Self-care: Why Bedford Lodge Spa is pure bliss

If you're in need of some R&R, Newmarket's The Spa at Bedford Lodge is the place to go. Velvet's Louise Cummings presses pause. . .

Years ago, one of my oldest friends - who was a mum to two boisterous boys - told me that she fantasised about booking into a retreat to simply enjoy the silence. I remember laughing and thinking it odd, but years later, a mum myself, I totally understand this desire to find solitude.

So, when the opportunity arose to retreat from the world and its woes, I headed to Bedford Lodge Hotel’s 5 Bubble-rated luxury spa, set within a Georgian country house on the edge of Newmarket.

Wandering in from the car park, I was hit by the delicate floral aroma of lavender, which set the calming tone for the day. Whilst filling in forms I ordered eggs Benedict and savoured a warming latte, grateful to enjoy these delights without fielding relentless requests from little people.

Robed up later, it was time for a dip in the bubbling hydrotherapy pool, which is framed by dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking lush gardens. Trying out the five unique water experiences, I felt instantly rejuvenated as my knotted muscles were pummelled by jets with varying degrees of ferocity.

I braved the wood sauna for all of about three minutes, preferring the intoxicating menthol aroma of the steam room. After a spritz in the tropical mist showers, I hit the outdoor rooftop hot tub for a glorious soak. Reclining into a moulded lounger, the sun warmed my face, and the mesmeric sound of water cascading onto rocks below lulled me towards sleep.

A little later my therapist Maria escorted me to one of the 10 treatment rooms for my ESPA Personalised Massage. Given a choice of two heavenly scents – I plumped for uplifting citrus – I was instructed to inhale the bespoke blend in preparation for this full body ritual. Using long soothing strokes, Maria gently moved my limbs into different positions so the massage would have optimum effect.

I felt so zen by the end, it took a while to rouse myself for lunch, which was a delicious duck poke bowl, with rice noodles, ruby red pomegranate seeds, crunchy carrot and pepper batons. I finished my restful retreat reading my book on the rooftop terrace, which felt decadent indeed.

If you’re yearning to escape, Bedford Lodge recently launched a Restful Night’s Sleep Spa Break, featuring a soothing dry flotation experience, overnight stay, all meals and an ESPA treasured night’s gift with sleep-promoting products. An early Christmas present perhaps?

The Restful Night’s Sleep Spa Break starts from £495 per couple. Find out more at bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk