Scarlet Spy tries a Malvern Ritual Back Cure

TAKE ME WITH YOU…

You’ll find The Malvern Spa a 10-minute drive away from The Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Worcestershire which you can see looming on the horizon as you approach. The spa itself is situated on an industrial park but don’t let this put you off; behind the green and white rendered hotel lies a large, light and airy spa. Once you don your robe you will forget where you are (almost). Park outside and enter through the hotel reception; you’ll find a glass barrier to the right which leads through to the spa.

SHALL WE SPA?

The small spa reception desk sits beside displays of Elemis products in the Grand Salon. This large bright Italian-styled space - all stone floors and columns - is flooded with natural light through the apex glass roof. Plonk yourself in one of the comfy chairs to complete your consultation form pre-treatment.

To the right of the Grand Salon you’ll find the spa restaurant, The Grovewood; to the left, 14 treatment rooms with a low-lit relaxation room at the very end with a choice of single or double loungers separated by flowy dividers.

Our dedicated spa host, Donna, gave us a tour of the spa, before delivering us to the changing rooms where our white robe, towel and black flip flops could be found inside a code-operated wooden locker. At your disposal here are six showers with Elemis body wash, two loos, a vanity area with hairdryers, changing benches and one private changing room.

The pool and thermal area can be reached via a door from the Grand Salon using a key card. Heated to a toasty 35 degrees, the indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool takes centre stage and has plenty of brown cushioned loungers all the way around to take respite on. Popular with chilled-out guests on our visit, the 30-minute max lounger reservation rule ensures they do become available when spa-goers saunter off for lunch or treatments.

Behind here, you’ll find the thermal facilities with three footbaths at the back. Donna had given us a little pot of Epsom salt to throw in to up magnesium supplies. To the right is a large Herb Sauna with a pink backlit glow; this sits beside a Salt Grotto. To the left, a large Crystal Steam Room with an amethyst at the centre and, our fave, a deceptively large natural wood Kelo Sauna which wouldn’t look out of place in a Finnish Forest. Cool off by pressing ‘mist’ in the Experience Shower or, if feeling brave, pull the cold bucket drench shower over your head.

You can wander outside to the large bubbly hydrotherapy pool - with its powerful jets, beds and massage stations – or swim out from the indoor pool. You’ll find more loungers for sunny days, a decking area with fire pit and three private spa pods that you can book for the day.

Active spa-goers can make a beeline for the 50-station gym and studio.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried The Malvern Ritual Back Cure (60 minutes, £80).

My therapist, Emily, met me in the Grand Salon and led me to one of the treatment rooms. Emily explained that the massage was created by Beata Aleksandrowicz and includes deep tissue massage, trigger points, Swedish massage, myofascial release, quantum healing and energy work to address tension in the back.

After choosing the Malvern Revive Oil for its uplifting scent, Emily left the room so I could get comfortable on the heated treatment bed, lying face down.

Emily commenced the massage by instructing me to take three long deep breathes before stretching out my muscles. Using a generous pour of the heated oil, Emily used long firm strokes from the base of my skull to the bottom of my spine; this felt incredible. Moving on to my persistently knotted shoulders, Emily worked deep into my blades trying hard to release my tight scapula; once relented, a plethora of knots revealed themselves for Emily to tease out.

Turning onto my back, Emily set to work on my neck, turning my head from side-to-side to work the full length before moving on to a heavenly scalp massage, sending me fast asleep.

Emily concluded the massage with a good slather of Elemis Instant Refresh Oil which immediately cooled my pummelled muscles and cleared my head.

Emily fetched me a glass of water and led me to the relaxation room where I found my spa-partner stretched out looking equally serene after his Indian Head Massage with Ilona.

The Malvern Spa offers a wide range of treatments including Elemis and CACI facials, HD Brows and CND Manicures & Pedicures. 

HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?

Emily is an intuitive therapist who performed the massage with grace, seeking out knots and areas of discomfort and working her magic with ease. I felt truly relaxed; my muscles soothed. I returned home that night for the best night’s sleep.

SPOT OF LUNCH?

Decorated in hues of pale green with gold mirrors and rattan pendant light shades, The Grovewood is a light and airy place to dine in your robe, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu contains a good choice of brunch, sandwiches, mains and salad options. We opted for the seasonal Summer Salad with a fresh and crunchy combo of apple, fennel, Radicchio, goats’ cheese and grilled chicken; my spa partner plumped for a classic Ploughman’s.

GOT ALL DAY?

For a VIP experience, book one of the three private spa pods for the day; located out in the spa garden overlooking the hydro pool, you can kick back in privacy between spa-ing. Connect your phone to the Bluetooth speaker to listen to your choice of tunes. Thirsty? Your Spa Host will pop by to take drinks orders throughout the day - cocktails, beer, fizz, mocktails and green smoothies are all on the menu.

SHORT ON TIME?

Bubble in the hydrotherapy pool, toast in the Kelo Sauna and end the day with a treatment.