Senspa at Careys Manor Hotel, Hampshire
by Nina Cuthbert
Above: Senspa at Careys Manor Hotel, Hampshire
The Hotel: Careys Manor is a luxury four-star hotel and spa located deep in the New Forest National Park in Hampshire. It was recently voted Hotel Spa of the Year 2007 by the British Beauty Awards.
The Room: Spacious and comfortable, the room at Careys Manor is functional rather than a place you would like to laze in for a longer period of time. Somewhat reminiscent of an airport hotel in its décor, the room sadly does not reflect the grand entrance to the hotel nor the exotic nature of its accompanying spa. Flatscreen TV comes as a standard and, while the double sinks in the bathroom give it a his ’n’ hers edge, not having a separate bath and shower is an oversight. There is, however, a separate room for lavatory and bidet – although the bidets don’t appear to deserve the space they are given.
The Restaurant: Careys Manor spoils you for choice with three restaurants which is a definite plus side. The Manor restaurant is an elegant affair, with a very reasonably priced three-course menu and extensive wine list, with recommendations available from the knowledgeable wine waiter. The seafood bouillabaisse is fantastic as is the fried halloumi. The Zen garden restaurant located next to the spa is a perfectly decorated, calm environment which serves a green curry that transports you to the streets of Thailand in no time – a true triumph for the hotel.
Le Blaireau, a French restaurant at the front of the hotel looks a little shabby from the outside and could do with some serious redecoration but the menu is detailed and the food excellent. Just don’t be put off by the neon lights in the window.
The Spa: The award-winning Senspa at Careys Manor is a true haven of peace and tranquillity and is deceptively large, with 16 treatment rooms and state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities. The Senspa’s signature treatment, the Sen Fusion Massage is one and a half hours of pure bliss, combining the art of Thai, Shiatsu, Ayurveda, Swedish and Aromatherapy massages. Spa guests can also enjoy a mind and body class, combining yoga and Pilates. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and being given Thai pyjamas to wear throughout the duration of the stay is a very pleasant touch.
The Upside: A short drive away is the New Forest, complete with divine walks and wild ponies. It is well worth taking a stroll but remember your wellies if you think it might rain.
The Downside: The accommodation should match the spectacular nature of the spa and considering that some of the hydrotherapy suite showers are so fantastic, they should be replicated in the rooms!
The Extras: Seek out the Quiet Room, especially if you have come in from outside. The beds are sculpted for pure comfort, an array of magazines to choose from and a warming temperature to calm you down – perfection.
The Details: Spa Breaks start from £119 per person, per night (The B&B SenSpa Relaxer). Careys Manor is from £95 per person, per night.
Senspa at Careys Manor Hotel, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7RH; 01590 623551, www.senspa.co.uk