REVIEW: A bit of pampering and afternoon tea at Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa goes down a treat

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I’VE been lucky enough to go to some very nice hotels in my time but until recently the extent of the ‘luxury’ had been popping into the steam room and sauna or having a dip in the hot tub.

As a birthday treat from my family this year, I decided it was high time I get away for a stress-free day and what better way than with a spa day at a luxury hotel practically on my doorstep?

I chose to indulge in the Spa and Afternoon Tea package at Luton Hoo, taking my mum along for good measure, and indulge we did.

We arrived at the spa (once we’d navigated the slightly confusing layout of the grounds) at around 12 noon and headed straight for the pool, big white dressing gown and slippers in hand.

My favourite part of the pool area is always the steam room. While some might consider it muggy, I adore being enveloped in the heat and could quite happy sink into a peaceful sleep.

And what I loved about this particular steam room was – surprise surprise – the steam. Many I’ve been to in the past actually lack it, making it all just that bit too cosy with the strangers you’re sharing with. But this little room was a sanctuary of thick, fragrant vapour, creating my own little world of relaxation. The sauna, for me, was not so pleasant, but then I expected that going in. The heat in those arid wooden boxes is always too dry and Luton Hoo’s was no exception.

After a token effort at swimming and a brief bubble in the hot tub it was time to move on to the bit I’d been looking forward to most: the back, neck and shoulder massage.

We quietly tiptoed up the stairs (much like in a library, you had to wonder if a stern matronly figure would appear from nowhere to shush you should you make more noise than a mouse) to the private rooms where the treatments take place and waited a short while for our turn.

I was up first and was led away to have my 25 minute massage first, followed by another 25 minute manicure treatment.

The massage was utter heaven. With every movement of the therapist’s hands it felt like the stress and tension of everyday life was being drawn out of my skin. In fact it was so perfectly relaxing I very nearly gave over to sleep. The nail treatment however was not so enjoyable. Firstly, it lasted just about 15 minutes let alone 25 and without wanting to be too judgmental, I’ve had better at far inferior facilities than these (I spoke to other ladies there the same day who faired even worse).

Slightly disappointing manicure out of the way, the day then really perked up again when we reached the beautiful Mansion House for afternoon tea. On the menu was a variety of delectable finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes, some scrumptious scones with jam and cream and more tea and coffee than you could (or should) drink in a day. My mum and I were treated to far more than we could actually eat (even without having had lunch) and were given what we couldn’t manage to take home in a box – with the exception of the finger sandwich leftovers which were sadly missing when we opened it up…

A Spa and Afternoon Tea package for two people at Luton Hoo costs £100 each. Other spa days are available. Gift vouchers are available to purchase online at: lutonhoo.co.uk/gift-certificates

KATHRYN CAIN