Escape to the SenSpa Sensation
Situated in the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire, Carey’s Manor Hotel and SenSpa is the perfect countryside weekend retreat. What was once a former Royal hunting ground is now a luxurious hotel and spa, offering guests the chance to lose themselves in a truly Thai-inspired environment without having to embark on an 11 hour flight. On arrival, the HOTHOT team was greeted with the warmest of welcomes by the staff and we were given a tour of the hotel and spa, before getting down to some serious relaxing. One of the first things we noticed was the unique exotic fragrance of the hotel, which immediately transported us into a realm of requiescence and our daily stresses were instantly forgotten.
Words: Rosie Roman
Situated in the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire, Carey’s Manor Hotel and SenSpa is the perfect countryside weekend retreat. What was once a former Royal hunting ground is now a luxurious hotel and spa, offering guests the chance to lose themselves in a truly Thai-inspired environment without having to embark on an 11 hour flight. On arrival, the HOTHOT team was greeted with the warmest of welcomes by the staff and we were given a tour of the hotel and spa, before getting down to some serious relaxing. One of the first things we noticed was the unique exotic fragrance of the hotel, which immediately transported us into a realm of requiescence and our daily stresses were instantly forgotten.
With a choice of bedrooms and suites, there is a room for everyone. Juxtaposing original 19th Century features with stylish sophistication, each room is immaculately furnished, spacious and provides impeccable comfort steeped in splendour. The HOTHOT team stayed in an Oakwood Garden room, which overlooks the beautiful gardens and naturally captures the serenity of the surroundings. And it pleased us tremendously that we were greeted with complementary champers and chocolates, a very thoughtful gesture!
The hotel facilities include the Ozone swimming pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation rooms and gymnasium but the hidden gem is the SenSpa. With a very impressive hydrotherapy area covering two floors, it is the perfect place to relax, cleanse and awaken the senses.
The large hydrotherapy pool relaxed muscles we didn’t even know we had with strategically placed water jets, after which we were caressed by the gentle bubbles of the underwater loungers. The thermal treatment rooms, including a Crystal steam room and less intense herbal sauna, cleansed our skin and bodies of all post-Christmas-and-New-Year toxins. Result!
To cool down, we experienced the health showers, which vary in temperature and are designed to invigorate. For the brave, there is the Experience shower. Here, you can stimulate the senses and douse yourself in ice-cold water by emptying a bucket that is suspended from the ceiling all over you. Then step into the Experience shower and choose from tropical rainfall, sea storm or ice storm, and experience being in your own personalised storm, accompanied by exciting sounds and lighting. A personal HOTHOT favourite.
Finally, you can lose yourself in the Laconicum, another HOTHOT favourite, and relax on the heated benches or perfect your star-fish pose on the heated tiled floor. If you prefer a less humid environment, the Tepidarium is home to heated stone loungers, ideal for a cheeky snooze under the twinkling lights. For even more tranquillity, you can lounge in the Relaxation room or the Quiet room, where there is an endless supply of green tea, water and magazines. Also, if you want to target a particular area of the body, the spa offers a range of treatments with specialist advice given by therapists.
Fully relaxed, it was time to refuel. The hotel houses two restaurants; the Manor Restaurant and the Zen Garden Restaurant. Our evening meal was in the Manor Restaurant, which is elegantly furnished with subtle hints of timeless glamour. The tables were perfectly presented, each covered with an immaculate white table cloth, adding to the fine dining experience. The waiting staff were friendly and accommodating, and an idyllic ambience was created by the live piano player. However, although presented well, the food was lukewarm, bland and the portion sizes were very small, prompting us to ask for more sides. Unfortunately, the standard of food served didn’t reflect the high standards set by the hotel and spa.
The following morning, breakfast was at the Zen Garden. The décor kept with the Thai theme and the atmosphere was pleasurable. Once again, the staff were very eager to please but the food lacked that certain je ne sais quoi. The continental section was fine, but the hot food was overcooked and carelessly presented.
Overall, HOTHOT’s experience at Carey’s Manor Hotel and SenSpa excelled our expectations. The staff were faultless and attended to all our needs. The entire hotel and spa were immaculate, and the Thai-inspired theme was a charming finishing touch. Indeed, we felt positively relaxed and rejuvenated after our stay.
Rating: 8/10
For Reservations, call 01590 624467
Email: stay@careysmanor.com
Or book online at www.careysmanor.com
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Lyndhurst Road
Brockenhurst
Hampshire
SO42 7RH
