6 minute read
HORWOOD HOUSE
REST EASY
We have never been so stressed, but a solution may just be found in the Buckinghamshire countryside
Tired of feeling tired? According to Booking. com, more people will seek mindfulness getaways in 2023, with two in fi ve (29%) aiming to fi nd peace at a silent retreat and one third (33%) keen to go on a break that focuses on mental and transformative health.
With sleepless nights a ecting people’s wellbeing, and Mental Health UK reporting that one in fi ve people are not getting enough sleep, Absolutely was intrigued to know that country house hotel Horwood House has partnered with the awardwinning Aromatherapy Associates to launch a new Deep Relax Day and Stay package.
Nestled in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, Horwood House is home to H Spa – a state-of-theart boutique spa that boasts a 15-metre heated swimming pool – complete with exfoliation and a massage to revitalise the skin. Choose from treatments such as Resveratrol Firming, Lifting & Anti-Wrinkle Facial (£90 for 55 minutes); Vinosource Hydrating Nourishing Facial (£85 for 55 minutes) or the Express D-Vine Facial Instant Glow (£49 for 25 minutes).
There are seven di erent types of body treatments including a Relaxing & Nourishing Wrap (£85 for 55 minutes); an exfoliating Crushed Cabernet Body Treatment (£85 for 55 minutes) or the soothing Fleur de Vigne Candle Massage (£85 for 55 minutes). Mothers-to-be can also indulge in a gentle and enveloping Pre-Natal Massage (£85 for 55 minutes) that helps to soothe tension brought on by pregnancy, stimulate blood circulation and improve the skin’s tone and elasticity.
Those looking to work out can make use of the leisure club with top spec Matrix equipment featuring interactive cardio machine touch screen consoles and weight machines to help users tone, build muscle and burn fat. Designed for both seasoned users and novices, guests and local members can join a wide range of group exercise classes such as Pilates and Boxercise – memberships start from £95 per month.
We can just feel the stress of Christmas ebbing away…
poolside tranquillity beds, a detoxifying sauna, cleansing steam room and six deluxe treatment rooms, as well as cosy lounge area that benefi ts from views out to the landscaped courtyard. Part of the hotel’s £6 million refurbishment, the new state-ofthe-art spa boasts views and access to the hotel’s picturesque landscaped grounds. Other facilities include a fully equipped gym.
A blissful getaway that’s sure to help you to nod o , the Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Stay aims to o er discerning travellers an insomnia-busting, tranquil escape. With full use of the spa facilities from noon to check out, enjoy a delicious two-course lunch in the spa lounge before uninterrupted access to the spa relaxation area, pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a 60-minute Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Body Treatment, performed by one of H Spa’s skilled therapists.
After a day of pampering and a delicious dinner in Harry’s Bar & Kitchen, retreat to one of the Deluxe bedrooms and make use of the in-room luxury Aromatherapy Associates gift – with products including the Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, Sleep Mist, Body Oil, or Sleep Well Body Butter – that are sure to mellow both the mind and body.
For those that have less time to spare, take advantage of the luxe facilities at H Spa with the Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Day setting you up for an easy drift o when you get home. Working in perfect harmony to provide a full day of complete relaxation, arrive at 9am for a morning on the heated tranquillity beds before a 60-minute Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Body Treatment in one of the treatment rooms. Spend the afternoon using the pool, sauna and steam room.
H Spa’s menu of blissful spa treatments, using Caudalie natural skin and spa products, is designed to satisfy the senses, ease aching muscles and leave you looking and feeling absolutely fabulous. In the hands of the expert therapists, facial treatments will include cleansing,
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FITNESS
NOTES
By RACHEL HOGG
ON -TRACK
Founder of run coaching platform Onetrack, Anthony Fletcher, gives us his top tips to work o the festive excess
1. TAKE YOUR TIME 2. KNOW YOUR BODY 3. FIND SOME SUPPORT
The temptation is to just put your trainers on and start running, but most injuries occur from doing too much too soon, so you need to think long term and follow a training plan. The body can do incredible things if given time to adapt and plenty of opportunity to recover from the stress of training. You will need to give yourself enough time to build up to a marathon, but how long exactly depends on your starting point; for example, the beginner plan on the Onetrack app is 16 weeks. Before taking on any sport it's a good idea to get yourself ready to perform and have your mechanics evaluated. With running, the most important thing is to assess if your body has the capacity to distribute the load evenly. The biomechanics screen at our Onetrack studio is able to identify what could lead to excessive stress being placed on any one joint, muscle or ligament. Knowing this information helps us implement the most impactful corrective exercises and hopefully minimise the risk of injury. Finding and staying connected to a community of runners is essential because it can help you feel more motivated and give you a sense of accountability. Many people also fi nd working with a coach during the training process very benefi cial, as it’s a soundboard to vent at and a source of reassurance. You can access the support of coaches easily via the Onetrack app, which is available to download from the App Store and Google Play, with subscription plans starting at £15 per month.
INTERIORS
SIT BACK AND RELAX
BENETFELD Getting your home ready for Christmas is always a stressful experience, particularly if you have a large group of people coming to stay. Well, there is another way. Unique Homestays offer luxury properties to rent and, this month, we check out one particularly stunning option in Berkshire starting on page 90.
