Budock Vean 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.
You’ll find the Natural Health Spa a short stroll from the hotel’s main reception.
SHALL WE SPA?
With its wooden floors, white décor and a splash of serene blue, spa entrance has a peaceful vibe. White dressers display Elemis and Made for Life products; help yourself to complimentary coffee and tea. The treatment rooms – of which there are three - are just off this lounge.
Changing facilities are limited; if there isn't much space in the changing rooms on your visit, you can use one of two wicker screens in the pool area for putting your cossie on and then carry your clothes to the poolside lockers (definitely more health club than spa). If you are staying over, we advise changing in your room so that you are spa-ready on arrival.
The 20-metre swimming pool is positioned beneath a giant hexagonal wooden ceiling, along with a poolside freestanding sauna that seats about five people. Outside, there is a good-sized bubbly hot tub sunk into the decking, with pretty garden views. This area is sheltered from the wind with clear plastic screens so is also a good place to sit on a recliner in the sunshine.
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 Elemis Body Massage and Facial (85 minutes, £150) as part of a Soul Retreat Spa Day.
Kimberely, my therapist, checked my health form carefully and – realising that I have allergies – adjusted the products to suit. She then explained the treatment stages and asked if it was OK for the time to be split down the middle: half for the massage and half for the facial. As somebody that loves a good facial, this was a nice touch.
Kimberley then left the room so I could disrobe in private and lay face down on the lovely warm heated bed.
After a warm foot cleanse, Kimberely used ultra-hydrating frangipani oil for a deep tissue massage, using long, firm strokes on my back to help me relax (it worked). She then moved on to my legs and feet, using a rich oil on my soles and toes which are generally very dry.
Turning onto my back, Kimberely cleansed my skin twice - first with an Elemis pro-collogen cleanser to remove surface dirt and bacteria and then with the wonderfully rich Rose cleansing Balm. This went on thick and was left on for a few minutes to hydrate the skin. Noticing that my skin was dehydrated rather than dry (too much coffee; not enough water), she chose a rehydrating toner to remove the balm.
My face absorbed the Elemis Rose Pro-collogen Mask that came next quickly; while this nourished away, Kimberely massaged my arms and hands with yet more rose oil. She finished the treatment with a layer of the Rose moisturiser.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
Smelling like an English Country Garden suited me down to the ground as I love roses – I was surprised to find my spa partner feeling the same way. In the spa lounge area afterwards, we compared notes, and both agreed that we felt very Zen.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
Head to The Conservatory for lunch where light bites and sandwiches are on the menu. You can dine in your robe as long as it’s not sodden. As the name suggests, the space is light and airy with views over the grounds. We were both tempted by a freshly baked Cornish pasty for lunch – when in Rome. A glass of Prosecco is included in the spa day lunch but – as we were feeling so relaxed and virtuous - opted for soft drinks instead.
Since the sun had come out after a morning of torrential rain, we followed our pasties with fruit salad and strawberry ice cream to eek out summer just that little bit longer.
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 (herbaceous flowering plants to you and me) and the resident buzzard. Ask reception for a map of circular walks. If you make it down to the estuary (about ten minutes downhill) but cannot face the climb back, pick up the phone in the boathouse to connect to reception - they will helpfully send the electric buggy down for you.
Active spa-goers can book a boat tour, paddleboarding or kayaking from the hotel’s private foreshore. You can even pack a picnic and watch the world sail by from the private cove.
SHORT ON TIME?
Book a treatment and then relax in the al fresco hot tub-with-a-view.
Sybaritic Spy
26th September 2024
Spy Likes:
Warm treatment beds; fragrant steam rooms; therapists who listen to what you say; unexpected treats such as back massages that start with hot towels on your feet.
Spy Dislikes:
Small towels; crowded changing rooms; black mould in the showers; therapists who sniff; anyone who doesn't take my lavender allergy seriously - until I'm actually sick on them!
