NESTLED deep in the heart of the New Forest lies a little piece of paradise with the aim to ensure that visitors leave feeling relaxed!

Driving through the blend of open heathlands and ancient woodlands of the New Forest National Park brings a feeling of calm to an otherwise hectic morning, and that continues long into the day once I arrive at the launch of Beauty h spa and therapy rooms.

The Spa’s interior is decorated in hues of cream, grey and beige and bathed in a soft glow, and the relaxation room can only be described as a tranquil haven which gives the opportunity to spend some peaceful relaxation time before and between treatments.

Beauty offers a range of luxurious treatments, including massages, body scrubs and facials and after much deliberation whilst choosing I opted for a deep tissue back, neck and shoulders massage, which uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and the connective tissue surrounding muscles to flush out toxins and help with chronic aches and pain in contracted areas, such as a stiff neck, low back pain and sore shoulders.

The therapist explained the treatment in detail, and asked me what I wanted to achieve by the end of the massage before leaving me to get undressed and under the towels (provided) on the bed. When she returned she checked what sort of pressure was require, explained which essential oils were being used and what benefits they had and then she got to work.

I was hopeful the therapist could work some magic on the knots which seem to go hand-in-hand with a desk based job, and I wasn’t disappointed as I could feel the tensions, stresses and knots breaking down and leaving my body as the therapist worked through each of them individually using a combination of fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms.

At the end of the 30 minute treatment, she explained how it was important to drink plenty of water to help to flush the metabolic toxins from my body and to reduce the soreness that can sometimes be felt after for a day or two. I then got to spend some more time in the relaxation room before finally having to leave this little piece of paradise.

For more details, visit: www.hoburne.com/beauty-h.

Top spa tips

If you haven’t visited a spa before you may be a little nervous about what is expected, but don’t be afraid to ask for a tour of the spa and the facilities to get a feel for your surroundings. Also, tell the staff it’s your first time and explain to them what you would like to get from your time there.

Make your day comfortable by packing your favourite book and if you have long hair don’t forget to bring a band to tie your hair up during your treatment.

Arrive before your treatment to unwind and enjoy the facilities before your massage as this helps your muscles to relax.

Catherine Collins