London is great but sometimes hopping on a train for an hour can do wonders – especially when what’s on the other end is a spa. I spent the afternoon relaxing at The Spa at Macdonald Berystede Hotel, here’s what I thought.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 The venue
The Spa is just a short drive outside of Ascot, based inside the Macdonald Berystede Hotel. The hotel’s rural setting and beautiful grounds feel much further than an hour from the hustle and bustle of London. The spa itself is pretty compact but has everything you could need for a day of pure relaxation.
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2 The treatment
I was treated to a 55-minute Elemis Couture Touch Treatment, which is basically a back, neck and shoulder massage followed by a facial – and was seriously relaxing. Upon arrival, I was asked to fill in a form detailing my preferred massage pressure and skin concerns. My therapist nailed it. I definitely fell asleep throughout and left with seriously glowing skin.
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3 The thermal suite
My favourite part of any spa is always the thermal suite and this one was a good’n. There are two saunas (rock and infrared), a salt room, aromatherapy steam room, ice room and thermal loungers. The perfect place to sweat it all out.
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4 The hydrotherapy pool
An outdoor pool in December may not sound ideal but the half-in-half-out hydrotherapy pool was a real treat. The perfect temperature for relaxing, two jets for water pressure therapy and (luckily) a crisp winter’s day. Perfect.
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5 The experience
Whether you’re staying in the hotel, live in the area or just need some serious chill time, I’d definitely recommend this spot. While great for some me-time, I’d also love to go back with a group of friends. I was super relaxed after my treatment and headed back to the city completely refreshed.
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FAQs
What facilities can you use at The Spa at Macdonald Berystede Hotel?
You have access to a thermal suite with two saunas, a salt room, aromatherapy steam room, ice room, and thermal loungers. There’s also a hydrotherapy pool that’s partly outdoors and kept at a comfortable temperature.
What happens during the Elemis Couture Touch Treatment?
The Elemis Couture Touch Treatment lasts 55 minutes and includes a back, neck and shoulder massage followed by a facial. The treatment is tailored to your preferred massage pressure and skin concerns for a deeply relaxing and personalised experience.
Can you enjoy the hydrotherapy pool in cold weather?
Yes, the hydrotherapy pool is enjoyable even in colder months thanks to its warm temperature. The pool is designed half indoors and half outdoors, so you stay comfortable while relaxing, even on a crisp winter day.
How do you personalise your spa treatment?
When you arrive, you fill in a form with your massage pressure preferences and skin concerns. This helps your therapist customise the treatment to suit your needs, making sure you get the most relaxing experience.
Is The Spa at Macdonald Berystede Hotel good for group visits?
The spa is ideal for both solo visits and groups of friends. The range of facilities and relaxing treatments make it a great choice whether you want some “me-time” or a group spa day.