteristically attentive.  The buffet-style hot and cold breakfast was also first class.

The Location

The hotel is set amongst the most amazing grounds, thanks to the remote location and the cultivated wild gardens where care and attention have even seen the re-emergence of wild orchids in the last couple of years.  There are numerous places to wander and sit if the weather permits; looking at different views of the lake which at the right time of year is a sea of flowering lily pads.  You really feel like you are in a world of your own!

The Verdict

In short, I would highly recommend a visit to Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, there are few finer ways to start the year.  You are made to feel totally relaxed, and I would certainly go back.  It’s great for couples who want to get away from the ‘hurly burly’ of everyday life, but also ideal for a girls’ weekend.

Top Tips

–          Pack light as you will spend most of your stay in the robes provided.

–          Take time to walk around the amazing grounds (you can even book a tour).

–          Totally chill out and relax – sound obvious, but it’s not often that we get the chance, so make the most of the opportunity and leave worries at the door!