The Spa
Pennyhill Park, Surrey, UK
Sprawling spa with multiple sensory experiences set in acres of Surrey grounds.
OVERVIEW
Pennyhill Park is a destination spa that feels all encompassing; one of those ‘you don’t need to leave the grounds for anything’ complexes, it’s huge. The spa alone is 45,000 sq ft and sits in 9 acres of beautiful green grounds. It’s part of the Exclusive hotel group; a small group of just six family owned boutique hotels. If you like a Soho Farmhouse-esque country retreat vibe – you’ll LOVE Pennyhill Park.
We had a rare insight into this spa in that we visited twice and had two very different experiences. The weekends are a lot busier than weekdays, although maybe that’s a given. But what was strange is how different the crowds were; weekday visitors seemed to be couples and friends who had taken the day off to enjoy quiet time together whereas the weekend was louder and had more groups. The environment during the weekdays is totally serene. The spa has its own scent so as soon as you open the door to the spa you are overcome with the smell of lavender and your shoulders relax immediately. The spa is huge and there is comfy seating everywhere so you can always find a corner to snuggle up and chill.
SPA BRANDS
The spa has its own brand of massage oils but use Spanish luxury skincare brand Natura Bisse for facials. Natura Bisee is known for its effective formulas and treatments – if you have sensitive skin notify your therapist before your treatment.
PRICES
Massages start at £105 for 60 minutes Mon-Thurs but are subject to a 10% service charge unless booked as part of a spa day or spa break. Spa days start from £225 and vary - look out on the website for up to date offers.
TREATMENT BOOKED
Swedish Massage, 60 minutes, over the phone.
OUR TREATMENT
The philosophy of the spa is natural, holistic and organic and to that effect, the therapists try and tailor all the experiences to your needs and spend time consulting you on what you would like to get out of your treatment.We had a brilliant therapist (who is apparently one of the most popular) called Marlena. After filling out the mandatory form we headed up to a massage treatment room upstairs.
During the massage Marlena used her forearms for a super relaxing but firm pressure, she applied just the right amount to ease out knots. She took our cues when it came to chatting – and the whole experience felt deeply relaxing. The aftercare was first-rate, Marlena talked us through the next 24 hours and how we’d feel after the treatment and advised not to wash of the oils for as long as possible. It was professional, effective and expertly done.
OTHER FACILITIES
There is a huge gym onsite, empty when we visited, and gym classes can be purchased for £10 as part of a day spa pass. We would recommend the yoga on a Wednesday (check with the team for up to date timetables). There are several pools to choose from; one huge indoor pool (named the Ballroom Pool, it plays underwater music if you just want to float away your cares), one outdoor pool, 3 jacuzzis and one mixed thermal suite (sauna, steam room, ice room) plus separate thermal suites for men and women. There’s also an ice-cold plunge pool, a sensory room with water beds where you can snooze post treatment and a room with heated marble beds which curve to the shape of your body overlook the outdoor pool. You’re so spoilt for choice here.
LITTLE EXTRAS
The changing rooms here are something else, particularly the female ones. There are private cubicles, 10 massive shower rooms, plenty of seating and even a swing! It can be a real downer fighting for space after a treatment and we never felt like that here – these guys get it.
SLEEP OVER
Rooms at Pennyhill Park hotel start at £450 a night. Each room is individually designed and some contain four poster beds while others have been designed with horizontal rain showers.
If you can’t bear the thought of being separated from the canine love of your life, you can pick from a range of dog-friendly rooms and for £40 a night you can bring two dogs with you and then in turn will be treated to their own dog beds, bowls and treats.
FOOD
There is a restaurant at the spa so you don’t have to leave the premises and you can dine in your robes if you want to feel extra chill. Or you can stick poolside and the food will come to you. We’d recommend the salad buffet at the Themis restaurant, just as you come into the spa, followed by warm scones and tea poolside.
The hotel itself has two restaurants; one is a bistro (where you’d be fine in robes for breakfast and lunch, in fact it’s de rigueur) and The Latymer, a Michelin starred fine dining experience which calls for evening attire.
GOOD TO KNOW
There is a Waitrose close by and if, like us, you require constant snacks then make sure to stop off there are pick up some nibbles.
We would recommend you bring a tote bag to take your book/snacks it’s a bit of a walk to the thermal floor.
What wasn’t great
Our big tip? Ask for a therapy room on the top floor when booking. We originally had one located in the spa entrance but this meant that we could hear everything going on at the reception despite the music that was on in our treatment room.
Just FYI
Sign up to the Exclusive hotels’ newsletter, they occasionally run offers and rooms drop from £450 to £265 for a one night stay and access to the spa facilities.
Details
Address: Pennyhill Park, London Rd, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5EU
How to get there: Trains run from London Waterloo to Bagshot, the nearest station (4 minute drive), pretty much every 30 minutes. Book your taxi in advance as it is a small station. Alternatively, Sunningdale is a 9 minute drive but has more taxis readily available.
Children: Children can stay at the hotel (free under 5 years old) but the spa is adults only. There is however an outdoor pool which has a changing hut and toilet nearby where children are allowed.
Number: 01276 478300
Website: www.exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park/
Instagram: @pennyhill_park