It was renowned for its healing, relaxing and detoxifying qualities in ancient civilisations, and now hydrotherapy is de rigeur in today’s highend spas too, where visitors can enjoy the revitalizing effects of water, just as the Romans used to do, writes Liane Voisey

Eden Day Spa at Hoar Cross Hall

THE LOWDOWN: Hidden away in 100 acres of glorious English countryside, Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire combines the sumptuous pleasures of staying in an elegant English stately home with the facilities of a modern spa resort. It’s the perfect place to de-stress and get thoroughly pampered as a day guest. You can enjoy a relaxing swim in the saltwater vitality swimming pool, or get re-energised in the hydrotheraphy pool or aqua detox areas. Alternatively, stimulate your senses in the Spa’s unique Water Grottos – these are complimentary water massage areas designed to offer an exciting fun experience, while melting away the stresses of everyday life. Finish off your pampering time by sampling the steam rooms, saunas and saunariums and aromatherapy room. The hydrotherapy pool area also features heated loungers in the relaxation zone so that you have the perfect recipe for relaxation. For the more energetic, the Spa also boasts a fully-equipped gym or you can join one of the many exercise classes. New treatments are frequently being introduced at the Spa and the Natural Healing Centre also offers other treatments too, such as Ayurvedic therapies, Transion nonsurgical face lift, Linfogie body for inch loss detoxification, Reiki healing, reflexology, stress management, herbalist, iridology, hypnotherapy and Indian head massage.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT

Mud Hydrotherapy Bath & Salt Scrub, £33.00

WHAT ELSE? You can enjoy a threecourse lunch in the restaurant. Alternatively, jog the ‘Trim Trails’ in the extensive grounds.

Tel: 01283 575678
www.edenspa.co.uk

Champneys Henlow Grange

THE LOWDOWN: Henlow Grange is an impressive Georgian mansion which has been operating as a successful health farm for over 40 years. Standing proud among 100 acres of stunning countryside, it was recently renovated. The high-tech facilities at the Spa now include a Laconium (circular hot dry room), herbal steam chamber, two fitness studios, a state-of-the-art Rasul mud chamber and a thalassotherapy pool. There is also a fully computerised gymnasium and two fitness studios offering dynamic and holistic classes. Its team of fully trained staff are on hand to create personal fitness programmes especially to meet individual needs. Champneys offer over a 100 beauty and holistic treatments, and its professional therapists use only the finest products from Babor, Elemis, Tisserand and the exclusive new Champneys Spa Collection. The Spa Restaurant is a particular treat for visitors – overlooking an elegant pool, there’s a relaxed buffet for breakfast, while dinner is a three course meal. Eating healthily is easy too, with light diet options available at every meal.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT

Thalassotherapy (£20) is a mineral rich warm pool with hydrotherapy jets to stimulate and tone tired aching muscles. Seaweed Floatation (£52) provides the beneficial effects of seaweed combined with the warmth and relaxation of the floatation bath to relax the body and aid toxin removal.

WHAT ELSE? A Relax Day at the Spa costs £59.95, which includes use of resort facilities.

Tel: 08703 300 300;
www.champneys.com