I should be excited but driving down the A46 towards Newark with the windscreen wipers going my heart sinks. I was hoping for a glorious sunny day to try the new £4m outdoor area with a hydrotherapy pool at Eden Hall Spa at Elston.
Fearing the experience beneath a murky grey sky would be blighted, I tell my daughter, at least we can make the most of the indoor pool and steam rooms within the stunning Victorian property surrounded by lush green lawns and trees. After checking in we head to the changing rooms to get into our swimming costumes and the cosy towelling robes that have been supplied for the day.
Missing out on breakfast for an early getaway, our first stop is the conservatory, a light and airy room with wicker garden sofas, to order tea, crumpets and fruit bread. There's no need to carry cash or a card as payment is recorded on our locker wristbands. Lounging around in our robes, we get down to the serious business of trying to relax after a hectic week.
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Afterwards we wander to the garden to check to take a look at the new facilities, just to say we've seen them if nothing else. I'm surprised to see how many spa visitors are in the pool. A cloud of steam rising up from the water indicates that it's warmer than I was expecting, not like some outdoor pools so cold that even 'The Iceman' Wim Hof's would be shivering.
A quick grit of the teeth as the robes come off and we're in the crystal clear water. It's just like a lovely warm bath, very comforting and relaxing. What makes this pool even better, it comes with built-in massage jets.
As the jets come on an intervals, we're standing in a metal ring chatting, when all of a sudden the water starts pumping out taking me by surprise. You can also sit around the edge of the pool where jets massage the back, legs and feet, or stand beneath the water cannons, which gave the shoulders a good pummelling - and when you sit at a desk for long hours, it's much needed.
Best of all are the loungers, laying back you get a full body massage. Being pounded by powerful jets of water might not be everyone's idea of fun but believe me, it's incredibly invigorating. Combined with the coolness of the air on my face and the light rain coming down, you certainly feel alive. It reminds me of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, minus the stench of sulphur.
In fact the whole garden has a Nordic feel to it with lots of greenery and pine wood furniture. After our dip, we check out the new garden sauna, a bright room with pine benches. I manage to last about a minute in the intense heat before heading back out to the garden, where there's ample seating, at least for today. It's sure to be full when temperatures rise.
Sun loungers with stripy cushions are lined up beneath a wooden pergola draped in wisteria - once more established that's going to be beautiful. Completing the garden's makeover is the addition of The Vinery, an indoor/outdoor place to eat with panoramic views of the garden.
By now I'm starting to really unwind. We give the indoor thermal spa a whirl, darting between hot and cold - it's like the British weather in a day - heat, rain and a light drizzle. The indoor pool with more water jets give my body another energetic pounding while my daughter goes off to read her book in the garden's new relaxation room with cosy beds.
The spa has a gym and classes which vary each day but when there's a choice between swimming and 'ironclad abs', the pool wins. By 2pm we're ready for lunch after a busy morning of doing nothing other than enjoying ourselves No work, no mobile phone, and no household chores - it's bliss.
The Taste of Eden restaurant, beneath a stunning wooden turreted ceiling, is where we sit by a window overlooking the lawns. It seems strange sitting in quite formal surroundings in a robe, but by the first sip of prosecco it seems completely normal.
The menu has a choice of six dishes per course. I opt for mushroom pate, followed by sticky honey chicken with ginger rice, finishing with a very indulgent and gooey chocolate brownie, with chocolate mousse and a white chocolate crumb. You can never have too much chocolate especially on a pamper day.
At this point we are quite righty full, relaxed and uplifted. Those beds in the slumber room are calling... By the time we return to reality I feel like a new woman.
The Purity Spa Day is from £119 per person with full spa access from 9am to 6pm, including the new spa garden, a three-course lunch and access to the Wellness Suite. Other packages are available. For further information visit baronseden.com
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