My body was brushed, massaged and covered in mud. I was then wrapped in tin foil and left to stew for ten minutes, while the therapist applied fragrant oil to my face and scalp. A final marinade if you will. I felt very relaxed. Frankly, if the next stage of my ocean detox had involved slow cooking, I wouldn’t have cared.
Welcome to the Verbena Spa at The Feversham Arms. Nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire moors in the pretty market town of Helmsley, this beautiful hotel offers a contemporary take on the cosy country manor with a its small but enchanting English-style garden, set amongst a cluster of stylish boutiques, Ye Olde pubs and artisan food stores.
Not that you ever really need leave, for back at the spa, there’s a lounge with plush sofas piled high with cushions and floor to ceiling windows that flood the relaxation areas with natural light. An air of hushed reverence for the luxury of silence pervades.
Best of all, my treatment is second to none. A sea plant and marine algae extract wrap — to help relieve fluid retention and to improve the appearance of cellulite — and stress-busting facial massage leave me feeling revitalized, very happy and with baby soft skin. The spa uses a mix of Elemis and Anne Sémonin treatments; you might also want to consider the Anné Sémonin Miracle Eyes treatment, using ice, aromatic oils and basalt stones to combat the signs of aging, a Mother-to-Be Massage by Elemis, which aims to connect mother and baby through the power of touch (one hour 15mins, £75) or, for men, the Anne Sémonin Fishing and Hunting Remedy, a mineral mud back and shoulder massage (45 minutes, £60).
Before and after treatments you can chill in the lounge, swim in the outdoor pool or warm up in the Jacuzzi. There’s also a sauna, salt inhalation room, monsoon shower, foot spa and ice fountain (to boost your circulation).
If you feel peckish between treatments, there’s a juice bar and a patisserie menu (scones with crème fraiche and sugarless strawberry jam, anyone?).
But if you’re staying overnight, make sure you leave room for the dinner in the elegant hotel restaurant. Guests are treated to a wonderful three-course meal (included in most room rates) — the cuisine is inspired by the surrounding landscape, so game, shellfish, lamb, beef, farmhouse cheeses are all plentiful and prepared with the understanding that quality isn't always complicated. Or you could splash out and try the seven-course tasting menu. What’s the point of a detox if not to retox immediately afterwards?
The Ocean Detox is £70 for 75 minutes.
Verbena Spa, Feversham Arms Hotel, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5AG (+44(0)1439 770 766; fevershamarmshotel.com)
