SPA GUIDE - NEW-AGE LUXURY
Escape to the countryside, discover soporific soothing in subterranean labyrinths or invigorate the mind with fire and ice treatments by the ocean… a new era of Zen is upon us
Escape to the countryside, discover soporific soothing in subterranean labyrinths or invigorate the mind with fire and ice treatments by the ocean… a new era of Zen is upon us
SOUTH LODGE
HOTEL & SPA
The newest of our top 10 list of new-age luxury spas, South Lodge Hotel, West Sussex, launched its impressive spa in March this year with high anticipation and much ambition - and they've firmly delivered, both on expectation and promise. It's a seriously sleek, modern, immaculately polished spa - a luxury ‘destination', whether staying as a guest at the hotel or frequenting as a day-visitor.
The contemporary facilities, utilising the beautifully designed indoor and outdoor spaces, have been crafted with perfect precision, together with the state-of-the-art appliances, including top-of-the-range Dyson hairdryers, and their very own collection of bespoke products, ‘The Spa', created exclusively for The Spa at South Lodge and sister-property, The Spa at Pennyhill Park, (both are part of Exclusive Hotels) it seems there's been no expense (of the £15 million invested) spared.
Arguably the most impressive, and certainly the most unique, is their completely natural, 18m long heated wild swimming pool. Already very popular in Austria and Germany, this is a concept that is fast becoming fashionable here in this country, although the one at South Lodge is said to be the UK's first ‘heated' natural swim pond. The reduced nutrients prevent algae from growing and keep the water clear. Experience a dip
at its best after a session in the sauna - it's glacial at first, but soon gets you feeling wonderfully refreshed and energised.
The indoor infinity pool is especially remarkable for how it has been designed to bring the outside in – you are inside but still feel surrounded by the natural contours of the landscape. It's invigorating and does absolute wonders for the mind - even before swimming any lengths. Such an incredible space - and if I didn't live quite so far away I would be enquiring about membership based on this pool alone.
Then there's the 14 nature-themed treatment rooms, nail bar and pedicure suite, thermal suite with infused sauna, marble-lined salt steam, jasmine herbal steam rooms - and a multi-level terraced sun deck and fabulous hydrotherapy pool outdoors.
When hunger kicks in, the Botanica restaurant is open to serve brunch, lunch or dinner - with scenic views and extensive alfresco dining. Head Chef Jonathan Spiers draws on the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients - try their buttermilk pancake with berry compote and maple syrup, or BBQ courgette with pumpkin butter and lemon yoghurt.
And if you can't quite pull yourself away from the poolside, there's The Watershed, providing a refreshing range of drinks, alongside some tasty treats and light bites, including gelato and fresh juices - delicious.