It’s always a pleasure to embark on the leafy drive up to the 18th-century manor house that is home to Rowhill Grange and its award-winning Utopia Spa. Whilst guests at the hotel have access to the spa facilities as part of their stay, a great way to experience some indulgent pampering is to enjoy a luxurious spa day. So, that’s exactly what I signed up for.
by Samantha G

A friendly welcome awaits you at the Utopia Spa, as excited guests ready for a day of preening, pampering and relaxation are upon entrance, ushered into the comfortable lounge area to enjoy a refreshing beverage and mini flapjack, while perusing the lunch and afternoon tea menus.

All guests on the day spa package have the choice of either lunch or afternoon tea as part of their experience, around which your treatments and spa time are tailored.

Having chosen our two courses from a mouth-watering lunch menu, my guest and I descended into the tranquil haven of the spa, donned our complimentary robes, and headed to the classical Roman-inspired poolside.

The ground floor hydrotherapy pool, bubble tub and Jacuzzi was our first stop of the day – the flowing water jets and delicate bubbles beginning our descent into relaxed bliss. A few gentle lengths of the first floor pool was followed by a quick burst in the steam room and sauna, before drying off on the relaxing poolside loungers.

Next up on our itinerary was our treatments, for which we happily headed back upstairs to one of the 19 plush treatment rooms. Met by our professional therapists and keen to try something new, we both embarked on the spa’s signature top to toe treatment, Total Harmony.

Body brushing, lava stones, aromatherapy and the stress-relieving hot stone face massage certainly didn’t disappoint. Hannah, my therapist for the day, worked out knots and stresses I didn’t even know I had, and my skin was left buffed to perfection. Floating out of my treatment, and armed with recommendations for Temple Spa products, it was time to head to lunch.

Sated after braised gammon knuckle terrine, coq au vin, and soy beef noodles respectively, we headed back to the spa area for another swim, steam, sauna and hydrotherapy session before utilising the well-appointed changing areas complete with powerful showers, hairdryers and GHD straighteners.

The great thing about the evidently and befittingly popular spa days at Rowhill Grange is that the carefully planned treatment, lunch and afternoon tea times of the guests are cleverly staggered to ensure that the spa facilities never feel busy and guests never feel rushed. In fact, there were times that my guest and I had areas of the spa to ourselves – making for an even more decadent experience. We can’t wait to return!

Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa
Wilmington
DA2 7QH

01322 615136

www.rowhillgrange.co.uk

WIN a luxury spa day at Rowhill Grange Hotel’s luxurious Utopia Spa 

With the sweet scent of spring lingering in the air, what could be more refreshing than submerging your body into a warming bubble tub while those winter pressures melt away? If the prospect of watery pleasures accompanied by a relaxing all over body massage puts a spring in your step, don’t miss this fabulous competition.

Your spa day at Rowhill Grange will begin with light refreshments on arrival, followed by full use of a Romanesque themed main pool – a large hydrotherapy pool surrounded by pressure jets and waterfalls – bubble tub, sauna and steam facilities. You can spend time lazing by the pools, add a little activity to your experience and join one of the daily fitness or wellness classes on offer, or enjoy a workout in the gym. Your day will include a 55-minute full body massage or relaxing Temple Spa facial, plus a delicious two-course lunch or afternoon tea.

To win this fabulous prize, simply follow both @Rowhill_Grange and @insideKENT on Twitter and visit our Competitions page to complete the following question:

What is the name of Rowhill Grange Hotel’s luxury spa?

1. Tranquillity
2. RG’s
3. Utopia

Terms and conditions: One winner and a guest are invited to enjoy a spa day at the Utopia Spa with one 55-minute massage or facial per guest, plus a two-course lunch or afternoon tea. The prize must be taken Monday to Thursday before 30th September 2015. Booking subject to availability. Over 18s only.