Going to a spa with your partner or friend is one of the more interesting and perhaps unusual things you can do together. Spa experiences for two, as well as romance rituals and packages, are available at many luxury spas all year round, so you don't have to wait for Valentine's Day for a good pampering.
Many spas offer dual massage treatments for two people — loved ones or otherwise. The set-up will often involve twin massage beds and at least two therapists (four if you're both having a two-handed massage). You can synchronise your pleasure by each one of you having the same treatment at the same time, or you can each have a customised massage lying side by side - making it an super indulgent pamper day.
Couples' suites are usually larger than double treatment rooms, and often come with private changing facilities, a relaxation area, and sometimes an additional facility such as a steam room, sauna, bath, or small hydro-pool.
Here are some of the rather special double suites you'll find at spas:
Sequoia Spa at The Grove, Hertfordshire: The suite for two allows you complete privacy to unwind. It has a deep king-size bath, steam shower, luxurious changing area and two treatment beds. Enjoy a treatment each as well as a welcome foot ritual, glass of champagne and fruit.
C Bay Spa, Cornwall: The exclusive spa retreat offers a private treatment room, a hot tub and terrace on the beach. Enjoy a glass of champagne and strawberries, too - bliss!
A rhassoul (or rasul) is a great treatment to try with a lover, or with a friend. It's fun, it's steamy (literally!) and it's unlike anything you're likely to have done together before. Get naked (or near to it), coat each other in different coloured muds, and then sit together in the warmth of the steam room. It may sound odd but a rhassoul is an intensely sensual experience. After the mud has worked its magic, you can shower off and wrap yourselves in soft, fluffy towels. You'll feel gorgeously calm and snug, with relaxed muscles and soothed, soft skin. Follow up the mud with a long massage or scented bath and after this pampering treat you'll be loved up for weeks.
Here are a few places in the UK where you can try out the mud:
A romance ritual features a series of spa pleasures and - if you choose wisely - the opportunity to float around in the spa's swimming pools and glide around their other facilities with the person you like best of all in the whole world. Spas usually pull out the stops for their romance rituals and you will probably find the treatment room strewn with rose petals, plus candle-light and sensual music. Once you've got used to the idea of having a couple of therapists also being present, you'll enjoy the luxuriously deluxe and intimate treat of it all. Top off the experience by booking a two night spa break so you don't have to leave. Make full use of the spa leisure facilities, perhaps thrown in a deep tissue massage or scalp massage and enjoy a three course dinner in the restaurant.
Good places to look for a romance ritual include:
Want to treat your daughter after a long month of revision? Or your mum on her birthday? Whether you want to mollycoddle your mama or de-stress your daughter, lots of spas offer Mother-and-Daughter packages, with spa days and spa breaks for all budgets and all ages. Again, you don't have to wait for Mother's Day to roll around. Often, Mother-and-Daughter spa packages will include use of the spa facilities or health club, specific spa treatments such as a 55-minute elemis spa treatment, a facial, manicure or pedicure and a two-course lunch, cream tea or traditional afternoon tea for two - usually with an obligatory glass of prosecco.
Good places to look for a mother and daughter spa experience include:
Lots of hotel & spas offer gift vouchers too. Whoever you go with when you go as a twosome — enjoy!
Summer Spy
2nd May 2013
Spy Likes:
Warmth and sunshine; spas which take me away to another country; fruit infused waters; beach-worth pedicures; deep tissue massages.
Spy Dislikes:
High footfalls; treatments that over promise and under deliver; heavy lunches; loungers drapped in used towels.
