November 19, 2008

The Sunday People – November 16th 2008 

Halfway between Huddersfield and Wakefield, Mirfield is not the first place you would expect to find a little slice of heaven. 
But hidden in the West Yorkshire town is a luxurious secret – Eastthorpe Hall Spa. Set in a beautiful house, this spa retreat is in a world of its own, combining the decadence of a health farm with homely northern features.  You won’t find fancy gyms packed with people.  Just calm and comfy rooms with big sofas and charm.  It has already scooped gongs from those in the know, including the Good Spa Guide’s highest rating of 5 bubbles, Best spa in Yorkshire and Best Day spa at the Professional Beauty Awards.  To normal punters it’s not a name that springs to mind, as much as some of the bigger chains.  But as my mum Elaine and I found – it more than lives up to the hype.  We took up on the full day package, although you can also do half day and single treatment packages. 
As soon as we entered the stylish house, we felt the stresses of the world melt away (considering I was planning a wedding that was quite an achievement).  The spa focuses on nature and nurturing using the finest ingredients administered by top therapists.  Sessions combine multi-cultural techniques, some several centuries old, suitable for both men and woman.  My mum and I enjoyed full body aromatherapy massages using fragrant, botanical oils to promote well-being.  After being so relaxed we nearly dropped off, but we perked ourselves up with some lunch served in the beautiful conservatory.  There was a wide choice of mouthwatering dishes all created from the finest locally-produced organic ingredients.  They also cater for any food intolerances and allergies.  To top it off – and to make sure we weren’t too wholesome – we toasted our relaxation with a glass of pink champagne. 
Then while mum relaxed in the peaceful lounge and tranquility pool, it was time for my chakra balancing and reiki.  I’d never experienced this before and it was amazing.  For beginners like me it’s all about the body having seven major energy centers called chakras, which are “balanced” to allow this energy to flow freely.  It all sounds a bit Star Treck – appropriate as Patrick Stewart aka Captain Jean-Luc Picard was born nearby – but when the therapist finished it did in fact feel out of this world.  Come 5pm mum and I were on a natural high and floated out of Eastthorpe Hall feeling just heavenly.