A Trip to the New Forest

Lime Wood

Drove down to rural Hampshire to visit Herb House –  chic country house hotel Lime Wood’s fab new facility and the New Forest’s latest spa. And very impressive it is too. Airy and light and designed over three floors with a roof top herb garden and fully equipped gym (including Powerplate), ten spacious treatment rooms ( two of which are double suites with private baths for two and private steam rooms) and well-designed amenities. I was given a quick tour of the gym, work out studio and pool area and also looked around the hotel. Since opening  a year ago, Regency-style Lime Wood’s stunning interiors and laid back luxury have enjoyed great acclaim. Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullen chose Lime Wood for their winter wedding in January, since when it has become one of southern England’s most exciting new retreats.

Back in the spa,  I found the His and Hers changing rooms ultra comfortable with private changing cubicles, coinless lockers, showers and private baths. I swam a few leisurely lengths in the beautiful 16-metre ozone-treated lap pool with the water a perfect temperature. After my swim, I  succumbed to a water jets massage in the large hydrotherapy pool. Unfortunately, the tiles in the pool area are very slippery.  I wasn’t the only guest who skidded and almost fell getting in and out of the water. The spa manager has had our feedback so will hopefully sort things out. All the enticing thermal areas (large sauna, steam room, mud room and caldarium) have lovely forest views –there is even an outdoor spa pool – which on a cold November night I wasn’t tempted to try.

Lap Pool at Herb House

After my swim and  refreshments in the Raw & Cured bar, where you can have healthy gourmet menus and drinks overlooking the indoor pool, it was time for my treatment.  I had booked a Nude Intense Smoothing facial – Nude being the brand name, not my unclothed state! Herb House treatments are all from British Isles’ boutique product houses and include Bamford body treatments, Voya Irish seaweed wraps, Nude facials and Tri-Dosha ayuverdic therapies. Nude is an ethical British brand made without parabens that offers advanced probiotic (friendly bacteria) skin care to activate cell renewal and slow down the ageing process.

Lying on a padded and heated treatment bed, the facial started with a deep cleanse and exfoliation. After a spritzing with rose and vanilla hydrating water containing hyaluronic acid and extract of prickly pear, a replenishing night oil and advanced soothing complex was applied. Containing omega oils and vitamins A, C and E and used with gentle eye and facial massage, it helps release tension and encourages lymph drainage. An intense moisturising mask with peptides and hyaluronic acid was then applied and while this was left to work on my skin, therapist Claire massaged my neck, shoulders, hands and arms.  Finally an anti-ageing probiotic moisturiser was applied. The end result was visibly softer, brighter skin with the dark circles under my eyes less obvious.

I was most impressed with the Herb House and its design incorporating natural materials like wood and slate and tastefully displayed herbs.  It’s refined, luxurious and the forest environment is beautiful. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and all the amenities state-of-the-art. But why, when the atmosphere exudes natural calm and serenity, is it necessary to disturb the peace with vocal pop music in the treatment rooms?