Review: The luxury Hampshire's Careys Manor Hotel and Senspa

We received an invite to check out the new crystal facial at Careys Manor Hotel's spa Senspa when it launched earlier this year. 

Life and time pressures meant that I wasn't able to find the required free few hours to take in the whole experience. 

With a bit of juggling, working late and thanks to a grandparent stepping in to entertain the kids, I finally slipped away to the New Forest and into my robe last Friday. 

And I am so pleased that I did, as the pre-planning effort was worth it as Senspa certainly didn't disappoint. 

From the moment you enter, you are greeted with calmness. The lounge is beautiful and we were served a special blended tea to relax. 

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We were given a tour, handed robes, and after getting changed in the immaculate changing rooms, where everything you need is on hand - hair dryers, straighteners, costume dryers to name just a few perks - it was off to the indoor pool. 

We were just in time to join an aquaerobics class, which provided just enough exercise to justify spending the rest of the day loafing. 

And loaf we did. Around the indoor pool, there is a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and loungers. Most places would stop there, but not at Senspa, where your wristband also lets you through into the hydrotherapy rooms. 

There's a big pool with all manner of jets and bubbles, another stand-up jacuzzi, another bigger and hotter sauna, a bigger steam room with a large Crystal of Bohemian Amethyst, which is spiritually believed to absorb negative energy, and a variety of different showers, including the rather invigorating ice bucket and storm shower, which comes with lights and sounds to make you truly believe you are in a tropical shower. 

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Upstairs there are further rooms to relax in - my favourite was a terrarium, which was slightly cooler, but had shaped warm stone beds that were the most comfortable things to lie on. 

The calming sanctuary extends out to a further lounge, where tea and coffee are provided, and a quiet room, if you want to take a nap. 

For lunch, it was off to the Thai restaurant that served the most delicious Thai food I have ever tasted - light and fragranced. Enough to fill you, but healthy enough to make you feel good. 

This was all before the main event - the Calming Crystal Facial.

The 30-minute facial began with a gentle cleanse with a warm rose quartz crystal – spiritually believed to promote inner healing - to release muscle tension in the face, while toning, tightening and soothing.

This was followed by a facial massage with a spiritually lucky cool jade crystal to lift and tone, boost circulation, and support lymph drainage.

A warm Manuka honey mask is then massaged into the skin with a warm rose quartz crystal to exfoliate and help the skin to regain its youthful qualities.

The treatment is completed with a refreshing toner and serum and nourishing eye cream, moisturiser and lip balm.

The spa has a lovely garden, but Careys Manor is also set in beautiful grounds, as well as being just on the edge of the beautiful Brockenhurst, which has a selection of top-class country pubs to choose from. 

Days later and my face still feels smooth and nourished - and I am already looking forward to my next visit. 

A well-being spa day costs £209 per person Monday - Thursday, £229 per person Friday -Sunday, including a two-course lunch, a 30-minute treatment and use of the SenSpa hydrotherapy & health club facilities. 

For more information and to book, visit senspa.try.be