USP This is a spa to make certain husbands very happy.
Attached is a world-class golf course. It is home to the Welsh Open and will
host the 2010 Ryder Cup.The hotel, a modern behemoth, crouches in the
manicured hills of the golf course, and you can spy bunkers and golf holes
from virtually every room. Fortunately, for those who don’t want to practice
their swing, there are two large spas which aim to cater for your every
whim.
AMBIENCE It is a modern hotel and the spa, gym and swimming
pool have been given their own space at the bottom of the building.
Unusually this doesn’t mean it is subterranean, the swimming pool had a
great view, as did the spa’s relaxation room, over rolling green hills. And
the facilities were comprehensive, you’d need to be there for a week to make
the most of their 54 station gym, two swimming pools, dance studio, sauna
etc. However, I’m afraid one night was enough for me. Despite having all the
facilities you’d expect from a top spa, they were put together in such a way
as to remove much of the pleasure. The Jacuzzi, plunge pool and steam room
were in the same area as the changing rooms, and had the feel of a
utilitarian communal space rather than a destination in themselves. The
floor was soaking wet and a strange fluorescent blue light gave the whole
area an eery glow which meant that I had absolutely no desire to try out any
of the facilities. I wasn’t the only one. No-one else ventured into the
Jacuzzi or the plunge pool, which was unmarked and could have been an
unpleasant surprise if the plunger didn’t realise it was going to be
freezing cold. The only thing I dared try was the steam room. I sat on the
plastic moulding that served as a chair and felt my thighs stick to it as
large splodges of water fell on me. Five minutes was enough. Once you walked
through the changing room/spa area you reached the pool which was full of
families and young children enjoying the water. But the air stank of
chlorine, and being a sensitive soul – and prone to eczema - I decided
against jumping in. The 16 treatment rooms were set in a separate part of
the spa, and were similar to most treatment rooms, with lots of beige,
orchids and manicured therapists. The relaxation rooms were pleasant enough
but one Welsh wedding magazine and a few golfing publications made its
attempts to help you unwind seem half hearted.
EXPERIENCE My treatment was very good. The therapist had
seven years of experience and trained other beautitians in using Elemis
products. She really knew her stuff but didn’t try to flog the products too
hard, which is always a relief. I had the absolute spa ritual which included
a collagen marine facial, a deep tissue massage and lasted 115 mins. I’m
sure my skin looked better after the facial – well, you have to think that,
having spent nearly two hours and £145 on it – and I definitely felt more
relaxed.
IN CROWD This feels like the type of place you’d come with
your in-laws if, say, it were equidistant between your two homes. It’s not
the sort of place you’d go out of your way to visit. The pool area is
perfect for family fun, so bring the kids, but don’t expect an indulgent day
out in solitude or with a friend.
FOOD There is a fantastic restaurant in the hotel which I
recommend if you’re staying the night - Owens serves adventurous and
interesting meals. For the daytime at the spa the Leisure Café serves a
variety of light snacks. I didn’t eat there but the sample menu on their
website gives a taste of what they serve; low-fat chocolate fudge cake and
Frankfurter sausage puffs are probably the worst of what they have on offer,
there is a smattering of fruit or smoothie option too.
WALLET WATCH There is a summer deal where you get three
treatments and a day at the spa for £150. A night in a double room costs
around £134 and then treatments are on top of that. Treatment prices are
generally very reasonable. A mineral scalp treatment and dry flotation which
lasts 25 mins costs £30 and an hour-long hot stone massage costs £65.
NEED TO KNOW Celtic Manor, Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley,
South Wales. NP18 1HQ (+44 (0)1633 413 000; www.celtic-manor.com)
