Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

“A vast spa with gorgeous gardens, an incredible range of treatments, indoor pool and thermal facilities and indoor-outdoor dining.” (Stylish Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Lifehouse Spa & Hotel is an adults-only wellness retreat close to the pretty town of Frinton-on-Sea in leafy Essex. Set in 12 acres of English Heritage-listed gardens, the white modular cube building stands out against the greenery making a lovely first impression.

Inside, the property has 89 rooms, a restaurant, events rooms and the Lifehouse Spa. Park in the dedicated car park and walk round to the front of the hotel.

The spa is housed in a light-filled extension that’s juxtaposition to the hotel: clad in black with plenty of glass.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

There are several ways in to the spa; from our room in the Mulberry wing, we walked through a glass corridor (with garden views either side) into a walled garden and across a courtyard where en-robed spa-goers were having lunch. From here, we sauntered into the restaurant and across to the spa.

We loved the Elemis-branded phone box with baby blue retro phone inside and the nature-inspired artwork on the walls, both of which can be seen on the way to the changing rooms. These are large and functional with several sections, each with its own set of half-height, code-operated lockers; vanity bar with hairdryers, straighteners and Temple Spa amenities; and showers with white curtains, and Temple Spa shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Loos, of which there are four, are separate. There’s also a disabled changing facility. Having checked into our room beforehand, we put our robes on in the comfort of our room before heading out.

Spa reception is a vast, light space with many different areas showcasing goodies from the spas’ preferred (and wide range) of chosen product houses, as well as OPI manicure and pedicure stations and plenty of retail space. Forgotten your cossie? Buy one here. A spiral staircase up from here leads up the second floor where a spacious pre-treatment waiting area, treatment rooms, deep relaxation room, fully-equipped gym and studio await.

Through a door opposite the check-in desk, we headed straight into the thermal facilities and immediately noticed the change in temperature, which was positively warm. The semi-circular vitality pool with two jets and bubble seats could easily seat 10 at a time and was nice and toasty (and popular) on our visit.

The Himalayan salt sauna opposite, with black seating and pale floors, would seat around 10 and banish any pesky September sniffles; the sauna - with two levels of wooden seating for around 14 - was one of the hottest we have encountered of late. Brave the tiny, sunken plunge pool afterwards or cool off under the experience shower. The steam room - seating 12 - was set at a gentler temperature with a good amount of steam.

The indoor pool - visible from the thermal area through glass - can be accessed from here. At 18.5 metres, it’s large enough for lengths; the fact that the entire space is adults only makes it positively splash-free. Booked in for a treatment? Keep an eye on the time using the clock at the far end.

The entire space is surrounded by beige plastic loungers; help yourself to rolled up white towels, balanced in a precarious triangle, and water from a fountain.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried the Made for Life Radiance Facial (55 minutes, £95).

My therapist, Natalie, met me in the pre-treatment waiting area with its loungers, magazines and terrace through glass doors, asked me to fill out a consultation form and led me to one of 30 treatment rooms with an usual feature: a window looking out to the grounds.

Natalie explained the stages of the treatment then left the room so that I could pop on some disposable undies and get comfortable on the pre-heated bed, lying face up.

The facial began with a double cleanse, each layer wiped off with hot mitts, followed by an exfoliating scrub which Natalie worked deep into my pores. Face squeaky clean, Natalie put on a good amount of oil and treated my face, eye sockets, neck and décolletage to a gentle yet thorough massage.

Using hot mitts to remove the oil, Natalie painted on a thick, creamy mask which felt deliciously cold on application; while this worked, she massaged my hands and arms, adding some conditioning liquid to my nails. The facial ended with moisturiser, eye cream, lip balm and a spritz of refreshing toner sprayed from above.

Natalie then left the room so that I could come to and re-robe, brought me a cup of water and led me to the deep relaxation room with its half-flat beds with grey blankets and towels - help yourself to chilled water. It was here that I met my spa partner who looked supremely relaxed after his Temple Spa Work It Out Massage (60 minutes, £105).

FOOD FACTS

The restaurant is located off the light and airy bar - with its bright armchairs and bar stools - and takes on a different personality, moving into a palette of greens, browns and greys teamed with romantic lighting and foliage-wrapped columns; we loved the Hummingbird wall paper across one large wall.

With 2 AA Rosettes, the menu focuses on classic Italian-Mediterranean inspired dishes of seasonal ingredients, including nibbles, starters, mains and desserts, as well as a separate wine and cocktail list.

On the menu for our evening meal: classic starters such as South Coast crab salad and mains such as Chalk steam trout and juicy Angus steaks, as well as desserts.

After much deliberation, we opted for starters of grilled garden beans with whipped herb ricotta & smoked tomato dressing, followed by Cod supreme with chickpea and lemon leaf stew. Both dishes were a pretty as a picture - and pretty delicious, too.

Our spa partner couldn’t resist the South coast crab salad followed by white pork loin steak with potato terrine, broccoli and fig salsa.

Too full for dessert, we opted for chilled glasses of NZ Sauvignon Blanc each and sipped it slowly.

SWEET STAY?

Our signature room (no. 50) was located on the ground floor with direct access to the garden through French doors. On the patio, a little table and chairs for a pre-dinner tipple and a spot of work on our laptops; walk anyway from here for more glorious gardens.

Decor in the room was light and contemporary with comfy carpet paired with light wood furniture and pops of colour - a mustard armchair here; a lime green bed cushion there. A large bathroom offered a huge walk-in shower with Arran amenities.

After a deep sleep in the King-sized bed, the Nespresso coffee machine, with plenty of pods, was a hit.

WE LOVED

The gardens: saunter around in your robe admiring the grounds; use the map that comes with your key card to find some hidden gems.

Our treatments were both top notch and adapted to our needs.

Our evening meal was definitely 2 AA Rosette (and ‘Gram) worthy

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Lifehouse Spa & Hotel a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its garden setting, interesting building, good range of treatments and 2 AA rosette dining.