Spa days are a real treat so I was thrilled when Shire Hotels invited me and a friend to sample their Taste of Relaxation Day. The day is described as the perfect introduction to spa treatments so I decided to invite my boyfriend’s Mum who had never experienced a spa day.
We visited the newly refurbished spa at North Lakes Hotel & Spa in Penrith which is situated just off the motorway only half an hour South of Carlisle and a stone’s throw from the beautiful Lake District. We arrived at 11am and were shown to the brand new Spa Relax area where we filled in our details, choose a time for lunch and selected what we wanted from the mouth-watering light lunch menu.
After being introduced to the spa manager we were shown to our changing room where our robes and slippers were waiting for us. We got changed and made our way to the pool area to enjoy the spa facilities. We swam in the beautifully lit pool, chatted in the Jacuzzi and enjoyed the sauna and steam room. The pool area is stunning and has plenty of chairs and loungers if you want to relax between swims and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
Before we knew it it was time for lunch so we popped our robes and slippers back on and headed for our reserved seating in the spa lounge. Lunch was a fruit juice, main course and desert and there were plenty of options. I went for orange juice and poached salmon with baby new potatoes and a herb mayonnaise. I decided to spoil my healthy meal with a crème brûlée which came with two pieces of shortbread. (Heather was good and opted for the fruit skewers!) The food was delicious and the portions were just right. Nobody wants to be bloated in their swim suit!
The main event was next, our two taster treatments which would last 55 minutes in total. We both opted for an ESPA facial and a back, neck and shoulder massage but we could have chosen a YTSARA lawan facial, shoulder and scalp massage, YTSARA soothing Asian back, neck and shoulder massage, ESPA body polish, ESPA salt and oil scrub or Jessica nail tidy and polish. My treatment was given by Katie who was absolutely fantastic. She listened to my needs focusing on getting rid of the tension and knots in my back and gave me advice on how to improve my skin. FYI it is not OK to exfoliate every day!
After our treatments we were given some water and a leaflet which detailed all the products that were used during our treatments. We were then free to browse the sample area, help ourselves to some yummy looking snacks and hot drinks and lounge in the spa area with the gentle trickling of a water feature in the background. Feeling utterly relaxed and ready for a nap we decided we better head home before we were found snoring on the comfy recliners.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Taste of Relaxation Day and Heather is a definite convert. Prices start at £80 and I would recommend treating yourself and a friend or loved one to a day of pampering and relaxation.