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A tranquil spa break in the New Forest

It's something of a tradition for me and my sister, Annette, to have a spa break in January. We feel a treat is in order after Christmas and the New Year, and we can catch up on the gossip while enjoying some serious pampering

This year, we decided to try SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest. The hotel is a 17th century hunting lodge, with new rooms built around the lawn. The rooms in the Garden Wing, where we stayed, overlook a manicured lawn and have either a balcony or small terrace outside where you can enjoy the peace, if the weather's warm enough! Although not enormous, the cosy rooms are comfortable, with excellent en suite bathrooms.

Once kitted out in our robes and slippers, we set about the serious business of relaxing. A quick tour of the spa reassured us that we'd chosen well. As hotel guests, you can use the health club facilities which include a fully-equipped gym, an ozone-treated swimming pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, which are all very lovely, but the spa is where you really want to be. The huge hydrotherapy pool kept us occupied for hours as we worked our way around the walk-in Jacuzzi and bubble racks on which you could recline and relax. In late afternoon, candles were lit around the pool which added to its magic, and I literally had to prise Annette off the bubble rack before we turned into prunes.

Experience a storm shower
The spa is home to a herbal sauna and crystal steam room, which boasts an enormous amethyst (a crystal believed to have strong healing and cleansing properties, as well as powers to enhance spiritual awareness). There is also a laconicum, tepidarium (with heated loungers), Rhassoul mud room and Hammam. If that wasn't enough, it also has 'Experience Showers' where you can opt for a tropical, sea or ice storm, as numerous jets shoot mainly cold water at you accompanied by thunder and lightning effects.

I'm dubious about this having any health benefits, but it did make us laugh as we jumped in and out of the way of the colder jets. And judging by the shrieks that emanated from the room, we weren't the only ones! I also tried cooling off after the steam room by rubbing ice chips over myself and then, rather bravely I like to think, drenched myself under the kubel douche, which, basically, is a bucket of icy water that you pull down over yourself.

Relaxing treatments
A choice of treatments is included in the price of many of the spa breaks and Annette opted for the Wai Huunene, a hydrating facial using organic herbs and flowers from New Zealand, together with warm Manuka honey to nourish and smooth her skin. Manuka honey is well-known for its healing properties and is a powerful antibiotic. Annette loved the gorgeous smells of the flowery honey, but grumbled that it made her want crumpets for tea!

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