Wipe Out Winter Blues, Say Hello To Wellbeing: Aqua Sana, Longleat Forest Spa Day.
While you may be feeling lapsed by new year resolutions, take comfort in the fact that you aren’t alone in the winter slump: Lack of sunlight, chilly temperatures and the somewhat festive feasting frenzy phase that’s turned all too familiar is hardly doing the New Year, New You regime ANY favours, right?! BUT… should we really be beating ourselves up about this so hastily? In actual FACT drastically depriving ourselves at this time can be detrimental to long term goals. (Cue ‘a little bit of what you fancy’ and ‘all in moderation’ here please!)
World of Spa
Fifteen heated, sensory, herbal and meditative experiences combine spa cultures and healing rituals around the world in one harmonious sanctuary submerged in the forest in Wiltshire. From the steaming outdoor forest floor jacuzzi pool to a post-treatment relaxation suite – every experience is centred in nature and natural healing aids.
Aqua meditation, waterbeds and luxury resting areas throughout really reminded me of the underestimation of the power of rest – for physical strength and mental nourishment. In a highly complex society which has seemingly lost it’s ability to switch off, we are now told that quality rest is the new detox (since superfoods) and the answer to many physical imbalances. The physical journey through Aqua Sana is expertly designed to take us back to basics. As well as invigorate the senses to the new through a variety of the earliest and most effective holistic healing techniques. Whether you’re a water-baby, prefer to sweat it out or take the meditative approach, Longleat Forest’s 15 experiences encouraged us into wanting to try it all – revisiting the ones that were our favourites and considering physically which were most beneficial.
Welcome Greet + Treat
A tranquil drive into the forest to reach the spa had begun our happy descent into relaxation already and reminded us that this particular spa really was a unique marvel submerged a safe canopy of redwoods. On arrival spa hosts were ready to supply us with fresh robes, towels and direct us through to spacious modern changing rooms before meeting spa-side. Our nurturing Spa Host Sally, offered the warmest welcome to Aqua Sana and outlined everything we needed to know about making the most of our visit.
World Of Spa: Experience Highlights
From dry heated and aqua meditation suites – salt, blossom and multi-steam rooms – herbal and reflexology baths and two sauna styles, Aqua Sana offers a complete global spa experience unrivalled for even the most ‘travelled’ spa fanatic.
Inspired by the spa culture of Finland, this wooden-lined Finnish sauna cabin sprays water onto heated coals. With high temperature and humidity, visit this sauna for short spurts of no more than 10 minutes, and vary your routine afterwards with the Ice Fountain, a Multi-Sensory Shower, followed by a dip in the pool.
The Japanese have always known that ocean air works wonders for the respiratory system. A bracing mix of steam, essential oils of jasmine and mint and mineral salts combine to create the sea atmosphere of the Salt Steam Inhalation Bath.
Lie back and steep in the Forest Floor Jacuzzi steamy waters under the sky. Let the thrum of the forest submerge body and mind in the exhilarating bubble massage of the pool’s intermittent jets. An orbicular forest wallpaper climbs the pool dome which makes you feel utterly in touch with the english countryside and is equally restoring to view.
A replenishing cocoon inside yet freeing and plentiful surrounding the spa, towering redwood trees and zen garden pockets immerse Aqua Sana and idealise the view from every angle – the post-treatment relaxation suite will take you to a whole new level of calm with its abundance of gentle forest sunlight and atrium-style garden landscaping.
Vitale Cafe Bar: Alfresco Lunch Menu
We were able to lunch at our leisure in the Vitale Cafe and impressed by original meal choices of freshly topped flatbreads, dressed hearty salads, tapas and ciabatta’s, frittata and Puttanesca tart – all flavours inspired by the med. The hosting team were nothing but accommodating when it came to any dietary requirements. Sweeter delights offered sharp organic juices, an extensive palette of artisanal detoxifying teas, speciality hot choccie, a mouth-watering cocktail list and of course champers and sparkling tipples.
The Hideaway
Seek sanctity, space, express beauty, tailored refreshment and your private outdoor barrel sauna and canopy shower beneath the red woods – exclusively in The Hideaway. Designed for a maximum of ten, Aqua Sana created a serene private hub that is every bit as connected to nature as the spa for a special reunion, milestone or well-earned retreat…
Alternatively book the twilight lounge experience here and spend an evening forest-bound! Sip bubbly under the stars and tuck into freshly prepared, light sharing boards as well as pre-bedtime spa access up until 9pm.
And you don’t have to be a short break guest at Center Parcs to visit! Aqua Sana Longleat is open all year round to day visitors too; the idyllic drive through the Valley will seduce you to the rest of the park!
Offers and Retreats For Two in 2018
Vitamin Tea spa day For 2 – A revitalising vitamin rich treatment package to include two treatments (massage + facial), spa access, welcome refreshment, freshly prepared lunch and complimentary spa discovery sessions. Available Monday – Thursday from 29th December 2017 until 22nd February 2018.
Sweet Escape Spa Day For 2 – As if complete spa access wasn’t sweet enough, this package includes a little fruity and chocolate indulgence along the way and includes complimentary towel and robe hire and spa discovery sessions. Available Monday – Thursday from 29th December until 22nd February 2018
Click here for Aqua Sana’s up-to-date retreats and offers
