As I write this, I’m rather sad I’m not back on that towel covered bed, toasty and warm, clad in only a swimsuit and a towel.
But reality bites. Instead, I’m sat at a desk, wrapped in a big thick cardigan because it’s cold, with a mug of tea for company.
Admittedly, when I arrived at the Cottons Hotel & Spa, I was freezing. A broken down tram on the way to Altrincham, then a delayed train, had me hanging around on platforms in the November chill. Luckily the antidote, it turned out, was a heated bed in the spa, which warmed me right up, along with the Elemis Biotec Facial that was included. Bliss.
Explaining to my therapist, Catherine, about my sensitive and dry skin, she selected a series of treatments to suit. As I lay, it was hard not to gently doze, as the scents hit my skin. Lavender, rosemary, and a more earthy scent, akin to angelica, as the Superfood Facial oil hit my skin. The latter had my skin soaking it up like a sponge (no wonder she popped it on a list of recommended treatments to take home.
I was gently awoken from my almost-slumber. Time for me and my now baby soft skin, to don my fluffy gown and slippers again, and head out to main spa area, the pool, whirlpool and sauna beckoned.
Had I not been on a rest day, I might have been tempted to hit the gym. It’s recently had a refurb and some pretty new equipment almost called me in. Almost. Almost.
Instead, for me, it was time for a cup of coffee, and try not to spend too much time in the pool, or the whirlpool. Maybe just enough to get a little wrinkly. There’s even an outdoor hot tub, which I’m assured is deliciously warm even on the coldest of days. The best bit, is that the cafe has a door specifically to cater to the pool area. Need a fresh brew, water, or glass of prosecco? Pop your head in, and it’s yours to take back to your lounger.
All too soon, came time for tea – afternoon tea. I popped my robe and slippers back on, and headed into the main hotel. Nope, didn’t even get dressed. Bonus.
Pot of tea, glass of prosecco, and all the sandwiches and cake I could need. Along with finger sandwiches of smoked salmon and ham and tomato, and the required scone and jam, came a white chocolate and raspberry choux bun, a chocolate orange tart, the daintiest of vanilla slices and a macaron.
Perhaps my only teeny grumble about the whole experience could be found here. Everything was well prepared, and prettily presented, but had definitely been sat out for a little while.
The choux pastry was completely soft, the sandwiches were dry at the edges, and even the creme patisserie on the custard slice had started to dry at the corners. Maybe I’ve been a little spoilt by my experiences elsewhere, But given that at 12:30pm, I’d presume I’d be one of the first of the day to indulge in afternoon tea, and that made me a little sad. Especially as the service in the restaurant mirrored that in the spa, kind and attentive.
Overall, the spa is fabulous. I still have baby soft skin, and the service is so lovely and welcoming – both there, and in the restaurant. I’d happily recommend a visit, for a pamper session, hen do, or just for a little me time. Handily they’ve got a Christmas Market taking place on 21 November including lots of beauty and spa gifts, and a gin bar!. And I’d definitely indulge in a swim, a laze in the whirlpool and a glass of prosecco or two, as you take some time for yourself.
The spa treatment, spa access, and afternoon tea was provided free of charge in exchange for a review. As you’ll see the treatment and spa was fabulous, but there were some very minor issues with the afternoon tea.