Plus it was my birthday and what better excuse for a little bit of ‘me’ time?

Both spas offer the same menu of treatments, but it’s their differences which make them a perfect double act. Depending on my needs and mood, I bounce between the two.

Blofield Heath offers an escape from reality. Step inside and you can be anywhere in the world and time no longer exists. Whether you book a half day or full day pamper – you can unwind and relax in their spa area, peaceful gardens or cute little Moroccan themed pods. Side note – I was surprised to learn they offer a traditional Hammam and having recently experienced this fabulous cleansing ritual in Marrakesh, I will definitely be back.

Park Farm is part of the hotel and has wider leisure centre facilities (and lounge bar) on offer. Perfect when I’m feeling a little more active and social as I can pop along for a treatment and grab a day pass to use the pool.

Both offer a rather lovely Afternoon Tea and run special events/offers across the year. It’s worth checking out the site to see what special deals they are running.

 

Imagine Spa, Park Farm Hotel

I’m at that age where I’m seriously upping the skin care regime and couldn’t wait to try the new Totally Quenched & Drenched – Rehydration Facial which includes a cryogenic mask, intense eye therapy, lymph draining and lifting massage and a special remedy to encourage deep hydration and eliminate fine lines. They call it a facial iron – wonderful – just what I need!

My therapist Kinga talked me through the treatment and did a quick pinch hydration test on my décolletage  – mmmm I need to be drinking more water (not gin).

The thing I love about an Imagine facial is that you get a foot, neck, head and shoulders massage too – which to be honest are my main areas of need. I love the start and end of each treatment as they work down the body applying pressure to relax and soothe.

This was definitely a facial with a difference and the layers of application and massage went beyond the usual cleanse, tone, mask and moisturise.

There was lots of lifting massage and focus on the eye area but the best bit had to be the cryogenic mask. First a damp gauze is smoothed over your face and cotton wool is placed over the eyes before a thick hardening mask is liberally applied.

It felt (and looked) a little like a death mask and Kinga was careful to check I was happy to have the mask spread over my mouth. Not good for claustrophobes as it took a minute to refocus my breathing, but it only lasted approximately 10 minutes and was well worth the slight discomfort.

My face felt absolutely glorious afterwards and certainly looked refreshed. I have a terrible habit of frowning when I concentrate and I could see my brow was more relaxed and lifted. Like all things, I suspect you’d need to have the treatment on a regular basis to get the long term benefit but as a special treat I would highly recommend it.

A quick tot up of all the products that Kinga used came to approximately £300 – In the Beginning Cleanser £30, Toning Essence £16, Quench Mask £28, Breakfast Smoothie Exfoliator £28, Be Firm Serum £40, Exalt Firming Neck Gel £40, Moisturisers £38, Eye Truffle £65.

It is a lot in one hit but if you’re investing in the future it’s worth the splurge and cheaper than botox! It was explained that high street products are mass produced to work on all skin types and ages and as we get older, our skin needs more tailored skin care products. Sales pitch aside, I do understand the logic and will be purchasing one product a month, building up to the full recommended prescription.

 

Imagine Spa, Blofield Heath 

Next up – Imagine at Blofield Heath and their new Drift Away Massage – a full body massage using Mediterranean oils which promise to soothe and calm frazzled nerves and wind down the most active of minds. OMG – that has my name written all over it!!

Blofield is more of an immersive pamper experience. Upon arrival you’re taken into the lounge and offered a drink – pink bubbles for me as it was my birthday. A detailed registration form asks about skin care, health issues, what you hope to achieve from the visit. I like this approach as it helps the therapist personalise your treatment and ensures for example that you get the right massage pressure.

The sun was shining so we took advantage of laying on the sun loungers outside and reading books. I love the basket of extras that comes around and I opted for a face mask and Mr O had the hair oils (both applied during the main treatment). This has a minimal extra cost, between £5-£10 and simply extends the luxury of the day.

As a couple, we had the double treatment room which is always nice if you fancy a romantic spa day. I was ready to drift away, so not sure it mattered where Mr O was to be honest!!

The treatment started with a nice body brush down to stimulate circulation which was a lovely new introduction. Very simply, massages fall under ‘good’ or ‘bad’. This was certainly the former – the pressure was just right (as I’d requested) and I loved the eucalyptus inhalation at the beginning and end – another new Temple Spa product called Breath of Life. The room temperature was just perfect and surprisingly my manic brain did calm for just under an hour.

The music is always important for me. I’m not a big fan of pan pipes or uninspired piano music. It can in fact irritate me so much, it spoils the whole massage. Imagine always get it right – with a nice bit of classical or chill out music.

Temple Spa products are all available to buy and my massage included The Drift Away Bath and Massage Oil – £25,  Aaahhh! Soothing foot and limb cream balm – £20 and The Contourist – Skin Remodelling and Brightening Mask – £7.

Sadly I had to dash back to work after lunch, but quick shout out to the fabulous food. We had a lovely focaccia and chicken salad platter to share and I felt very spoiled with my special amuse bouche of desserts – did I mention it was birthday?