The Good Spa Guide office has been awash with talk of festive food recently. All this chatter of course soon turned to talk of spa foodie offerings. We're a notoriously picky bunch (which is exactly why you can rely on us to bring you full, independent reviews of spas). If something's sublime, we want you to know; if something stinks, you'll hear it here first! We've all had our fair share of culinary delights and more dubious offerings, so we thought we'd take this opportunity to share our spa supper stories.
Single Spy:
"Agua at Sanderson is a spa with no walls! Instead, you're transported to a world not far from heaven, awash with delicate, diaphanous white drapes dividing the space.
After my treatment, I reclined in pure luxury in my own private relaxation suite, and was brought a truly marvellous afternoon tea. With Earl Grey, flavoured breads, sandwiches, gloriously unusual cakes and scones with cream and jam, I rightly decided that I was never going home. So, I am writing this from my little bubble of Agua bliss (I wish!)"
Sassy Spy:
"It might seem an odd one, but one of my most memorable spa food experiences was at Simply Healing, a detox retreat where you don't actually eat anything! This was quite a challenge, but I found that the supportive atmosphere and nurturing staff guided me through the process. After consuming only psyllium husk, bentonite clay, cleansing herbs, fresh juice and potassium broths as part of my detox regime, I lost weight and felt great after just three days!"
Sybaritic Spy:
"The Vineyard at Stockcross offers a world-class wine list, gourmet food and a luxury spa; this is the place to come when you really want to push the boat out!
If you're staying, head to the main restaurant where chef Daniel Galmiche offers an ultra-refined style of contemporary food.
I also adore The Vineyard's lunchtime Bento boxes.
Chock-full of glorious salad and fruit, these are a great addition to your spa day!"
Shy Spy:
"When you visit as many spas as we do, you get used to the high quality food that most spas provide for their guests.
That's why one of my most memorable spa dining experiences was when the hotel café seemed to only offer jacket potatoes, a sad-looking salad bar, and Gala pie (a pork pie with egg in the middle)! There seemed to be no other spa guests, just visiting pensioners on an outing. We found it all rather hilarious to be sat in our robes amongst the OAPs (who were most put out that the hot food of the day was pie and chips, with no soup on offer!)"
Stylish Spy
2nd April 2014
Spy Likes:
Minimalist lines; organic products; facial massage; tranquillity; interesting people-watching.
Spy Dislikes:
Discarded towels on loungers; steam rooms that aren't steamy; mobile phones.
