Recommended by reception staff, I settled for the spa’s signature treatment –the Hampshire Herbal Massage – 90 minutes of utter bliss. With Hampshire being the home of the great novelist, Jane Austen, as well as the inspiration for many of her novels, this treatment draws on her path of herbal remedies. The massage is carried out by using handmade steamed herbal poultices with lavender, chamomile and English peppermint. Gently applied to every inch of the body both front and back, I dipped in and out of consciousness.

My therapist Muna was incredibly quiet – you could hear a pin drop. Drifting in and out of a sleepy state, it was only when Muna put cold stones on my face as part of the facial, did I jolt from my dozy state. She informed me at the end that this was a deliberate part of the process to alert me to the fact that it was the end of my treatment. Luckily I was able to continue that semi-unconscious state in the peaceful and darkened relaxation room. I could have stayed there for the entire afternoon had it not been for the fact my lunch was booked an hour later.

The Café Sante is open all year round and serves Asian-inspired lunch options, smoothies and hot and cold drinks. Think spring rolls, noodles, salads and Thai curry. Floating around in your robe and slippers is not only encouraged, but expected. Tucking into a massive bowl of Prawn Pad Thai noodles, I could see why this place attracts visitors taking advantage of day and evening spa packages to make a whole day of it.

Making ‘me’ time a priority may seem selfish, but if you do it on a regular basis it can help you be more productive, improve your concentration and reduce stress levels. This retreat is definitely up there in the luxury ranks, and leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated before having to pop back into the humdrum of your normal life.

The Spa & Club at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire – Where and How?

The Spa & Club at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is located at Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, Hampshire RG27 8TD, United Kingdom.

Spa day packages are available to non-residents Monday to Friday. The Hampshire Herbal Massage costs between £175 – £185 depending on the duration. To book a spa package, or for more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/hampshire/spa.

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