Relaxing in the New Forest...
I've wanted to visit the infamous Limewood for some time now, having heard rave reviews about its food offerings as well as its spa, Herb House. It certainly did not disappoint! From the moment we drove up the sweeping drive and entered the tardis that is the Herb House I felt instantly relaxed and as though I'd stepped into luxury.
We'd booked a Spa Day that included a one hour Bamford Rose Relaxing Upper Body and Facial Massage as well as lunch in Raw and Cured and full use of the spa facilities. Our treatment was at 1pm so we arrived around 11.30 so that we could have a quick go in the gym and check out the pool before being thoroughly pampered.
The gym itself is very well equipped and inspires a full on workout with the marvelous views provided by full length windows and the high, beamed ceiling. Cold towels and bottles of water are also kept in the fridge which is a completely genius idea and much needed after even the shortest of workouts!
Needless to say, our 'workout' was short and sweet as we couldn't wait to get into the pool and sauna! We donned our extremely comfortable robes and flip flops, provided in each locker, and headed off for some hydrotherapy!
The hydrotherapy pool looks out over dense woodland and the fact that it was raining outside made the experience extra special. The pool has several massage jets including some underwater seating and all over body massagers. We could have stayed in there all day had we not been drawn to the huge woodland sauna just next door. This was perfectly hot and again blessed with that full length window that made you feel like you were sweating it out in a beautiful, rainy forest!
Our treatment was similarly sublime. I was whisked away into a cosy treatment room complete with a heated bed and incredibly soft towels. My back was scrubbed with Bamford products which smelled amazing and my arms and face were massaged into oblivion. I barely woke up once the treatment had finished, but once I'd remembered that the next stop was Raw and Cured I soon leapt up!
Raw and Cured is a delicious concept. The Spa's restaurant come cafe looks out over the garden and on the other side the swimming pool and provides a perfectly relaxing and authentic dining experience. The friendly staff are on hand to put together some delicious, natural treats and serve up a smoothie or two upon request. Our package included two of the 'mini' options or one, larger board. I opted for a delicious board of breads, cured meats and cheeses whilst my Mum went for a bright, flavourful Mexican salad and a mini ploughman's. We of course shared and dipped into each other's lunches so we got to try a couple of dishes, but I could have gladly tried every single one, much like our next door diners did!!
After satisfying our cravings we headed back for some more hydro action. We relaxed all day long whilst it poured down with rain outside. Whilst this made the experience even more magical, it did have a slight downside in that the outdoor heated pool was temporarily closed until the rain subsided. This also unfortunately happened to clash with the short period of time in which children are allowed in the pool so we didn't spend too long in there!
Once we had been thoroughly spoilt and pampered we headed off, but only after we were treated to a final farewell gift of a couple of Bamford products which was a nice touch!Hopefully one day I'll get to return and try out another of their tempting treatments, but even without trying everything I'd still thoroughly recommend this spa - it does exactly what it says on the tin, only much much better!
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