Western Morning News
Blissful, relaxing rejuvenation
For hard-working, stressed women, a pamper day has to do exactly what it says on the tin. Harassed reporter Louise Vennells put Downe Cottages and Spa to the test-and left feeling at one with the world.
Once every blue moon, something happens in a girl’s life that becomes a point of reference forever more.
Such experiences are relived by the starry-eyed narrator to close and envious friends for decades to come. Examples might include the best meal ever eaten, the most fabulous cocktail or the most mind-blowing… romantic experience.
And now, I can exclusively reveal that I have found the new benchmark of professional massages.
As I lay on the table at Downe Health Spa, near Hartland in North Devon, I quickly realised that all the masseurs I had visited before had simply pummelled my flesh, as if rubbing salt into a roast to prepare it for the oven.
Downe was different. I was treated to the full-body hot stone massage, which has been refined by the spa’s therapists to offer a customised experience.
My therapist was like a magician. I was never conscious of her reaching for the stones, but suddenly the warmth would permeate deep into my muscles, as if she had produced it from thin air, or whipped it from up her sleeve.
I happily drifted into a dream-like state, although always at least semi conscious of my treatment.
After 90 minutes of bliss, in which every millimetre of my body unwound so completely I feared I might never stand up again, my therapist began to administer a four-layer face mask, which included a massage of the face and shoulders.
Again, my conscious-snooze button was hit, and another half an hour of dancing on the brink between reality and dreamland passed by.
Then, all of a sudden, I felt alert and revitalised. I assume my therapist had introduced some kind of stimulating essential oil, because the wonderfully surreal sequences that had been swimming through my head suddenly stopped, and I was ready to face the world with a vengeance.
The whole experience was compounded by the stunning surrounds at Downe, where the conservatory-style windows overlook some of the Westcountry’s most breathtaking landscape, with views out over the sea and Lundy Island on a fine day.
The complex incorporates luscious comfy sofas, a gym and the spa itself- a beautiful, light space with a sauna, a jacuzzi and a steam room. The area is surrounded by huge glass windows, which almost make you feel like you are relaxing in the countryside beyond.
On arrival, guests for the pamper day are provided with a fluffy robe and slippers to slouch around in, even during lunch.
The offerings for the two-course meal are simple, but healthy, fresh and delicious – and made using local produce wherever possible.
The visit is rounded off with a luxurious cream tea, made from scones baked on the premises. Personally, the last thing I wanted to do was jump in my car and drive home-and if I’d had a deeper purse, I could easily have stayed in one of the well-equipped and charming cottages on the site.
But on my lowly reporter’s wage, it was back to South Devon – to bore all my friends with the details of the wonderful experience forever more.