Aquarias Spa at Whatley Manor
The lowdown
Spavellous for
Spa info
Aquarias spa has an immediately calming vibe, featuring:
• Indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool with swan pipes, recliners, and several massage jets. Aquarias doesn’t have a swimming pool, but the bubbly hydro pool is lovely and spacious, so it doesn’t feel like anything’s lacking – unless you’re a devoted length swimmer • Roman-inspired thermal suite with Caldarium, Infa-red sauna and relaxing Tepidarium with heated mosaiced recliners • Sauna • Steam room • Salt scrub shower • Gym • Spa lounge serving fresh and healthy light bites • Poolside recliners – with relaxing garden and countryside views • Iso-pod solo floatation experience with Epsom salts – £56 for a sixty-minute session • Jacuzzi – which can now be booked for exclusive use • Natura Bissé Bubble Suite – exclusive to Aquarias SpaTreatment highlights
Spa treatments are by Spa brand Natura Bissé and eco British brand, Gaia.
The jewel in Aquarias’ treatment crown is undoubtedly the 90-minute Diamond Life infusion – which can be delivered in the Pure Air Bubble – a personal oxygen-filled tent and promises to be the ultimate anti-aging facial, with air that is 99.99% pure.
The treatment starts with a 15-minute back massage to get you in the zone, then delivers one of the most luxurious, firming – and expensive – facials in the UK (£155 for 90 minutes)
Also, firmly up there on the facial front is the Gaiyoga lifting facial from eco-friendly Brit brand Gaia skincare. This stimulating treatment includes a facial workout so is a great one for anyone looking to avoid drifting off to sleep during their treatment.
Aquarias also offers some fabulous body and massage treatments and Spa Rituals – including Spavellous favourite, the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, for deep muscle relaxation. For anyone who likes the idea of a seated option, we recommend ‘Champi and Reflexology’ – a holistic treatment which incorporates Indian head massage, a neck and shoulder massage, and, you guessed it, reflexology on your feet.
Other treats include the Gaia Complete Wellness Ritual. We haven’t tried this one yet, but anything that involves 2.5 hours of pampering, including body brushing, mud mask and a good massage has to be a winner in our book. Next time…
rooms
There are 23 decent sized rooms with immaculate, classy furnishings including a room that’s adapted for guests with mobility issues. There are also dog-friendly rooms which include a doggy welcome pack and bed.
wining & dining
The formal dining option is a special and lively experience, offering a fun fusion of British/Asian tastes from the two-Michelin starred Dining Room’s gourmet 10 course tasting menu from Thursday and throughout the weekend. The journey is physical as well as gastronomical, with the courses taking you from drawing room to dining room via several playful plates in the kitchen.
For those after a more relaxed ‘comfort food’ option, Greys Brasserie offers an informal, but still creative – and affordable – dining option with small plates being served around a theatrical central table. Breakfasts, which are also pretty special, are served at Greys too.