With Mother’s Day around the corner, I whisked my mum away to enjoy the luxury spa break at Stoke Park. As soon as we drove through the gates off Park Road, Stoke Poges we could not help but be in awe of the magnificent 350 acres of gardens that have understandably provided the backdrop for countless movies including Bridget Jones's Diary and Goldfinger from the James Bond series. So if you want to feel like a movie star, then look no further.
The Rooms at Stoke Park
The 'Mother's Day Treat Break' is carefully designed to ensure that mums and daughters can get some much needed rest and recuperation. Guests are greeted with a beautiful bunch of flowers on arrival, along with a box of chocolates and SPC’s luxury hand and body lotion. Visitors can choose to stay between the Mansion House - which is where Bridget stayed in the film - or the Pavilion. Rooms at the Pavilion have the latest gadgets such as an iPod docking station, modern art and views of Windsor Castle. The Mansion House boasts a grand decor where all rooms have balconies - an ideal spot to enjoy breakfast or evening drinks. Movie lovers will be interested to know that some rooms in Mansion House also overlook the 18th hole of the resort's golf course which is where one of Goldfinger's most famous scenes was shot.
The Spa
The piece de resistance of the package is the spa treatment. As soon as you step foot inside the spa you are wowed by the stunning five metre tropical aquarium, which takes you to a calm state. It is easy to understand why it was named one of the 'ten best spas in the UK' by Tatler, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph as it features 13 treatment rooms, deep relaxation room, Italian marble steam rooms and an indoor pool complete with built-in hydro-seat jacuzzi.
Guests are pampered with a 55-minute treatment of their choice. There is a wide variety of treatments on offer and you can not go wrong with the algae wrap, detoxifying ginger scrub, deep tissue massage, or hot stone massage. Pregnant mums or daughters can also join in the fun as they can choose from a selection of mother-to-be treatments. However, this is only safe after the first trimester. I would highly recommend the SPC Active Glow Facial.
The luxurious treatment begins with a foot cleanse, before the face is also cleansed and toned. A kiwi seed and pomegranate scrub, which is rich in anti-oxidants, is applied to remove dry skin. The therapist then rubs on essential oils and uses lymphatic drainage techniques to detoxify the area. This is followed by a pressure point scalp massage to send you to a state of bliss. A nourishing mask and eye treatment is used before a final layer of moisturiser. This treatment lives up to its name and leaves you feeling utterly relaxed and glowing.
The Restaurant
Food lovers are in for a treat with a three course dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Our meal was prepared by executive chef Chris Wheeler who was taught by celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli. It is no surprise that the dining room has been awarded with two AA Rosettes - thanks to its modern British food. The dining experience is enhanced by the stunning décor and panoramic views of the estate. There is a mouth watering array of starters including dorset crab, king prawns and avocado tian, roasted duck breast topped with seared foie gras or goat’s cheese, cornish yarg and celeriac roulade.
Fans of fish will be pleased to note that the mains include grilled fillet of sea bass, and pan-fried pave of halibut with a leek, butternut squash and parmesan risotto. Meat lovers are also catered for with the roast venison, or pan-fried loin of lamb with mini shepherd’s pie. The puddings are equally delicious. Chocolate lovers must try the assiette of amedei chocolate which contains four mini puddings on one giant plate. Restaurant and bar manager Howard Davies made our evening memorable by being very attentive without being overbearing.
He made every effort to make us feel like movie stars for the night. If you really want to bond with your mum but also pamper yourself too then there is no other place to be!
The 'Mother's Day Treat Break' includes:
- One nights accommodation in a Mansion or Pavilion room
- Three course dinner
- Full English or continental breakfast
- Your choice of SPC 55-minute treatment (per person)
- Beautiful bunch of flowers in room on arrival
- Luxury Stoke Park box of chocolates
- SPC luxury hand & body lotion
It costs from £249.00 per person and is valid from 20th March 2011 - 17th April 2011. Call Stoke Park 01753 717171 or email info@stokepark.com
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