Daily Express
Spa report
DOWNE HEALTH SPA AND COTTAGES IN DEVON
FACILITIES
Set in seven acres of private land on the stunning north Devon coast, Downe Health Spa consists of five beautiful stone Victorian farm buildings. These have been converted sympathetically into guest cottages and a main treatment area with a state of the art gym, four treatment rooms and a pacious spa area. The spa lounging area has a spa bath with whirlpool jets, a sauna and a steam room and panoramic views out to the coast. Guests can stay overnight in one of the luxurious guest cottages, self-catering or choose from a delicious menu.
TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
There are a range of holistic therapies including therapeutic massages, aromatherapy treatments, sports massage, reflexology and Indian head massage. Beauty therapies include manicures, pedicures, facials and body wraps.
TREATMENTS TESTED
The Four Layer Facial at Downe – 1 hour, £59
A thoroughly relaxing facial involving four main stages. My skin was cleansed, exfoliated and given a full facial and neck massage and two masks to nourish and hydrate my skin. The products smell wonderful, clean and fresh with relaxing floral notes of bergamot and rose. Whilst the mask was setting I totally relaxed with a 10-minute head massage.
The Honey Body Polish at Downe – 1 hour,£53
My beauty therapist mixed up a creamy honey paste which smelt delicious. I was vigorously rubbed from head to toe and smothered in the honey paste, then wrapped in foil and an electric blanket to open the pores and let the mixture soak in. During this 15 minutes I was given another head massage. After a quick shower I was given a 30 minute full body massage. Afterwards my skin was baby soft and I smelt good enough to eat.
Full Body Massage – 1 hour, £55
A deeply relaxing Swedish massage with some deep tissue work. I was massaged from top to toe with a blend of aromatherapy oils smelling of jasmine and rose. Afterwards, my skin felt really soft and although it was supposed to be relaxing, I actually felt invigorated and energised.
GOOD POINTS
Downe spa is small and privately owned, so you really feel looked after. Guest cottages are equipped with DVDs and wood burners so you can cosy up and totally relax after your treatments. All the food was delicious and included an afternoon cream tea, with home made scones and thick Devonshire cream.
KATE BAILY