DISCOVERKENT
Recharge and Relax at
ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & SPA
FRESH FROM A MULTI-MILLION POUND REFURBISHMENT , ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & SPA IS POISED TO INDULGE YOUR WELLBEING WITH A NEW STATE OF THE ART GYM , STEAM ROOM AND SAUNA AND A RANGE OF BLISSFUL ELEMIS TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR BOTH VISITORS AND SPA DAY GUESTS ALIKE … BY SAMANTHA READY
Located mere minutes from junction 9 of the M20 , the spa at Ashford International Hotel & Spa is one of the most conveniently located in Kent . Guests can arrive either through the main hotel entrance or through a more discreet entrance next to the rear car park that leads straight to the warm welcome of Kyode and his spa team .
As fresh and energised as his newly refurbished abode , Kyode wasted no time in touring my guest and I through the impressive newly designed gym . Split into three main areas around a larger L-shape floor plan , hotel residents , members and day guests have access to a range of cutting edge equipment including peloton-style bikes , cross trainers , stair masters and treadmills - where you can pound anything from a countryside walk to the streets of Chicago ; a vast selection of free weights and and impressive range of resistance equipment including battle ropes and jump stations .
My fresh-from-the-gym attire clearly belied my day ’ s intention , my guest and I are less gym bunnies , more stressed out mummies , so we were relieved that it was with equal enthusiasm that Kyode carefully explained the range of spa packages and treatment options that the spa has on offer .
Managing the fine balance of a spa that has to cater for hotel residents , locals and visiting day guests alike , the offer was encompassing and extremely reasonable , especially when factoring in the highend Elemis products and treatment list which the spa team proudly showcase .
Staying at the hotel ? Simply walk down and take advantage of the facilities . Live nearby ? Book a treatment or better still buy one of the special product offers such as the Elemis heritage-styled gift pack for £ 45 and receive a complimentary 25 minute treatment . Wanting a full-on pamper ? Then choose either the Simply Spa Package to receive access to the facilities and a 25 minute treatment with lunch or the Serenity Spa Package - our pick - with boasts lunch , access to the facilities and an indulgent signature 55 minute treatment . There are also Ultimate , Indulgence and Twilight spa packages available depending on your preference , the latter of which offers evening pamper time during the spa ’ s quietest hours .
Robes donned courtesy of the super efficient and friendly Jade , my guest and I made our way from the new spa guest lounge area – the perfect spot for a welcome drink , magazine browse or for those seeking a quieter spot for lunch – into the pool ; nabbing one of the poolside loungers and making use of the heated stone beds , jacuzzi , sauna and steam room before lunch .
Simple and well presented , spa day guests have a healthy three-course lunch included in their package , with most guests opting to dine in the hotel ’ s main restaurant . The menu includes a set soup starter , we had rich tomato and basil ; a fruit salad dessert ; and a choice of three options for mains - we opted for the classic Caesar salad - as well as a host of optional add ons such as crispy fries , or an indulgent slice of cake for pud .
Lunches devoured and it was time to head into the spa treatment area . Discreetly located away from the gym and pool , the spa boasts a range of treatment rooms , including four which can be changed to interconnected treatment spaces - perfect for couples ’ treatments , as well as a subtly lit and pleasantly calming relaxation lounge .
After a few minutes of blissful peace in the lounge , Megan arrived to whisk us away to our respective treatments . With five signature spa rituals available as part of our Serenity package , our biggest issue of the day was in choosing which to have ! Lured by the scalp massage , my guest opted for the ‘ relaxing face and back ritual ’ which combined gentle exfoliation with a deep tissue back massage and delicate face and scalp massage to melt away tension and leave skin radiant . While I opted for the ‘ fit for business ’; rewarded with an exfoliation , deep back massage and purified back mask followed by a relaxing leg and foot massage – pitched as perfect after a stressful day it did not disappoint !
Boasting an affordable range of luxurious signature Elemis treatments , Ashford International Hotel & Spa is the accessible spa day waiting to be enjoyed – perfect for some mum-me-time !
Ashford International Hotel & Spa Simone Weil Ave Ashford TN24 8UX www . ashfordhotel . co . uk
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