Beauty Editor Sara Niven tries out SenSpa's NEW Vitality Day
10th Apr 2017
Not all spa days are equal and in my line of work I’ve been lucky enough to review a number over the years. There’s the hen do style affairs for starters where the idea is pampering and giggles accompanied by bubbly and maybe a cream tea. All very lovely and I’ve spent an extremely enjoyable day at SenSpa doing just that when my sister in law chose it for her pre-wedding celebration. But what if you want to take a different approach; perhaps you’ve had a stressful or particularly indulgent time and healthy intentions have fallen by the wayside? Maybe you want a day dedicated to getting back on track; time out to invest in yourself, alone, with a like-minded friend or partner?
If so SenSpa’s new Vitality Day provides the perfect kick start in the form of a holistic two step approach to wellbeing. In partnership with healthy meal delivery service Spring Green London, the day includes breakfast and a two-course lunch packed with superfoods with the addition of a Detox fruit smoothie. There’s also a choice of one hour treatment with options including an Aromatic Detox massage or Yin Yang Body Wrap.
The idea of ‘detoxing’ is frankly not one I’m generally a massive fan of; my experiences of colonics and wheatgrass being two cases in point. The Vitality Day experience was a refreshing revelation in that respect.
Breakfast included cooked options and I plumped for avocado on rye bread with poached egg, chilli and lemon. Filling and delicious. The Detox Smoothie was not as I feared, a lurid green concoction but perfectly palatable, verging on enjoyable for someone who isn’t a smoothie fan.
Afterwards I wandered off, free to enjoy a relaxation class, use the gym, swim or simply enjoy the chance to unwind minus phone. I also made the most of the impressive hydrotherapy pool, hot tub, steam rooms and sauna before it was time for my treatment. This was the Detox Massage which is based around a light touch to increase lymph flow and I hoped would help improve my cellulite (although the lovely therapist insisted she couldn’t see any). The scalp massage was a particular treat – this is the kind of Detox I’m all up for.
Lunch was served in the Zen Garden Restaurant where I have eaten previously and only have to inhale the gorgeous aromas of Thai food to start craving Pad Thai or green curry. Whilst that wasn’t on the menu this time, the meals myself and my companion enjoyed were an absolute feast visually and taste wise (with very generous portions too). I had the beetroot burger accompanied by sweet potato fries. My partner went for the salad combo – a bespoke salad where you choose the base, dressing, dip and topping with options including grilled halloumi or in his case, chicken with garlic, ginger and turmeric. It was the most appetising salad I’d seen in a long while. A choice of two healthy desserts followed, a raw chocolate and banana ice cream and a Cacao Chai bowl.
Far from feeling deprived, it was a timely reminder that healthy food can be satisfying, tasty and leave you feeling nourished as oppose uncomfortably stuffed. Finally, in addition to great memories and a healthier outlook, guests take away SenSpa’s own Detox Bath Salts and Body Scrub to continue the good work at home.
The Vitality Day starts from £165. Call 01590 624467 to make a booking or