Scarlet Spy tries… a Relax & Rebalance: Autumn Bliss Leg & Foot Renewal

Take me with you…

Budock Vean Hotel is an 18th Century Cornish manor house hotel set in 65 acres of private gardens, woodlands and a nine-hole golf course sloping down to the sheltered Helford River. Falmouth’s beautiful beaches, boat-dotted waterfront and quaint streets are within easy reach, and Trebah Gardens are less than a mile away.

Shall we spa?

You’ll find the light and spacious spa lounge a short stroll from the hotel reception. With wooden floors, white décor and a splash of serene blue, this space has a peaceful spa vibe. White dressers display Elemis and Made for Living products and you can help yourself to complimentary coffee and tea. The three treatment rooms are just off the lounge.

The spa is also home to a 20-metre swimming pool, positioned beneath a giant hexagonal wooden ceiling, along with an open fire, poolside sauna and two compact changing rooms (change in your room if you’re staying overnight). Outside, the pièce de résistance is the bubbly hot tub sunk into the decking, with pretty garden views. 

Active spa-goers can book tennis lessons, hire electric bikes or take to the river in a kayak or paddleboard.  

Treatment talk

We tried the Relax & Rebalance: Autumn Bliss Leg & Foot Renewal (55 minutes).

My therapist, Sharon, collected me from the light and airy spa waiting area and led me to my treatment room, called Serenity. 

The treatment started with a footbath with Jessica Foot Bath Salt. Sharon dried my feet then left me to disrobe and lay down on the comfy, heated treatment bed. 

Sharon applied Natural Spa Factory Bladderwrack and Peppermint Body Scrub to my feet and legs, and then smoothed on a blissfully cold and thick paste -- Rosemary and Guarana Peel Off Body Mask. 

While this worked its magic, Sharon moved on to my facial. She applied a cleanser and a spritz of Elemis Kefir Tea Mist to tone, and then massaged my face, neck and shoulders focussing on the tension in my jaw. Sharon returned to my feet to remove the peel-off mask and finished the treatment with a foot massage.

Sharon let me rest on the bed while she fetched me a glass of water; I made my way to the poolside loungers to admire my newly acquired silky smooth feet.

The Natural Health Spa was the first in the UK to offer bespoke body massages using CBD oil. The spa now offers a range of treatments from Elemis, Natural Spa Factory, local Cornish brand Made for Life, and Jessica.

How did it measure up?

As someone who enjoys their feet being pampered, this top and tail treatment was a great experience. I loved the scent of the Natural Spa Factory products; the foot mask felt incredibly cool and soothing after a long walk.

Spot of lunch?



Head to The Conservatory for lunch where light bites and sandwiches are on the menu. The restaurant is in the main hotel, but you can dine in your robe as long as it is dry. As the name suggests, the space is light and airy with views over the grounds. I opted for a roast beef sandwich with a big pot of horseradish on the side; my spa partner tucked into a freshly baked Cornish pasty with glee. A glass of Prosecco and a huge slab of the recommended chocolate delice with a scoop of ice cream rounded the lunch off beautifully. 

Got all day?

Get your wellbeing fix with a relaxing stroll through the hotel’s undulating grounds. There are acres of woodland, gardens and ponds to roam; keep your eye out for the giant gunnera and the resident buzzard. Ask reception for a map of circular walks or, if you fancy a longer stretch, you have direct access to Cornwall’s Coastal Path. 

Active spa-goers can book a boat tour, paddleboard or kayak from the hotel’s private foreshore. You can even pack a picnic and watch the world sail by from the private cove. During our autumn visit, we wrapped up and wandered through the serene grounds to Helford Passage Beach, stopping at the Ferry Boat Inn for a Tarquin’s gin and tonic. It is a wonderful spot to watch the waves crash and boats bob on the Helford River. 

 

 Short on time?

 Book a treatment then relax in the al fresco hot tub-with-a-view.