If you’re looking for a luxury countryside wellness experience, whether it’s with your partner or the whole family including your pet, look no further than Lime Wood Hotel & Spa.
The Hotel is situated in picturesque Lyndhurst. It’s far enough from busy and noisy London, but close enough to arrive not feeling completely exhausted (that is if you’re driving from London). And if you’re a city soul then you’ll probably find yourself euphorically sighing on arrival: “I’ve forgotten how beautiful the English Countryside is!”
Lime Wood’s setting is indeed impressive. However its Spa will keep you dreaming for days. Apart from it’s forest greenery and the tranquil surrounding, there’s definitely nothing ‘countrysidy’ about it.
I was a non-believer when my husband first suggested we visit Lime Wood Spa in rural Hampshire. I couldn’t even imagine then that I’d be transferred into a sybaritic Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Spread across three floors, encased in glass and surrounded by ancient forest, Lime Wood Herb House Spa is the perfect balance of modern luxury blended with natural surroundings. It has 10 treatment rooms. Eight are single, the remaining two are a double with steam room and garden, and a bath house with indoor pool and steam room. The spa also has a mud house, sauna, steam house, state of the art gym, relaxation rooms, indoor pool and an outdoor heated pool. On top of all that there is a raw food café that offers seasonal and organic food, all flavoured with herbs, direct from the Spa’s very own roof garden.
If you’re an aromatherapy lover then you’ll definitely find your heaven here. The spa works with the award-winning Bamford and Aromatherapy Associates brands – artisans in the field of Aromatherapy. Their products possess many therapeutic benefits which work wonders on your skin, body, mind and spirit.
Pregnant at the time, I had no choice but to stick to the ‘Baby-on-Board’ Spa menu. I went for the Pai Ultimate Unwind Massage and Essential Glow Facial. When you’re expecting, you often find yourself as the protagonist in ‘the princess and the pea.’ Being in comfort seeking mode, I noticed right away the luxuriously soft massage table. Pains and ached were no more! And every inch of my body rested as I indulged in this holistic experience!
Following my massage, I continued with the Essential Glow Facial, which suits any type of skin especially sensitive. A chamomile and delicate rose hip oil mask hydrated my skin without causing any break outs or irritation. After the mask, my skillful therapist performed a light facial massage. This helped increase blood circulation leaving me looking radiant and relaxed for the rest of the day.
As I already mentioned, this hotel is a perfect hideaway for just about anyone. We chose to stay in the Forest Suite because we traveled with our little dog Gigi. The suite is extremely private, romantic and beautifully decorated. It offers incredible views, a freestanding bath, real fireplace and a terrace onto the woods. It was a delight waking up in such a soft bed to natural birdsong. Gigi loved the Forest Suite too and I
could sense by looking into his big brown eyes that he was ready to move in permanently. And who can blame him! He received royal treatment; he was allowed to run around as much as he wanted and wasn’t even told off when he attempted to join Matt Robert’s Yoga session.
It’s impossible not to mention Angela Hartnett when talking about Lime Wood. The critically acclaimed chef is resident at Lime Wood. Together with Luke Holder’s team they create delicious seasonal dishes. However, if you’re a healthy eater like me, you may prefer the Spa’s Raw & Cured café. Having said that I still couldn’t say no to the indulgent Angela Hartnett breakfast menu!
Lime Wood quickly became one of my favorite places in the English countryside. It has accomplished what many retreats strive for; skillful therapists, a luxurious spa with high-end quality products and all in a beautiful location. I love how it manages to perfectly balance any kind of stay (couples or family) while still preserving its serene, timeless and pure atmosphere.
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