Western Morning News
Spa’s leisurely pamper day is pure indulgence
When the powers that be first told me I was the lucky reporter to be sent on a pamper Day at Downe Health Spa, I was sent into a blind panic.
I was petrified that my inability to grasp the difference between kinesiology and refIexology, combined with chewed nails and a mild excess of flesh, would be met with spite-chilling derision from the white-gowned. immaculate finger-nailed, spectacularly-bronzed beauties that I imagined prowled the spa world.
As one who considers themselves seriously pampered by a hot bath and nice splash of Radox, I was convinced I would be out of place among such divas, yet was indeed stressed and sorely in need of the aforementioned pamper.
And so it was with trepidation I headed for the Hartland Peninsula in North Devon.
The journey through this stunning neck of the woods, shaded by arched trees and fringed by banks of wild garlic and cow parsley, had me sorely tempted to abort my trip and instead relax the traditional way, in the sunshine by a river with a bottle of Shiraz.
But no. I pressed on and arrived at the Downe Health Spa where I was met by its owner not at all the spiky schoolmarm I had expected but instead a chatty and friendly hostess who explained that Pamper Days at Downe are meant to be as flexible as possible, allowing the visitor to decide how they want to spend their day without rushing from pillar to post.
Thus my morning began, not: with a military-style grilling about which of my muscles needed pounding into submission, but lounging on a sofa wilt coffee and Hello! magazine. So far so good.
At a suitably leisurely pace, I changed for an hour or so working out in Downe’s gym, which has been fashioned out of an old cow shed and is fully kitted out with Life Fitness and Concept 11 gear (including rower, treadmill, bicycle, recumbent bicycle, stair-climber and cross trainer), free weights, an exercise bench and mats.
Apparently, on a clear day you can also see Lundy Island, although I was not in luck for this particular treasure.
By the time I had finished and showered, it was time for lunch which I attended wrapped in a squashy white robe and slippers. I agonised for some minutes over a choice of meals before plumping for the chicken and mango salad with balsamic vinegar-dressed leaves and an orange juice.
Now I have to confess, I have never been a fan of saunas or steam rooms ever since, as a grubby student with the flu, I went back to a friend’s house for the weekend and was shut by her over-enthusiastic trainee aromatherapist mother in a capsule where I was gassed for ten minutes with a combination of Olbas Oil and cloying steam.
This time, I entered the sauna with trepidation but found that it was indeed very pleasant, and once I had worked out that it is hotter higher up and to avoid the top shelf at all costs; I curled up anti very nearly fell asleep.
The octagonal spa bath with whirlpool jets was equally luxurious and at this point I did fall asleep, only to he awoken from a now prune-like state by one of the centre’s therapists.
This was my favourite part of the day. Having opted to be soothed by a combination of ylang ylang, lavender and bergamot, l lay back anti relaxed as my therapist worked her way across my shoulders, neck, head, scalp and face, draining, lymph nodes, stimulating circulation and oxygen supply in the most blissful massage I have ever had.
I challenge anyone to come up with a more perfect end to a delightful day than home-made scones, jam and Devon clotted cream. In a state of bliss I floated out of the door and towards my car for the drive home through golden sunshine.
A final tip for would-be spa goers. Do not, I repeat DO NOT switch your mobile telephone on until home and firmly back to reality. Five minutes down the road, a call from my news editor very nearly had me turning the car around and heading straight hack into my therapist’s arms.
Treat yourself to a beauty bonanza
Downe Health Spa is located on the tip of the Hartland Peninsula in North Devon, outside the village of Hartland and six miles from Clovelly.
A range of natural therapies and beauty treatments are available at the spa. Each can be enjoyed as a single therapy or treatment, or as part of a Pamper Day or longer Pamper Breaks, where visitors can stay in Downe’s self catering cottages in the grounds.
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