solo spa break recommendations

emg

I really want to get away from it all for a few days and dream of going to the sort of place where you can stay in bed all morning then just get up and wander around in your robe, hop in and out of the jacuzzi, lounge about somewhere tranquil, get a few treatments, etc.

I am a bit nervous about going on my own although I know I dont want to take anyone with me. To be honest I mainly feel anxious about the idea of eating alone or (even worse) being forced to be sociable!

I just wondered if anyone had done a solo spa break and could give me an idea of what it might be like, any recommendations, etc. My budget is pretty flexible and I can travel to anywhere although south-east/south-west would be best for me.

ps - I wasnt sure whether to post here or uk holidays but thought you guys might know best about spas, I wont be offended if my post is moved

piratefairy

http://www.wildpheasanthotel.co.uk/
emg, i'm not sure where you are located so where you would be planning to go, but i went here with some friends earlier in the year for a day, but it's attached to the hotel so you could stay / do a package.
the spa was smallish, but you got full use of the pools, and it was such a relaxing atmosphere..there were other groups, and people who seemed to be on their own, but they all just seemed to be doing their own thing, and not being forced to socialise..
also, i don't think thjere is anythign wrong with eating alone..do you have any books etc you've been wanting to have itme to read? i love to have a sit in a cafe with a book, whilst letting everyone else get on with life around me..v relaxinG!

prettykitty

I went to Champneys Tring twice last year on my own, sometimes I ate on my own and sometimes I sat at the "Champneys Table" at which people talk to each other. However you are not encouraged either way, it is completely up to you. It worked for me because I could have breakfast in my room (I hate speaking to people in the morning), eat alone at lunchtime buffet but seek company for the dinner. Or not, if I didn't feel like it! There are various areas in which you can sit during the day/evening if you want to get out of your room and you will be left in peace. Everyone wears robes all day, apart from evening meal where you do have to be dressed, but not "dressed up", jeans and a top are fine. Hope this helps.

whitelillies

Ive often thought about doing this but as you have said i dont know where to go. I will be reading this thread with interest as its something i have never done with or without someone with me but would love to either way. Just dont know where to go.

emg

thanks for all the replies, I'm in West Sussex but i am happy to consider anywhere up to 3 hours away

Pirate fairy - sadly, that probably wont get me as far as north wales but that hotel looks like it is in a gorgeous setting

DealingwithDebts - that place looks really great value, I wish they had a few more photos on their website though

Pretty Kitty - that sounds like a pretty good set up, I hadnt considered breakfast in bed! Were there quite a few people there on their own when you went? Do you think that it is the same at other Champneys spas (Forest Mere is my nearest one, anyone been there?)

I know the feeling uncomfortable eating alone thing is a bit pathetic, I think i just need reassurance that it is not unusual for people to go to these places on their own. I'm really excited that I have decided to do it and the more I hear of other peoples experiences the more relaxed I feel about it.

Off to look at those other websites a bit more!

prettykitty

Hi emg

Yes a lot of people go to Champneys alone, you don't feel like a leper at all! I think all their spas are similar in that respect. Obviously there are couples and friends staying together but it's mainly somewhere to chill and be pampered, not jolly hockey sticks lets make friends sort of place.

Actually only one person approached me for conversation whilst I was there - a former champion boxer - but he virtually lives there and will talk to everyone! It's not the most MSE option but they do some good deals on breaks if you check the promotions section of their website.

emg

prettykitty wrote: »

It's not the most MSE option but they do some good deals on breaks if you check the promotions section of their website.

Well, what's the point in being MSE if we can't spend the money we've saved on treats like this?