I have to admit to never having visited Stapleford Park. Nestled in between quiet country lanes north of Oakham, I am looking forward to meeting my friend Jo for a day’s pampering and some serious girl time. On arriving we are not the only ones already in the know. Groups of ladies are drinking coffee having done their workout in the glass-fronted gym, just one of the areas in the converted stable block in the grounds of the house.
The stables are grand and imposing, room enough for lots of spoilt horses! Several years ago they were cleverly renovated with fully equipped Technogym, exercise studio and beautiful welcoming Spa area. We sit down to plan our day with lots of magazines and coffee of course.
The indoor pool in the main house is lovely, overlooking the gardens with mosaic floors and lovely warm changing area. Thick white robes are supplied, I could feel a day walking around with not much on ahead! We quickly got used to our new environment and made the most of the large pool for a few lengths before testing out the sauna and steam room.
Lovely showers with Molten Brown shower gel and body lotion prepare us for a lazy lunch in the Michelin Guide listed Pavilion Restaurant, with views of the impressive Golf Course. It has a big vaulted ceiling, a separate bar area and is open to residents and locals alike. Our two-course lunch is healthy and unhurried. Then back to the Stable Block, where Lindsey introduced us to our beauty therapists for the rest of the afternoon.
I opted for the full body Swedish Massage (1 hour) with Opi pedicure in one of the seven large treatment rooms. The massage is both relaxing and stimulating. My pedicure is probably the best I have ever had, with real precision and attention to detail, Kate my therapist introduced me to the wonders of Opi’s dark navy nail polish. The treatments on offer are either by Clarins or specially designed holistic and other beauty treatments.
Stapleford’s Spa offering has been re-designed and updated to appeal to individuals and groups, and you don’t have to be a member of the club to enjoy it. There are a range of packages including Yummy Mummy’s Afternoon, including childcare, for £70 and the Luxury Pamper Day at £180. All the days include full use of the Technogym, tennis courts, pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. One thing you won’t feel is as if you are on a treadmill, unless you want to be!
Lifestyle and Wellness Retreat Tel: 01572 787057 www.staplefordpark.com
Stapleford Park, Stapleford, Nr. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2EF,
Tel. 01572 787000