Boutique style with country house charm in picturesque Yorkshire hideaway
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by Denise Eaton
It wasn't until I’d completed two
verses and the chorus that my husband casually mentioned Wuthering
Heights was not, in fact, about the North York Moors.
Geography never was my strong point.
Making a complete fool of myself, however, has always come
easily.
I’d just spent the best part of five
minutes prancing about the rugged terrain overlooking the Hole of
Horcum, watched by several bemused tourists.
And yes, for those of you old enough
to remember, it did involve arms outstretched with exaggerated
moves, a la Kate Bush’s iconic Top of the Pops’ performance.
It wasn’t the first time I was
destined to embarrass myself during this weekend’s jaunt up
north.
I felt very conspicuous as I ventured
nervously alone in The Feversham Arms’ Verbena Spa to be greeted by
a gaggle of robed women. Not to appear intimidated, I strode
purposefully over to the products counter and began sampling the
various lotions and potions before confidently spritzing my face
with a generous amount of lavender spray. I let the delightfully
smelling mist rest lightly on my skin.
If only someone had told me it was
foot spray. I’m hoping the women dotted around the chic, cosy spa
were either far too chilled or too kind to pick up on my faux
pas.
But there was no
mistake made in our choice of hotel. The Feversham Arms offers
boutique style with a country-house charm. This member of the Small
Luxury Hotels of the World is fully deserving of its four-star
rating. The food and service were, quite simply, sublime. But I
suppose with Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons’ former general manager
Simon Rhatigan at the helm, exquisite food, high-spec rooms and
attentive service come as standard.
The hotel’s warmth isn’t restricted to
its staff; there are relaxing lounges, a snug bar, hot tub and even
an outdoor heated pool open all year for those who want to display
true northern grit.
This southern jessie was content to
stick to the confines of the Verbena Spa – a recent addition to the
33-room hotel after a £1.2 million investment.
Adjoining the hotel via a candle-lit
glass walkway, the spa is a welcome distraction from the working
week and has been named one of Tatler’s 101 best spas in the world.
I’d go further and rate it my favourite to date.
It came as a surprise to learn hotel
guests are charged £25 per person for three hours’ use of the spa
heat experience and hot tub, but I can’t deny the sauna,
aromatherapy room, salt vapour room, monsoon shower, foot spas and
ice cave added to the experience. 
Tucked away in a quiet corner of
picturesque Helmsley, the hotel is close to a rich abundance of
abbeys, castles, historic houses, quaint villages and bustling
towns.
In fact, the only problem is the hotel
is so lovely you don’t want to venture outside. The sumptuous
surroundings that greet you on arrival and in the spa extend into
the individually designed bedrooms, two thirds of which are
suites.
There are Bang and Olufsen televisions
with integral DVD and CD players; L’Occitane toiletries in the
bathroom with candles and speakers; and a separate lounge in which
to enjoy the indulgent in-room dining experience.
If you’re struggling to find the ideal
gift for your loved one this Christmas, you would do well to book
in for a romantic break to The Feversham Arms if you want to
impress.
Each room has its own individual
character and decor. There are petit doubles, doubles, classic and
junior suites, poolside and deluxe suites, and spa suites.
Included in the B&B rate is
accommodation, full Yorkshire breakfast (which can be taken in your
room at no extra cost), early-morning hot drinks, newspaper, use of
the outdoor pool and VAT. B&B starts from £150 for a double, up
to £385 for a spa suite.
Dinner and bed and breakfast starts
from £210 for a double up to £445 for a spa suite.
Weekend spa days include:
The Elemis Pink Ladies Day for £140
is ideal for hen party days or girly get-togethers.
Includes full use of spa, robes,
towels, slippers, facial taster, back massage, pamper manicure and
pedicure, light lunch and a glass of pink champagne.
Elemis His Spa Day, for £155,
includes full use of spa, robes, towels, slippers and a deep tissue
muscle massage, deep clean or facial treatment with relaxing head
massage and light lunch in the spa lounge.
The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena
Spa, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AG.
Tel: 01439 770 766.
Verbena Spa
Tel: 01439 772 930
Wednesday, December 02 2009
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