On 15 May 2013, the De Vere Grand Brighton opened its doors to its brand new, eagerly anticipated spa. The Good Spa Guide was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party.
A lot of thought has obviously gone into every detail of the new spa at The Grand. The space packs in eight treatment rooms but the atmosphere is calm and restful. We still can't believe there was once a pool where the relaxation area now lives. The thermal suite has an aromatherapy sauna and crystal steam room, as well as a comfortable seating area. You can wander around in your robe and slippers without feeling out of place, as the spa is neatly separated from the hotel. There's also a nail bar, nicely stocked changing rooms and a spa café. In fact, you might never have to leave…
We sent a couple of Spies down during the day, to sample one of the ESPA treatments on offer at the spa. They each had a tailored hot-stone massage which they pronounced "amazing". (ESPA massages usually are…) They also had nothing but praise for their therapists.
Treatments on offer include Espa and Carita facials, a wide variety of massages, Jessica manicures and pedicures, treatments for mums-to-be as well as treatments specifically for men, and finishing beauty touches. Some very appealing spa days including lunch are on the menu, and there are special treats for hens and brides.
The elegant relaxation area
For us, the dreamy, silvery and serene relaxation area was the star of the show. The décor is soothing and calming, with swishy curtains and sofas. You have a variety of seats and beds to choose from; from swinging pod chairs to a bed in the middle of the room. There is no other space quite like it in Brighton. Another attraction of this spa is that once you are soothed, calmed and glammed in the spa downstairs, you can drift upstairs and contemplate the sea views from the Victoria Lounge with a well earned glass of champagne.
The evening launch party was as fabulous as anticipated. (The nibbles were top-notch.) The team learned a lot about ESPA and Carita products from the treatment demonstrations. ESPA founder, Sue Harmsworth, answered the gathered crowd's questions, and we were interested to hear her thoughts on the future of wellness.
Well, we're glad to have this new seaside spa on our doorstep. We cannot wait to go back and try it out officially.
Single Spy
10th April 2014
Spy Likes:
Warm floors when you put your bare feet upon them; heated treatment beds; soft towels; attention to detail, so that your treatment room looks and smells beautiful when you arrive in it.
Spy Dislikes:
Cold floors when you put your bare feet upon them; therapists who use your treatment time to write up a list of product "recommendations" that they hope you will purchase.
