A SPA break is almost a necessity if you’re confined to the polluted depths of a city. Inner city spas are great for quick relaxation solutions however, in order to fully wind down and achieve a true sense of mental and physical calm, you need to take yourself out of the city and indulge in a real break. Now, St Albans isn’t exactly the great big countryside, but the drive out of London into Hertfordshire is a vast contrast in pace and scenery. Just a mere hour away by car, St Albans is significantly more spacious, peaceful and green making it ideal for a convenient getaway if you’re based in the city.
The surrounding greenery
Sopwell House is situated at the end of a winding country road, snuggled amongst 12 acres of countryside greenery. At first glance it looks like something out of a film. Quaint in all aspects, Sopwell House is a beautiful Georgian country house which boasts the best of British with its homely country house rooms and Mews suites.
The outdoor area for the Mews Suites
With facilities such as the hotel, spa, gym and restaurants all on site, I knew that a couple of days would be exactly what I needed to recharge my mental and physical battery. I checked in at the reception, and a member of staff walked me to my private suite which was located opposite the main building of Sopwell House. A quick tap of my room key opened a private gate which lead me to the House’s special Mews Suits. They resemble charming little cottages, and each suite has its own little gate, front garden and outdoor seating area. To add to the neighbourly feel, there is also communal seating and an outdoor hot tub which guests can use if they don’t fancy going all the way to the spa for a spot of relaxation.
Cottonmill Spa is the UK’s first private members spa, and it has recently undergone a £14 million refurbishment. The 3-storey complex is most certainly the main attraction, and guests can be seen walking around Sopwell House in robes as they spend time dipping in and out of the new complex. Although Sopwell House is a luxury hotel, comfort is a priority, which means it’s not unusual to see guests walking around in robes when going to and from their rooms to the spa.
Outdoor jacuzzi
Having settled into our room, my guest and I wasted no time as we knew there was a lot to explore. As we left our room to head to the spa, we passed a couple using the outdoor hot tub in the Mews area. Although the air was cold, the temperature in the hot tubs are perfect for outdoor relaxation, and this really is all in the comfort of your own doorstep.
The hydrothermal pool
One of the main features of the spa is the hydrothermal pool, which is heated to a prime temperature for total muscle relaxation. Fitted around the edges of the pool are buttons which control high-powered powered body jets allowing the choice of bubbles. As I take a dip in the pool, I can see the steam rising off the water in the outdoor area. A sheet of glass separates me from the outdoor area and with another click of a button an automated window opened, allowing me to swim outdoors without exiting the water. The contrast of warm indoors to the crisp air has a remarkable effect. The wave of fresh air is initially a shock, but my body remained warm and balanced the temperature out. The outdoor area is designed by gold medal-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show designer Ann-Marie Powell, and features a brilliant landscape of stone, greenery and water features.
Cabanas and outdoor lounge area
Amongst the landscape is three tucked away jacuzzis, lounging cabanas, an outdoor shower and a fire pit for those cooler evenings. Although these features might seem more attractive in the warmer months however, the design of the outdoor area optimises sunlight which means it’s not as hard to catch the sun as you might think.
The Pantry
By the mid afternoon, I took a short break from the spa to get a buffet lunch at The Pantry. I joined others in the restaurant, wearing just my robe and ordered a glass of Cottonmill Spa’s own brand prosecco which I enjoyed with a light and healthy lunch.
The Club swimming pool
Through the window of the restaurant I could see the indoor swimming pool which members of The Club at Cottonmill have access to. Luckily if you’re a visiting spa guest, you can enjoy the club benefits such as the vitality pools, Rose Relaxation Room steam room, sauna and the brand new gym which is equipped with all the latest gym technology.
Panoramic Sauna
My interests were focused more towards lying down and doing nothing, so I headed to the panoramic sauna and admired the view of the gardens for 10 minutes before getting ready for my booked treatment. I opted for the Cottonmill Sound & Sand massage as it was recommended to me as a signature experience. Instead of a regular massage table, I was instructed to lie face down onto a bed of small heated pieces of Amber which were gathered on a Quartz bed. The sensation was instantly comforting as the warmth of the stone was calming and the pieces of Amber eventually moulded around my body.
During the treatment I was gently tilted at different angles to encourage blood flow as the masseuse used various Elemis products to work her way from top to bottom finishing with a scalp massage. Singing bowls harmonised at the end of the massage helping to draw out energy and clear the mind, and I was left feeling utterly relaxed. The entire experience was unique and unlike anything I’d ever had.
The Sitting Room
After my massage I headed to the spa’s sitting room, where guests can have a beverage before or after treatments. Although prosecco was on the menu, I opted for a healthy smoothie as they are made fresh behind the bar. There’s nothing worse than rushing after a treatment so I took my time to enjoy my drink and admired how easy it is to do nothing.
The Whisper Room
My guest and I decided to spend some time lying down, and there’s no better place to do so than the Whisper Room. A tablet outside the room indicates how many beds are free, and to our surprise we had the room to ourselves. 6 illuminated ergonomic loungers light up the room with a soft glow and colours change with the music to create subtle moods. The soft rubbery beds come fitted with individual speakers which creates soft vibrations through the bed and body creating a sense of calm. Hours can easily pass in the Whisper Room as the beds are perfect for a daydream or a long nap.
Evening fast approached and dinner was booked at The Brasserie, which is the hotel’s open plan Italian restaurant. For fine dining, there’s The Restaurant, which is a 2 AA Rosette establishment however, we were in the mood for a hearty and wholesome meal. The Brasserie was buzzing as it was full of hotel guests and visitors just wanting to eat. To start we had an Italian antipasti followed by a rich risotto and a burger. My guest and I decided we were too full for dessert before one of the waiters suggested that have it sent to our room to enjoy later.
Sopwell House
Whether you’re a member of The Club at Cottonmill or just a visitor, there’s a guarantee that you’ll leave happy and wanting to return as Sopwell House offers a luxury stay accompanied by hours of relaxation with its brand new upscale spa.
by Katrina Mirpuri
Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ, visit this link