Spa Break at Lifehouse spa

When the cold winter days arrive, there’s no better way to unwind than a visit at Lifehouse Spa. Set in the quiet town of Thorpe-le-Soken, in Essex. This luxury adults-only spa hotel is the perfect place to relax and recharge. With special winter packages to choose from, you can enjoy a day or a weekend of pure comfort. Treat yourself to soothing spa treatments, relax in cozy spaces, and indulge in healthy treats.

I love a good spa break and never hesitate to treat myself when the chance arises. I was thrilled when I discovered Lifehouse Spa. A spa retreat with 35 treatment rooms, a stunning swimming pool, sauna and a fancy hot tub. If that’s not impressive enough, there are 130 acres of beautiful garden grounds. I just knew it was perfect for my next getaway and booked an overnight stay straight away.

My Stay at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

The wonderful team at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel truly knows how to make their guests feel special. Prior to my arrival, I provided my train arrival time with the reception team. They provided a shuttle service at an additional fee of £7. I was picked up from the nearby station Thorpe-le-Soken, a 7-minute drive to Lifehouse Spa. You can get a direct train from London Liverpool Street to Thorpe-le-Soken, it takes 1 hour and 17 minutes.

Smooth Check-In Experience Despite the Wait

The check-in was easy, but there was a queue as the reception was busy, so I waited about 20 minutes. That’s pretty normal for a popular spa resort like this one. The staff were very friendly and professional, so no complaints there. They made sure everyone was assisted and satisfied.

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The Spa facilities

When I arrived, my room wasn’t ready yet so I left my bag at the reception. I was given a robe and towels I can change in the changing rooms. I decided to explore the spa facilities. All areas were nice and clean. There are signs to show you where each room is, making it easy to find your way. I especially loved the gardens; they are well-kept and surrounded by nature, making them perfect for walks. There is a restaurant and a terrace where guests can order and sit outside. The terrace has cozy seating, some with cushioned chairs, and large umbrellas. I ordered a Mahijio cocktail to celebrate the occasion and what was to be a great spa experience.

The gym is located on level one. It’s not that big, but it has all the equipment you need to do your workout. Spending time there, I felt relaxed while doing my workouts. Unlike some spas I’ve been to, I didn’t have to wait to use a machine.

Clean changing rooms & free treats

The changing rooms have everything you need, like hairdryers, cotton buds, hand lotion, and fresh towels in your locker. You’ll find a lot of water machines stationed around the hotel to keep you hydrated. The place is clean, tidy, and well-maintained for your comfort. You get to keep your slippers a little free treat.

The sauna, hot tub, and swimming pool are available for both guests and visitors to enjoy. These facilities are great for unwinding. Yet, do keep in mind that they can get busy. The hot tub is especially popular. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to use it during my visit, as it was always occupied. Hopefully, on my next trip, I’ll find it less busy to use.

When it was time to check in to the room, I found it to be nice and spacious. It overlooked the garden with lovely views of nature. The bathroom was clean and offered plenty of space to move around. With free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, free mineral water and slippers. I liked my room it was perfect for the night.

Food Experience at Lifehouse Spa: A Disappointing Meal

The food at Lifehouse Spa wasn’t my favourite part of the experience. I found it a bit bland, though it might be different depending on what you order. I had Padron peppers as a starter, but they weren’t the same as the ones I had in Mallorca. For the main course, I had fillet of cod with mash potatoes, which was also a letdown. The only good thing is food and drinks are reasonably priced. Breakfast was okay, featuring the usual English breakfast buffet. There were also a variety of healthy juices, fruits, and bread.

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Overall Experience at Lifehouse Spa: Relaxation, Spa Facilities, and Beautiful Gardens

My overall experience at Lifehouse Spa was very enjoyable, despite the food. The spa facilities are spotless and well-maintained, from the gym to the sauna and swimming pool. There are plenty of places to relax, including a dedicated sleeping room. I particularly loved the gardens, which are clean and well-kept. There are many spacious areas where you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated during my stay.

I was able to do everything I wanted. I used the steam room and sauna. I had a swim in the pool. Did a gym session. I read books in the gardens and journaled. I slept like a baby. While I didn’t book any treatments this time, I look forward to trying them if I return. Would I recommend this spa hotel? Yes. While the food wasn’t great, there’s always room for improvement.

Looking for more spa weekend staycations? check out this blog post.

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