Right from the moment I wrapped myself up in the soft, white, fluffy robe I felt pampered. I was at the Solent Hotel near Fareham in the South England county of Hampshire, for a morning of relaxation. Opening out on to a small meadow and woodland, the spa is a wonderful place to unwind, particularly on a sunny day.
My morning began with a swim in the lovely pool which has a large glass skylight over its centre, flooding the pool area with light. At the far end, a conservatory opens onto a small courtyard and the meadow beyond. As well as the swimming pool, I had time to make use of the steam room, sauna and whirlpool. By the time came for my message I already felt so much more relaxed than when I had arrived.
The lovely relaxation room for guests use, before and after treatments, looks out across some flowers to the meadow and trees beyond, enhancing the felling of well-being. Adjacent to this there a therapy room for two, with doors open wide looking out across the meadow and a hot tub in the sunshine looked extremely inviting and certainly made the most of the pretty setting.
My massage therapist came to collect me from the relaxation room and lead me to the very pleasant therapy room. She used ESPA Fitness Body Oil, a deeply warming aromatherapy massage oil for tired, sore muscles, first to gently relax me and then to work more deeply on my shoulders and upper back. I must admit I didn’t think 25 minutes would be long enough but it was 25 minutes of heaven that didn’t seem to rush by at all.
Although the Solent is not a 5 star hotel and the spa itself is pleasant and smart rather than luxurious, the setting is wonderful and really adds to the experience, especially on a sunny day. Some nice touches including complimentary fruit juice, herbal tea and fruit completed an excellent experience.
The Solent Hotel & Spa
Rookery Avenue, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AJ.
Tel: 01489 567100
Email: spa@solenthotel.co.uk
My thanks to Solent Hotel & Spa for this complimentary visit. As always, however, I am free to write whatever I wish and these are my own honest opinions.
Boutique Travel Blog’s founder and editor, Kathryn, also blogs at TravelWithKat.com where she shares her passion for discovering new countries, cultures and cuisines.
