Ladies, we all know the affects that stress can have on our bodies; from aching muscles and skin flare ups, to dark under-eye circles and generally feeling worn out. As one of the most stressful (but enjoyable, we hope) events you can experience in life, it’s little wonder that couples planning weddings can really feel the pressure, both inside and out.
This is why we highly recommend taking a relaxing break from the wedding schedule now and again to recharge the batteries and gather your thoughts, while treating your mind, body and soul. And what better way to do so than booking into a spa resort, whether just for the day or an indulgent minibreak.
Keen to point our readers in the direction of fabulous retreats in the North where they can escape to for solace – and a flippin good massage, we’ve been out on our Blissed Out Bride travels once again.
This time our destress-destination was Slaley Hall golf resort and spa hotel, located in a secluded area of Northumberland. Following our full-on, yet fabulous, season of spring wedding fairs across the north of the country, we were literally crying out for some R&R and so sped up the A1 for a well-deserved Slaley spa day.
As part of the Q Hotel group, the historic hall, set in 1,000 acres of stunning countryside, includes a range of accommodation and eating and drinking facilities, as well as a choice of beautiful function suites, which are available for weddings. Meanwhile outdoors Slaley boasts two championship golf courses and stunning grounds, upon which marquees can be pitched for outdoor celebrations.
The part of its facilities we were looking forward to viewing most however, was its luxury spa. Safely changed into our comforting robes and slippers we headed straight to pool side for some light refreshments and a little magazine time (one of our very favourite ways to unwind) – the pressure on our shoulders instantly lifted. As we stretched back on our loungers the humidity of the room acted as a warming cocoon and we had all on to keep our eyes open – talk about optimum conditions for relaxing!
An impressive space, Slaley’s pool area has a lovely holiday feel about it with tropical plants dotted around the pool, waterfalls and Jacuzzi, and little bridges linking the different areas together.
It was soon lunchtime so we were shown through to one of Slaley’s three restaurants (still wrapped in our robes) to receive our spa day lunch. Presented in a neat Bento Box we enjoyed a healthy (ish) yet satisfying meal of chicken salad with cous cous, vegetable sticks and dip, followed by a lovely piece of chocolate cake, which was all washed down with a tall glass of fizz. We felt this provided he perfect combination of clean and treat eating (both we feel are essential to keep a girl heathy and happy!).
Once the food had settled it was back to the pool for a little snoozing and swimming, whilst also taking some time to detox and clear our skin in the sauna.
Though we didn’t muster the strength to visit (shame on us), Slaley also boasts a health club with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced instructors, to help you reach any pre-wedding fitness goals. Feeling the need for some ultra-pampering, we were booked in for a treatment each and so made our way to the gorgeous relaxation room, complete with soft sofas and beds, to meet our knowledgeable Espa therapists. As I’m soon to be jetting off on my jollies I wanted a treatment that would refresh my skin and really make it glow while still soothing my tired muscles while Julia, who is soon to be expecting a second bundle of joy, required a relaxing facial treatment to prevent any pregnancy break-outs.
I was treated to a Revitalising Ritual treatment “to restore equilibrium, peace of mind and bring deep relaxation to body and spirit” – and that it did, whilst also giving me amazingly soft and radiant skin. After a full body sea salt exfoliation I had a quick shower to rid any dead skin cells and then enjoyed a therapeutic back massage, which left me feeling fully revived. I’d definitely recommend this as a wonderful pre-honeymoon treatment to have you looking beach beautiful.
Julia meanwhile had a luxurious facial, tailored to her skin’s needs to nourish, hydrate and brighten her complexion, resulting in dewy and radiant skin that I envied! A programme of facials is one of the most highly recommended treatments for brides-to-be in the run-up to their big day to ensure flawlessness, and so we’d definitely advise booking in for an Espa facial if visiting Slaley before your wedding.
By the end of the day the spa package had delivered to us what is promised – pure relaxation and heavenly treatments that melted away stress and re-booted our energy levels, earning Slaley Hall the Blissed Out Bride ‘stamp of approval’.
So if you’re wedding-planning energy levels are running low, now is the time to take a look at Slaley Hall’s various spa break packages, as well as its great-value spa days. The only decision left to be made will be who to take with you; your mum, sister, friends – or perhaps just go it alone for sheer and selfish indulgence. One thing’s for sure, with two championship golf courses on site you won’t have to twist your man’s arm much for him to take you there!
slaley recommends:
For the bride-to-be – Luxury ESPA Experience Day
While away the hours with this relaxing and decadent spa day, perfect on your own, or with a love one or friend. The package includes: 2 x Espa treatments, snuggly robe and towel, delicious lunch with a glass of bubbly, use of health club and spa facilities.
For the happy couple – Two Night Romantic Break
The perfect option for a pre-wedding getaway or post-wedding minimoon. The two-night package includes: sparkling wine and box of chocolates in your bedroom on arrival, an evening meal up to the value of £28 per guest each night, breakfast buffet each morning (or breakfast in bed if you prefer), fluffy bathrobes in your bedroom and late check-out on a Sunday until 2pm.
For the girls – Relax and Recharge Spa Day
Gather your leading ladies together for some indulgence and pampering ahead of the big day. The package includes: 50 minute treatment with unique combination of personalised facial and soothing foot massage, a complimentary Espa Radiance Mask or Espa Radiance Moisturiser gift worth £39, a light lunch, use of the health club and spa facilities, robes, slippers and towel.
Full details and booking information can be found on the Slaley Hall website.
