As a Spa Therapist I find it very hard to have spa treatments, not because it's a 'busman's holiday' as many people *hilariously* suggest but because I am so passionate about what I do and always make sure my guests have a 5 star experience that I just can't help being critical. But, earlier this year I was lucky enough to go to Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa in Nantwich, Cheshire with my sister for a nice relaxing break away where I was able to leave my stresses (and criticisms) at home...
Driving through the Cheshire countryside with the bright sun shining on manicured fields and perfect houses, I contemplated my future and decided in about 3 minutes that 'yep, I could live here'. Not every spa has the luxury of gorgeous surroundings but Rookery is perfectly placed away from the hustle and bustle of life that even approaching the hotel you let out a big sigh and realise you've been frowning and clenching your bum for the past 4 months.
Sometimes going away to a swishy hotel can make me feel a bit like a fraud. There can be so much expected pretence of either having lots of money or being a seasoned hotel go-er but there is no shame in knowing that you only ever order a Pinot Grigio because it contains 'alcohol' or wishing that the braised daube of beef came with chunky chips instead of crushed pomme de terre. In my opinion, the best hotels are those that make you feel like the Queen of England even if the closest you've come is carnival queen at age 16.
Every. Single. Member of staff at Rookery made our stay exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble and they go above and beyond to make sure you have a lovely time, This is some of the best customer service I have ever experienced.
Stepping in to our spotless room I was delighted to discover fluffy robes and slippers to relax in and a TV at the end of the bath! Loved this little touch. After a lovely night's sleep and one of the best breakfasts I've had in a hotel - cooked fresh to order, we headed to the Spa. We started with two hours of treatment - an Elemis Deep Tissue Body Massage and an Elemis Modern Skin Facial and both therapists read my consultation form carefully and referred to it - I really don't like filling out a form to know that nobody has bothered to read it. After the treatments we were offered sorbet and shown to the relaxation room, which was SO gorgeous, there were comfy beds draped in blankets and Elemis sarongs and one whole wall was a gentle waterfall - I was fast asleep in minutes. Then I dined delicately on a perfect afternoon tea (read - stuffed my face with glorious cake) before relaxing poolside all afternoon, dipping in and out of the hydrotherapy pool and sauna.
The rest of the night we spent eating more gorgeous food and playing board games in the lounge, laughing until I was saying 'I'm going to pee!' you know what I mean, right!?
When we woke up on the last morning, we genuinely didn't want to leave we had had such a special time and weren't ready to head back into the 'real world'! This is something we do twice a year so I hope to return to Rookery Hall in September for the second time.
If I had to make one suggestion it would be to allow the Spa to control their own bookings rather than central reservations as there was lots of telephone calls back and forth that could have been saved if I could speak to the Spa directly.As a therapist I pre-empted some problems which I double checked and there was still a minor issue on arrival.
Has anybody visited Rookery before? Which Spas would you recommend? I'd love to hear from you.
Swimsuit: Zara
Blazer: New Look
Khaki Swing Top: In The Style
Jeans: Miss Selfridge
Shoes: Kurt Geiger
