Scarlet Spy tries an Ultimate Digital Detox Break

TAKE ME WITH YOU...

You’ll find SenSpa at Carey’s Manor in bucolic Brockenhurst, a little slice of Thailand in the New Forest. The Asian-inspired décor, zingy Thai food and the incredibly skilled Thai therapists transport you to another world. There are gentle nods to the spa in the attractive red-brick hotel; two Buddhas guard the entrance.

SHALL WE SPA?

We were warmly welcomed by the spa’s reception team, handed consultation forms on a clipboard and directed to take a seat on one of the comfy chairs. SenSpa products and other wellness brands fill the tempting boutique shop opposite; the spa’s signature scent - containing lime, lavender, tea tree and Ylang Ylang - fills the air. We sipped a cup of SenSpa Welcome Tea as our spa host handed over our assigned locker key, spa wristband, timetable, and towel and robe. More towels are available from reception if yours gets soggy.

You’ll find the changing rooms up a flight of stairs. Change beside one of the wooden benches or bag one of the three basic changing rooms with swinging doors. There’s also a costume spinner, two loos, showers and a seated vanity area for post-spa preening.

A door at the back of the changing rooms leads down a flight of stairs to a 14-metre swimming pool - perfect for laps – and lined with loungers on one side; you’ll find a small sauna and steam room (sadly out of action on our visit) on the other side and a bubbly Jacuzzi at one end. The highlight of the spa is the giant hydropool; tap your wristband for access. We worked our way around all the jets, from the shoulder pummelling swan neck jets (just the right side of hard) to the bubbly bed jets.

There’s a good selection of heat facilities to explore, too: we loved the Herbal Sauna with storm sounds and starlit ceiling. After cooling off under the experience shower, we toasted in the deliciously hot Crystal Steam Room, with its purple tiles and giant Bohemian Amethyst at the centre.

The Ice Room comes complete with drench bucket shower, ice fountain and a refreshing combo of sea storm, ice storm and tropical settings in the experience shower.

Take the spiral staircase up to the first floor to the Laconium – we loved lying on the heated floor; the Tepidarium is tucked at the back. A private Rhassoul and AlphaSphere Deluxe can also be found on this floor; book in advance for an extra charge.

The Relaxation area is located along the corridor from the ladies’ changing rooms. Help yourself to teas, coffee or citrus-infused water before getting comfy on a choice of seats and loungers. Those wishing to extend the post-treatment zen should make a beeline for the Quiet Room with its curved rattan loungers with comfy cushions and privacy screens to pull across for a well-earned nap.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried an Anti-Stress Massage (30 minutes, £79), as part of the Digital Detox Spa Break.

My therapist, Morn, met me in the spa lounge and led me to one of the 18 Thai-inspired treatment rooms. After discussing any areas of concern – tight neck, shoulders and hips – Morn talked me through the treatment and left me to get settled face down on the bed.

Morn signified the start of the treatment with the chime of a bell and a deep breath of SenSpa Signature Oil – an exotic Eastern-inspired blend including Lime, May Chang, Orange and Ylang Ylang that transports you straight to a Thai island.

Morn stretched out my body - quickly identifying a plethora of knots and problem areas. Applying oil to my skin and checking the pressure as she went, Morn worked hard to ease out the tension in my shoulders and either side of my spine, noting an issue on the right side of my body from neck to my knee (sigh).

Turning onto my front, Morn focused on the tension in my neck by turning my head from side-to-side and working deep into my stubbornly tight muscles until they relented. The treatment concluded with a heavenly scalp massage and the second chime of a bell.

Morn allowed me time to come to as she fetched a cold glass of water.

HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?

Morn was an incredibly intuitive therapist who knew exactly how to handle my stressed-out muscles; after she worked her magic my body and mind felt deeply relaxed and soothed. My only wish was that the massage lasted a bit longer.

SPOT OF LUNCH?

A real highlight of SenSpa is the Zen Garden, a Thai restaurant in the centre of the spa.

Gold murals, a bamboo ceiling and a pretty garden which you can sit in on a pleasant day create a tranquil atmosphere. The food is delicious and colourful; the staff friendly and attentive.

We feasted on the hot and spicy Som Tom (a firm favourite): shredded green papaya salad with tomatoes, crunchy green beans, chilli and cashew nuts in a zingy Thai dressing; our spa partner opted for the Par Goong: a fragrant prawn salad with lemon grass and kaffir lime leaves.

For mains, a Thai classic: Gaeng Kiew Wan Gai (chicken green curry) and the mouth-wateringly tender Massaman Lamb Shank – washed down with a bottle of house Sauvignon Blanc.

After a strategically planned pause, we finished our three-courses with banana fritter with honey and coconut ice cream.

GOT ALL DAY?

Book a Digital Detox Spa Break (two nights, £493 per person), a tech-free break to prioritise mindfulness and reconnect with yourself; smartphones are banned and replaced with walks in the ancient New Forest, while the spa provides a place to unravel. Dinner is a time to converse rather than ignore each other while mindlessly scrolling.

In your room you’ll find a wooden amnesty box for your phone (gulp); the fact this caused instant anxiety, shone a bright and uncomfortable light on my own social media addiction. You’ll also find a hamper of wellness goodies – much to our delight. Ours contained DIRTEA’s Mushroom powder tins (calming Reishi for me; spot on), Pure Earth’s delicious gut, defence and glow kombucha drinks, a gratitude journal from Positive Planners, a Scentered aromatherapy balm, a Forest Therapy Guide and reviving products from SenSpa’s natural and organic skincare range.

SHORT ON TIME?

Book a long and leisurely massage - every treatment we’ve had at SenSpa has been noteworthy with therapists who really know their stuff.