Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/1-12.jpg" alt="Treatment room utopia spa" class="wp-image-65489" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/1-12.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/1-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/1-12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/1-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/1-12-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown"><strong>THE LOWDOWN</strong></h2>



<p>It doesn’t take much, read: anything, to persuade Muddy to head to the <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-alexander-house-hotel-east-grinstead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utopia Spa at Alexander House Hotel</a> &#8211; with its insanely gorgeous garden spa complete with bubble pool, sauna and sunbeds not to mention the indoor area with everything you desire from a spa day, even staff who serve you drinks and frozen grapes for that 5-star touch.</p>



<p>When Muddy got wind that they were launching new OSKIA treatments this summer including the Renaissance Vitamin Body Glow, I booked my stressed- out self and dehydrated skin (thanks to my love of wine) in for this two-hour treatment complete with full use of the facilities and a champagne afternoon tea.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/3-10.jpg" alt="Outdoor pool hot tub utopia spa" class="wp-image-65491" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/3-10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/3-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/3-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/3-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/3-10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location"><strong>THE LOCATION</strong></h2>



<p>The Utopia Spa is the jewel in <a href="https://alexanderhotels.co.uk/about-us/blog/brand-new-oskia-treatments-at-utopia-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexander House Hotel</a>’s crown whatever the weather, it oozes luxury and relaxation. It’s in a separate wing to the rest of the hotel with its own dramatic entrance &#8211; think fountain, glass doors and reception where staff will bend over backward to help. There’s a petite gym with all the usual culprits, a tranquil relaxation room you will want to live in &#8211; the beds and blankets are beyond comfy. There’s indoor and outdoor facilities with a secluded spot for hot tubs and three indoor pools with subtle lighting for an extra dose of chill.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/2-12.jpg" alt="indoor pool utopia spa" class="wp-image-65492" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/2-12.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/2-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/2-12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/2-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/2-12-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>There’s a sincere feeling of exclusivity at the Utopia spa and day-spa guests are made to feel special. You can opt for a brief tour, which Muddy would suggest, even though it was my second visit I always like to know if there’s a secret relaxation room or pool I may have missed. The spa reception is spacious and stylish – setting the tone for some serious indulgence as I filled out the relevant forms. After the brief but useful tour it was straight to the pool, after grabbing a chunky and fluffy towel and robe as well as the all-essential slippers. Despite it being a sunny day and busy, there were pockets of privacy, always somewhere to sit, actually, make that lie and float around. I was so relaxed in the inside pool I almost forgot what I was doing there, so it was straight to the relaxation area pre-treatment.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/5-7.jpg" alt="relaxation room utopia spa" class="wp-image-65493" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/5-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/5-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/5-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/5-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/5-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-treatment"><strong>THE TREATMENT</strong></h2>



<p>Now for the important part, sitting pretty at just under two hours, the Renaissance Vitamin Body Glow has a hard task master &#8211; I am a complete spa snob and when it comes to massage my standards are incredibly high. So the pressure was on &#8211; literally and metaphorically. As soon as my therapist begun to explain the treatment, I could already feel my shoulders soften.</p>



<p>Things started off the way all treatments do &#8211; in paper pants, face down, I was sandwiched between layers of soft floaty sheets and the optimum temperature thanks to the heated bed &#8211; is there anything better at a spa? As I started to shut my eyes and say ‘so long’ to stress, my therapist begun the ritual. There&#8217;s a full body scrub made from pink Himalayan salt, fruit enzymes and a precious starflower oil &#8211; something I’ve not heard of before but am down for. The gentle scrubbing went all over the body and I’m then covered in a deliciously warm clay body mask, it felt like velvet and smelt delicious &#8211; I later find out it’s rose oil. It’s a little like getting a hug while in a warm bath &#8211; it’s the only way I can describe things. Mad, I know.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/4-7.jpg" alt="outdoor sauna utopia spa" class="wp-image-65494" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/4-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/4-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/4-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/4-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/4-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The mask covers the body, around the bust and stomach &#8211; I shut out thoughts of my wobbly bits and just enjoyed being pampered. At this point things weren&#8217;t invigorating, instead I’m very relaxed. My therapist is careful not to get any of the lotions and potions in my hair, which is much appreciated. At the half way point, I showered off the mask. I’m left alone in the low level lighting and move carefully into the warm shower that’s been run for me. My feet aren’t covered in clay so there’s no slip hazard, and I could stand in the shower for the rest of the treatment. As the water washes away the body mask, I can already feel my skin is silky soft &#8211; so long dead skin!</p>



<p>Then it was back to the comforting cuddle of the bed and the massage started. Bonus points go to the attention spent on my hands and feet, my therapist knew where my stress spots were! There’s a set routine but therapists are happy to tailor a little element of it to your body’s needs. As the treatment continued, I drifted into a dreamland, seeing colours and having watery eyes &#8211; this is always a sign that a considerable amount of the stress I’m holding onto has departed. Phew.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/6-6.jpg" alt="afternoon tea alexander house hotel " class="wp-image-65495" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/6-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/6-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/6-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/6-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/08/6-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-results"><strong>THE RESULTS</strong></h2>



<p>I certainly didn’t want things to end, but when they did, a few tears came, which is normal for me after a massage. As I got dressed, I indulged in stroking my skin to see the affects, it was slippery soft &#8211; and stayed that way for a good few days after.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I felt like I was floating after the treatment, helped along by a spell in the relaxation room with ergonomic day beds and the tranquility you want from a spa. It’s a combination of two treatments, one for the outside: read your skin and one for the inside: read your mind. So while my skin was soft, my mind was too (quite rare for me) and I took advantage of the garden spa and a lovely long laze in the hot tub before afternoon tea with fizz, whatever else?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR</strong>: When you can’t decide on a massage or skin treatment &#8211; you get the two in one and glow inside out.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR</strong>: Is there anyone who doesn’t like a massage? Exactly. But if you’re in a hurry then you may not have the time to relax for two hours.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE</strong>: 115 minutes treatment, £205</p>



<p>Until 10 September, you can enjoy a <a href="https://alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander-house/utopia-spa/alexander-house-spa-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Serenity Spa Day</a> package saving 25 per cent. The offer includes £200 towards treatments of your choice, a six-hour spa day, and either a two-course lunch or afternoon tea.</p>



<p><em>Utopia Spa,&nbsp;<a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/alexander-house-and-utopia-spa-east-grinstead/?msclkid=ac9fecbdb82511ecbc5263e46e425e78">Alexander House</a>, Turners Hill, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH10 4QD</em></p>


Spa review: OSKIA experience, the Renaissance Vitamin Body Glow, Utopia Spa, East Grinstead

You may also like