Deputy editor Yvonne Martin reviews the new truffle treatments at a beautiful Lake District spa.
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a sumptuous place to enjoy an indulgent break, and now they’ve upped the luxury with a range of new treatments incorporating truffles, Champagne and gold.
We enjoyed a relaxing weekend at the Lake District venue on the banks of Bassenthwaite Lake and had the chance to try out a couple of these treatments.
The spa uses products from Temple Spa – they’re in the rooms if you stay over too! – and for its new treatments it is showcasing the Truffle Excellence Collection from the range.
The formulas contain black summer truffles, Champagne extract, gold and silk peptides alongside vitamin and botanical ingredients.
Soft and scented skin
I chose the Cashmere and Truffles Body Treatment. This began with a thorough exfoliation, followed by a truly relaxing massage with truffle body massage oil. A layer of body truffle cream completed the experience.
My skin felt so soft afterwards and I smelled expensive. I made sure I didn’t go back in the pool after that. I wanted to extend the feeling and the scent into the evening and allow all those ingredients to carry on sinking in and doing their nourishing work.
They’ve got a double treatment room in the spa so it was much nicer that we were both able to have our treatments alongside each other. Allan had the Rose Quartz and Truffles Body Massage, which again involved the truffle body massage oil.
We were both truly relaxed by the end of it and sank into the comfy loungers in the Hush Room with a cup of green tea and a very nice flapjack.
Modern benefits in historic surroundings
There’s been a hall in some form on this site since the 11th century and it is a handsome place inside and out. Armathwaite sits in 400 acres of deer park and has magnificent views of Bassenthwaite.
Despite its ancient heritage the facilities in the spa and the hall itself are bang up to date. In fact the suite we stayed in was recently refurbished to a high standard.
The gym too has also been upgraded to include an array of hi-tech equipment. This includes a rowing machine that emulates the experience of real rowing on water, so reducing strain on back and hips. There is also a curved treadmill which is said to be beneficial for developing better foot placement. I’m more about a simple stretch in the morning, however, so I was delighted to have the yoga studio all to myself for my child’s pose and downward dog routine.
Sit back and relax
Once in the spa, neither of us could resist the lure of the hot tub that overlooks the beautiful grounds. There is also the bonus of a nearby intercom connection to the bar, so you can summon a chilly glass of something nice at a moment’s notice. We also enjoyed the spacious steam rooms and sauna, and the hydrotherapy pool for some relaxation. A dip in the infinity pool was a great way to start the day too.
A breath of fresh air
There’s plenty to entertain you in the great outdoors. Whether you’re walking in the dramatic countryside or playing a civilised game of croquet on the lawn (I lost), there are many ways to enjoy the grounds and beyond.
And as for later, the food in the Lake View Restaurant was very elegant and the staff in the glamorous cocktail bar have some excellent mixes in their repertoire.
The spa is one of the best I’ve tried with its high quality facilities and friendly, thoughtful service. It’s a treat, a real taste of luxury.
For more information visit armathwaite-hall.com
Find out about prices of overnight breaks here…
… and spa treatments here.
If you’re looking for a more city-based spa experience, take a look at our editor Katy’s review of Spa Verta at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Battersea.
