Take me with you…
The Spa at Breedon is a contemporary, purpose built, two-storey spa at Breedon Priory with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 24 acres of countryside in the charming village of Melbourne (no relation to the Australian counterpart) in Derbyshire, East Midlands.
Shall we spa?
On arrival at the spa reception, we were offered a fresh juice shot (carrot, orange and zingy lemon) and a cloth which expanded on contact with water to create a cleansing ritual.
We were then taken around the spa and shown to the spacious changing room with its white rustic oak floor tiles paired with pale grey metro wall tiles and lemon-hued walls. Open one of the sage green lockers with a wristband; you’ll find a robe and flip-flops inside.
There are plenty of private cubicles in which to change, toilets, showers stocked with Temple Spa amenities and neatly folded towels to help yourself to.
We began our spa journey in the thermal suite – getting wet in the rainforest showers before warming up in the Himalayan Salt Sauna with its large window overlooking the spa garden. We loved getting toasty in the Herbal Sauna and Steam Rooms (of which there are two of each) - with their heady, rejuvenating aroma - before braving the ice fountain.
We were spoilt with the weather during our visit - a glorious autumn day with sunshine and blue skies - so spent a good amount of time enjoying the alfresco infinity pools accessed through double doors from the relaxation area.
The large, grey-tiled area has two infinity pools sunk into the decking: the first for relaxing, with space for 16 people to sit comfortably around the outside, and a vitality pool with massage jets and swan neck fountains.
After a dip, we walked down a few steps to the spa garden with its lake at the far end, and circular space with loungers and firepit to the left. Ducks wandering around the lawn added to the charm..
The host service was second-to-none with Antonio on hand to take our order for a pot of tea and a cheeky glass of fizz.
Treatment talk
We tried the Temple Spa Breedon Priory Signature Soul Retreat (60 minutes, £85).
My therapist, Lauren, met me in the treatment waiting lounge and led me to a warm, dimly-lit treatment room with comfy tub chair and copper bowl in the corner.
Lauren immediately got to work washing, scrubbing and massaging my lower legs and feet before leaving the room so that I could disrobe and get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face down.
The back massage began with Lauren holding a eucalyptus, tea tree and menthol oil under the head of the treatment bed for me to inhale; after three deep breathes, Lauren smoothed a zesty Temple Spa Spiritude oil onto my back so that she could work out the knots in my shoulders using her forearms and elbows.
Lauren then asked me to turn over for the facial which began with an exfoliating cleanse to rid the pores of grime and prepare it for a mask. While this worked its magic, Lauren performed a perfectly relaxing scalp massage. The treatment ended with moisturiser, lip balm and a dash of Temple Spa Quietude Mediterranean spray which Lauren spritzed into the air so that it could rain down onto my body.
Lauren then led me into a tranquil relaxation area so that I could sip a glass of fruit infused water, snuggle under a cosy blanket, and admire the views of the gardens and pools through large windows.
How did it measure up?
As someone that struggles to choose a treatment, the Temple Spa Breedon Priory Signature Soul Retreat did the trick. Sufficient time was spent on each part of the treatment – massage; facial - leaving me feeling utterly relaxed and refreshed. The Temple Spa products sunk in swiftly, leaving my skin silky smooth.
Spot of lunch?
We dined in our robes at The Terrace Restaurant, a light and airy space with wooden flooring bordering a blue carpet. seating in shades of beige and blue, and a white wave textured bar with beige stools, high ceilings and contemporary lights.
Our delicious two-course lunch consisted of a double-baked cheese souffle to start, and braised short rib of Derbyshire beef, parsnip puree, carrot and potato with a red wine sauce for mains. If you have room (we didn’t), you can tuck into mouth-watering desserts such as chocolate fondant or apple and frangipani tart.
Got all day?
Book the Divine Spa Day, eight hours of spa time including access to the facilities, a two-course lunch in the Terrace Restaurant and 110-minute Ritual Treatment.
Short on time?
Breedon Priory Spa offers morning and twilight packages for those short on time. Or simply make a beeline for the outdoor infinity pools and blast tension away under that swan neck fountain.
Serene Spy
27th October 2022
Spy Likes:
Attentive friendly staff, personalised treatments, imaginative spa food menu and spas that look after their therapists’ wellbeing too.
Spy Dislikes:
Changing rooms and showers that aren't spotless, tatty towels and robes and having to get dressed for lunch.
