HEALTH + WELLNESS
FINDING CONNECTION AT
THE GRANARY SPA
SOMETIMES THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF IS ME-TIME, AND FOR SOMEONE ELSE SURELY IT HAS TO BE YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION- SOMETHING INCREASINGLY RARE IN OUR CONSTANTLY CONNECTED WORLD. WHICH IS PRECISELY WHY I FOUND MYSELF DRIVING THROUGH KENT’ S ROLLING FARMLAND WITH JERRY, BOUND FOR THE GRANARY SPA’ S NEW‘ TOGETHER EXPERIENCE’. BY SAMANTHA READY
Tucked away in a beautifully converted granary oast building, this rural sanctuary feels a world away from everyday life. The moment we arrived, surrounded by open fields and countryside, we already felt our shoulders beginning to drop. There was just something about that rustic charm- original beams, soft lighting, tactile textures- that instantly signalled that it was time to actually slow down.
The Together Experience is owner Laura’ s latest offering, and it’ s rather brilliant. Laura herself started as a therapist here before being offered the unmissable opportunity to take over ownership of the spa in 2023, and that hands-on expertise and understanding of The Granary’ s loyal client base and new discoverers of its rather special offerings, shows in every thoughtful detail. For just £ 159, two people each receive a 55-minute treatment, a choice of indulgent add-on, leisurely time in the cosy Granary lounge, and, my favourite touch, prosecco served with a heart-shaped scone, clotted cream and jam, lovingly handmade by Laura’ s mum.
Jerry opted for the Advanced Holistic Facial, one of four main treatments including massage or massage and facial combos
124 • www. insidekent. co. uk on offer for the experience.“ I’ m not usually one for facials,” she confessed beforehand. Twenty minutes in however she was lulled into a gentle slumber so great were the relaxation levels reached- the ultimate compliment to any therapist. She emerged glowing, both in complexion and mood, and raving about the techniques used.
I opted for the Aromatherapy Full Body Massage with therapist Samantha, who’ s been with the Granary since May. Having explained that my shoulders felt like they were by my ears and my lower back felt a good 10 years older than the rest of me, she laughed away my fears-“ you’ re in the right hands, don’ t worry”. Within moments she was expertly working away deadline tension with that clever balance between achieving results( no gentle stroking here- thank goodness) and proper refreshed relaxation. She instinctively knew where I was holding stress and adjusted pressure perfectly; firm enough to be therapeutic, gentle enough to send me into that blissful state between waking and sleeping.
For my add-on- of which you have five masks to choose from- I opted for the Collagen Eye Mask, which was instantly cooling and utterly luxurious after staring at screens all week.
Jerry chose the Nourishing Foot Mask, made all the better with a soothing foot massage to complete the treatment.
What makes The Granary Spa special isn’ t just the excellent treatments- though they are truly exceptional- it’ s the unhurried atmosphere, the genuine warmth of the team and those thoughtful extras. Sipping prosecco together post-treatment, laughing over warm scones, I realised neither of us had looked at our phones in two hours, which was perhaps the best tell of the experience, and certainly one that proves the best times and best gifts really aren’ t material things, but the opportunity of moments shared, much-need me- / ustime and calm that replaces chaos. Pure indulgence indeed.
A great gift for Valentine’ s, Galentines and Mother’ s Day, The Granary Together Experience is available to enjoy throughout February and March 2026 and costs £ 159 for two people( and available as a gift voucher which can be posted or sent for digital delivery).
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