Red Magazine
DOWNE HEALTH SPA DEVON
A day here is like a hug from a favourite aunt. Situated on a former farm on the North Devon coast, you park in a barn (expect to get swooped and pooped on by swallows), and stay in a holiday cottage, created from a farm building. But the entrance is an underwhelming conservatory with plastic, marble-effect tables, and the relaxation area is a few sofas and coffee tables liberally stocked with boiled sweets and magazines, so don’t come here expecting an Asian-style or clininical whitewalled spa aesthetic.
BEST TREATMENT: The treatments here are unique and exceptional. The Holistic Relaxation Therapy involves a sequence of steam inhalation, hot towels, massage and Thai stretching techniques – you don’t know whether you’re asleep, awake or floating along the coastline.