August Hot List: The Spa Spies Edit

It’s been a month of extremes for both The Spa Spies and the weather. Scarlet Spy had pretty much no sleep at WOMAD festival but found a miraculous cream that made her look as though she had slept like a baby. Savant Spy balanced her fervent Summer social with a detox break or two. And while decadent Stylish Spy sipped a G&T while watching tennis on the South Downs, sporty Supreme Spy worked up a sweat on her first 10K run. Here’s the skinny on what’s hot this August (other than the weather, of course).

Scarlet Spy

This month I’ve been on a mission: I’ve got the rest of my skincare routine nailed but tend to be fickle with moisturisers. During the day, I need something that hydrates and keeps the shine away, so I was overjoyed to find Temple Spa Moisture to Go (50ml, £38). Come rain or shine my skin is hydrated and calm, and it’s a great base for make up. Mission accomplished. I’ve also become obsessed with the brand new Thalgo Source Marine Sleeping Cream (50ml, £43) which is said to make you look like you’ve had a good night's sleep. It does this and more, and was invaluable at WOMAD Festival where I had very little sleep.

Savant Spy

I was lucky enough to go to not one but two Champneys spas at the end of August. Champneys Tring is quite stunning, a favourite haunt of the rich and famous and perfect for detoxing after too much Summer socialising – the gardens and Thalassotherapy pool are my personal highlights. But there is something special about Champneys Henlow. I don’t know whether it’s the customer service or the ducks, or the stunning hand-painted wallpaper in the entrance hall, but I love being there. They are planning a huge refurb at Henlow this year, which is exciting as some of the facilities are a little weary – it was the first Champneys to open in 1981 and a ‘health farm’ in the 1960s (as pictured above). This is exciting news; I just hope it retains its charm.

Stylish Spy

I recently reviewed Park House and loved my stay. Not only is this sprawling white hotel set in the beautiful South Downs, but it also has a heated outdoor pool with a bar - after a few lengths, I lived the dream and enjoyed a glass of Prosecco on a lounger. Later that evening, I ate dinner on a sunny terrace, helping myself to a G’n’T from the honesty bar before tucking into delicious food while watching guests play tennis. After dinner, I walked through the golf course to a large lake and sat in the evening sunshine, with just the birds for company. Spa Spy heaven.

Supreme Spy

I took on a physical challenge this month in running my first 10k. Using Comfort Zone's Body Active range during training, and before the event, was a great pick-me-up. The Shower Scrub made my skin soft to the touch while the roll-on Booster was really warming to areas of concern. The Cream is white, thick and an indulgent treat. The products absorb well so I didn’t feel I was sweating them out during the run. Wellness is all about balance, and if you are training hard, you should balance your body, too.