Celebrity Spotlight: Gina Bryce and Tabitha Webb Visit Stoke Park

Channel 4’s horse racing presenter, Gina Bryce, talks about a girly getaway with friends Maggie and Tabitha, at the beautiful Stoke Park!

First Impressions

Located just 10 miles from London, the beautiful Stoke Park is ideal for an indulgent Sunday spa day or overnight stay.  Despite its proximity to the city, as you drive in the gates and through the stunning estate parkland that forms the backdrop to the hotel, you immediately get that feeling of escape even before you step foot in the spa!

The Hotel

The hotel itself is located between the Mansion (the original stately home), and the Pavilion building, which is modern but equally in keeping with the historic setting.   The Mansion building is my personal favourite; sumptuously decorated but cozy and inviting, the original parlour-style dining room, with views of the estate, is the ideal location for afternoon tea.

The Spa

The spa on a Sunday morning is a busy place, with members taking advantage of facilities in addition to the comings and goings of those using the gym and tennis courts. That being said, as soon as you walk through the changing room and begin your spa experience, you are greeted with a relaxing and tranquil environment.   The Atrium, where we relaxed before our treatments began, is bliss. The hotel serves their own blends of herbal tea in addition to a snack bar of dried fruits and nuts, perfect for someone with low blood sugar like me!  The Atrium overlooks the swimming pool area which can be seen through the amazing backdrop of a huge tank full of tropical fish.  The area is really well laid out with clusters of sofas in different sections of the room and a central table.  It is ideal if you are enjoying the spa with others as you can catch up on the gossip and chat without feeling like you are disturbing the other guests.  There is also a darker relaxation room which is a great option for people that want to entirely switch off and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The Treatments

I had an hour-long re-hydrating facial and it was definitely the best facial I have ever had. Working outside at this time of the year, standing on the racecourse in the cold and rain means my skin can get quite dry and weathered. My therapist discussed which facial she thought would be best for my individual needs and mixed it up accordingly. The mask was really moist and nourishing and unlike some facials I have had in the past, it did not feel as if it was harsh on your skin or peeling away too much.  I was also really impressed with how soft my skin felt afterwards.  Later in the day I had an express pedicure, which was very straightforward. The therapists were all really friendly and competent and again the manicure/pedicure area was laid out well so you could chat and socialise with friends whilst enjoying your treatments together.

The Restaurant

If I was already impressed with the quality of the spa, the San Marco restaurant surpassed all expectations.  Many luxury hotels in my opinion struggle to achieve the right balance between delivering a high quality culinary experience without losing the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.  The San Marco restaurant where we enjoyed lunch after our treatments struck the perfect note. We were able to go straight through to the restaurant in our robes and the atmosphere in the restaurant was extremely friendly and laid back.  I was really impressed by the range of dishes on the Italian bistro style menu, which was extensive enough not to confine you to the usual pizza and pasta options. I ordered the sea bass with a delicious risotto and could not have been more impressed. The food was exceptional, presented beautifully and the service could not have been better. After lunch we retired to the comfy sofas in the atrium and the service staff were more than happy to serve our coffee and dessert there, which was a really personal touch.  The glass of bubbly went down nicely too!

The Verdict

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the spa and restaurant at Stoke Park to anyone. It definitely exceeded my expectations and has to go down as one of the best spa experiences I have ever had. For me, it is the high standard of luxury and quality coupled with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that sets this spa apart from others. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy with friends or unwind after a stressful week at work. 10 out of 10!

 Top Tips

• Go with friends and relax in the Atrium with a cup of tea and watching the tropical fish swim by, before or after your treatment. - Have a facial - it was the best I have tried.
• Have lunch in your dressing gown in the San Marco restaurant, and add a glass of bubbly for that extra touch of luxury.