Spa Breaks: The Alveston Manor Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon
Review: Kay Frankland
This traditional Tudor style hotel is ideally situated in the beautiful town of Stratford Upon Avon; a short 5 minute walk into town you can be totally engrossed by all things Shakespearian, but when you drive into the courtyard of the hotel the grandiose building instantly feels like you are in the countryside.
Upon our arrival the reception staff were very helpful, we were staying for 3 nights, one night in the classic room and two in the executive suite. The classic room located in the modern wing offers a light, airy and cosy experience perfect for a good night’s sleeps. The executive suite was situated in the Manor House itself, as soon as we entered it felt like we were staying in cottage with its dark wood beams and low ceilings and lots of charm.
The Vital Health Club boasts a 18-metre heated swimming pool, state of the art Techogym, stream room and sauna and 6 treatment rooms. The spa, partners with luxe beauty brand Elemis, offers a whole host of luxury and express options. The MacDonald Signature treatment is a top to toe pampering session (1 hr 25mins) with deep tissue massage and relaxing facial. There an extensive selection of facials, face and body combinations, massage, manicures, pedicures and waxing available. A trio of specific mens treatments also make sure the guys can also take some TLC time out too.
As we arrived to the spa the receptionist pleasantly greeted us and showed us to the relaxation room whilst we waited for our treatments. I had opted for the Elemis Face and Body Sensation. As soon as we entered the relaxation room your mind seemed to unwind, the atmosphere was very tranquil, the music playing was a combination of nature sounds with light piano and easy listening instruments that made you lose all your thoughts. My Beauty Therapist, Kayleigh, collected me from the spa reception and asked me to follow her into the treatment room. She did a mini consultation with me by asking my skin type and correct skincare regime. I told her I had slightly dry, sensitive skin which helped her to choose which products were best to give my body the rejuvenation it needed.
This sensational treatment included a re-energising ‘ice cool thermal’ massage which aimed to relieve stress and ease aching muscles, just what I was looking for after a very busy week at work. Then an intensive booster anti – ageing facial – designed to smooth those wrinkles out and restore youthful radiance.
To begin with Kayleigh carried out a full body massage starting from the neck and slowly moving down towards my feet. I had asked for deep tissue as recently I had been having a few back problems. She seemed to locate where all my aches and pain were. Within in a matter of minutes I felt the tension leave my body, so much so that I nearly fell asleep. After the invigorating and stimulating massage Kayleigh calmly asked me to roll over onto my back to begin the facial. She applied a warm face cloth to my face to open up my pores and then applied a cleanser followed by a cooling moisturiser. Next was the exfoliation which worked to reduce the dry skin cells on my face and create a smoother appearance. About 2 or 3 minutes later she used warm pads to clean my face. By this point all the pressure and discomfort in my body seemed to have disappeared. All I could hear was the peaceful music playing in the background. Kayleigh then applied some oil to her hands and began the head massage, the ultimate ending to this re-energising experience.
After the session ended I asked Kayleigh for some advice on how to look after my skin. She said during the treatment the products seemed to absorb quite quickly meaning my body wasn’t retaining the moisture for that long. She recommended that I start exfoliating once a week and using a hydrating serum with my moisturiser, this was perfect for me as I like to keep things simple when looking after my skin.
The Alveston Manor Hotel has a lot to offer, ideal for the Shakespeare fanatics but even better for a long spa weekend of relaxation, eating good British food and having a few large glasses of wine.
The Alveston Manor Hotel
Clopton Bridge | Stratford-upon-Avon | CV37 7HP