The New Forest is fast becoming a spa hot spot, thanks to a number of huge investment programmes currently underway in the region’s top-end country house hotels.Chewton Glen, Careys Manor and Le Poussin Hotel at Park Hill have all embarked upon huge investment programmes offering guests spa facilities to rival the world’s leading spa players.

“It’s all about confirming the perception that the New Forest is a quality destination,” says Anthony Climpson, chairman of the joint public/private sector “Little Acorns” Marketing Committee for the New Forest. “We’re already hitting the mark with our accommodation, food and beverage offerings, and so the introduction of these state-of-the-art spa facilities at our key luxury properties is the next step. They’re an essential part of the leisure market we compete in.”

Michelin star-awarded Le Poussin Hotel at Park Hill in Lyndhurst, is investing £2-3 million over the next 18 months to create contemporary and stylish spa facilities featuring a variety of massages and treatments, plus a health and fitness centre. 

Created by Design Engine Architects and Spascape, it will be called ‘The Beech’ after one of the great hardwoods, and will be built and styled with natural materials to reflect the beauty of the New Forest.

‘The Spa’ at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst is due to open its doors in spring 2004, offering a range of spa and skin care treatments.  A huge investment has been made to ensure the spa offers the latest treatment and beauty experiences.

Set amidst five acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of the New Forest, The Spa will offer a range of specialist beauty therapies including Thalgo body care, massage, reflexology and reiki, as well as some ‘Just 4 Men’ treatments. 

A number of ‘Pamper Days’ are also on offer, starting at £52 for the ‘Lazy Afternoon’ package which includes use of the fitness club, swimming pool, spa bath, sauna and steam room followed by an Algae Back Spa treatment followed by a manicure.

Routinely voted one of the UK’s best country house hotels, it is only fitting that New Milton’s Chewton Glen offers a multi-million pound spa facility. The final redevelopment phase of the spa was completed last year, with the opening of a hydrotherapy pool and six dedicated water therapy areas.

A 17-metre pool forms the centrepiece of the spa, which also includes a gymnasium, dance studio, outdoor hot tub, steam rooms, saunas, and a reflexology foot spa.  Heated benches and lounges allow guests to relax and gaze at the ‘time-sensitive’ ceiling, which mirrors the sky’s movement and colours. 

Treatments include Thalgo, Guinot and Clarins facials and body treatments; massage reflexology, shiatsu, reiki, Thai yoga massage. A number of spa day packages are also available.

For further details or to request a brochure on the New Forest: www.thenewforest.co.uk

Le Poussin hotel at Park Hill:

Tel: 023 8028 2944

www.lepoussin.co.uk

Careys Manor Hotel:

Tel: 01590 623551

www.careysmanor.com

Chewton Glen:

Tel: 01425 275341

www.chewtonglen.com

——-