Don’t judge a book by its cover. Repeat this mantra as you enter the driveway
to Careys Manor. Several times.
The new(ish) wing looks more like a motel than manor but there are more
(welcoming) surprises when you step inside the four-star hotel.
In the charming depths of the New Forest, this property conceals an award
winning Thai spa that will literally make your shoulders drop inches and
your toes curl in delight.
Over £6 million has been spent on Carey’s SenSpa (voted Destination Hotel Spa
of the Year in the 2007 British Beauty & Spa Awards) and it appears from
the smiles on the faces of guests that it was money well spent.
A quick tour of its extensive facilities is not possible so I’ll try and sum
it up – there’s 16 treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, herbal sauna, steam
room, a Rhassoul mud room (with mud from Morocco), a couple of Jaccuzzis and
several experience showers and relaxation rooms where you’ll discover a
steady stream of guests gliding around in towelling robes with a glazed,
contented look on their faces.
This contrasts somewhat from the startled expressions etched on those that
venture into the ice room. Here, one all-too-casual pull of a cord empties a
bucket of ice over the brave soul that has pulled it. If this isn’t shocking
enough, an alternative treatment in this room is the tropical rain storm
shower that comes complete with ice-cold rain, thunder and lightening. A bit "Disney"
perhaps but popular for a free trial of "laughter therapy" - just
one of the unusual treatments on the spa menu.
I opted for the more serene 90-minute signature Sen Fusion Massage. My
therapist, like many others, was from Thailand and skilfully trained in a
fusion of techniques from the East and West. The massage combined Thai
techniques with the basics of Swedish massage and before long I was pulled
and pushed into a state of relaxation, in awe of how someone so small could
make such a big impact.
Most guests who visit on a spa break are treated to a free two-course lunch at
the spa’s Zen Garden Thai Restaurant whose Thai chefs use free-range organic
and local produce. A yoga class designed to detoxify internal organs is also
on the menu and you don’t have to be an expert to join in. Outside guests
are encouraged to walk and cycle through the myriad of forest trails on the
doorstep but, if it’s raining, there’s always the swimming pool or gym where
you can sign up for classes ranging from circuit training to belly dancing.
All this exercise and country air works up a huge appetite and in the evening
guests can choose to dine in two of the three restaurants on site. Le
Blaireau Brasserie and Bar serves up delicious French classics such as
gratinee onion soup for starters, steamed mussels in white wine and shallots
served with French fries and crepe suzette or crème brulee. Meanwhile, the
main Manor Restaurant serves a predominantly English fare such as smoked
duck breast with fig chutney and brioche crouton, New Forest venison and
baked vanilla cheesecake with blueberry compote.
While the atmosphere in the two AA rosette Manor Restaurant was a little
disappointing (dimmed lights and some soft music would be welcome additions)
the food (£34 per person for a three-course meal) was excellent with an
extensive choice of fine wines. Breakfast was equally satisfying - superb
full English was accompanied with healthy smoothies proving a welcome
alternative to the usual dull fruit juices served at many a country house
hotel.
With its Thai, French and Swedish influences, this is no ordinary English
manor, but that isn’t a bad thing. Bedrooms are traditional and tastefully
decorated in hues of browns and burgundies, mellow yellows or cool blues
(although they are for something spacious opt for a garden junior suite).
Reviews on tripadvisor.co.uk
are typically good giving the hotel an average rating of 3.5 stars. Most
people praise the spa and location, and I can see why.
Bottom line: double rooms cost from £95 per person per night including
breakfast and use of spa facilities. Alternatively the SenSpa one-night
package costs from £149 per person (includes dinner, lunch, use of spa
facilities and mind/body class). Spa treatments cost extra.
Best thing: the spa & the signature Sen Fusion Massage – truly out
of this world.
Worst thing: the ‘motel’ like wing (splash out on a superior room).
Access all areas: One room has wheelchair access.
Need to know: Careys Manor Hotel, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Hampshire,
SO42 7RH, tel: 01590 623 551; www.senspa.co.uk
and www.careysmanor.com
Food: 7.5 out of 10
Spa: 10 out of 10
Service: 7 out of 10
Room: 7 out of 10
Value: 7 out of 10
