Scarlet Spy tries a Meso Skin Radiance treatment

TAKE ME WITH YOU…

Horwood House can be found at the end of a tree-lined driveway, surrounded by Buckinghamshire countryside. The 38-acres grounds - complete with mature trees, manicured Pytheas Gardens and a lily pond – were made famous by TV Gardener Percy Thrower. The Grade II listed Jacobean mansion was built in 1911 and has undergone a £6 million transformation to preserve the manor whilst incorporating a sprawling modern extension.

You’ll find the spa located in the new building to the right of the manor house. Park in the car park and wander across to the light-filled hotel reception.

SHALL WE SPA?

Follow the signs through the hotel to HSpa; you’ll find the compact spa reception down a flight of stairs. Caudalie products and rows of white towels line the walls. We were warmly welcomed and handed a bundle containing a robe and slippers.

After a quick tour, we entered the compact changing rooms where wood meets pale stone tiles. On the right you’ll find a small bank of wooden code-activated lockers – there’s plenty more by the pool for busier days - and a vanity area with large mirror and two hairdryers. You’ll also find a WC and four private changing rooms to your left, two with rainforest showers.

The Spa Lounge is just outside on your left - all neutral panelled walls, oversized plants and a green sofa. Help yourself to lemon-infused water and peruse a selection of coffee table books and magazines.

Beyond here, you’ll find the relaxation area with four chaise chairs and pouffes in grey, each with its own side table, reading lamp and white voile for privacy. Looking out to the courtyard are two swinging egg chairs and four loungers. A low-lit corridor from here leads to six treatment rooms, including one double.

You’ll find the pool and heat facilities on the other side of the spa reception; your card will allow you access to this leisure area – the space is accessible to hotel guests and members (children’s swim times are 4.00pm – 6.00pm). Inside you’ll find two banks of wooden lockers, more toilets and changing rooms.

The main thermal facilities are to the left. Plonk yourself in the small wood sauna – just big enough for four, or two lying down; opposite you’ll find an equally sized steam room complete with grey mosaic tiles and blue lights. Turn the setting to cold and cool off in one of the two pool-side rainforest showers. Retreat to the one of the two white curved heated loungers to ease out any lasting muscle tension.

The 15-metre indoor swimming pool – with eye-catching, gold-edged, botanical logo at one end – is large enough for laps. Bag a poolside lounger for post-swim chilling. Sunny day? Head out to the courtyard for lounge alfresco.

For active spa-goers, there's a fully equipped gym upstairs within the spa building.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried a Meso Skin Radiance treatment (£170, 60 minutes).

My therapist, Jade, met me in the relaxation area and led me to a large treatment room – a calming space in neutral hues. Jade talked me through the non-needle mesotherapy - a brand new treatment for HSpa designed to rejuvenate your skin, combat wrinkles, acne, and pigmentation (yes please) without any of the pain or downtime you would get from the invasive alternatives.

Jade then left the room so I could de-robe and lie face up on the treatment bed. After a quick ‘before’ photo, she commenced the treatment with a cleanse and tone.

An enzyme peel was applied to devour dead skin cells in preparation for the mesotherapy and, while this got to work, Jade performed a heavenly pressure point scalp massage. She removed the peel after a few minutes; it can stay on for longer, but my sensitive skin began to heat up quickly.

Next, an ampoule containing an ultra-concentrated formula of antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid was applied to my skin. Jade then strategically moved the wand across my skin, penetrating the skin barrier and driving the product deep into my cells using the electrical current. I felt an occasional needle-prick sensation, which abated once more of the gel-like product was added.

A thick and cooling gold facemask was applied over my whole face, including my eyes, which felt divine on my skin – a real salve after the heat of the enzyme peel. Jade commenced a soothing arm and hand massage while the mask set, before peeling it off in one clean move – to both our satisfaction.

After a quick application of serum, moisturiser and eye cream, Jade took an ‘after photo’ and we compared the results with the side-by-side photos; the post treatment glow-up around my cheeks and under eye area was noticeable.

Jade then led me back to the relaxation area and advised me to drink plenty of water and leave my skin untouched for as long as possible, avoiding sun exposure and any products containing retinol.

HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?

A fear of needles makes the non-invasive Mesotherapy a great choice for this Spa Spy. Both my spa partner and I loved the fact this results-driven facial also combines a little holistic massage, too. Thumbs up for our spring-ready skin.

SPOT OF LUNCH?

During a spa day, you can dine in your robe in the Spa Lounge or get changed and head to Harry’s Bar & Restaurant. We were booked for a two-course lunch in the latter - a contemporary restaurant whose décor gives a nod to the gardens’ rich history – think: panelled walls, hanging plants and zoned seating. You’ll find a well-stocked bar at one end serving wine, local spirits and cocktails; the service here is spot on.

On the menu: nibbles, small plates, sides, sandwiches and wraps, along with a selection of meat From The Charcoal. We shared two starters: Heirloom tomato bruschetta and the incredibly more-ish crispy beef croquettes with smoked garlic aioli. Both opting for the (angelic) superfood salad with chicken breast for mains.

As we were staying overnight, we returned to Harry’s later for dinner – a much livelier affair (which we enjoyed) with folk here on business, family meals and spa breaks. We feasted on crispy fried calamari to start, followed by tender sirloin steak – aged for 30 days in a Himalayan salt chamber, no less – served with skin-on chips, watercress and a side of broccoli. A bottle of Argentinian Malbec was the perfect accompaniment.

Waistbands loosened, we managed to squeeze in dessert; the chocolate delice with passionfruit coulis and honeycomb shards was delicious.

GOT ALL DAY?

Start your day in sauna, a few laps in the pool then kick back on the lounger with a glass of fizz. After lunch in Harry’s and a treatment, take a stroll around the grounds; don’t miss the walled garden and lily pond.

SHORT ON TIME?

Slough off the remnants of winter skin with a Mesotherapy facial.