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Supercharge your oxytocin and book a babymoon for you and your best friend at one of these sumptuous spas in the South West. Our editor reports back on her favourite finds…
SOURCE SPA & WELLNESS AT SAUNTON SANDS HOTEL, NORTH DEVON
I may be biassed, as I walk my dog on this beach almost every day, but Saunton Sands is one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. I treated myself for a ‘Basq in the moment’ pregnancy massage at Source Spa & Wellness at Saunton Sands Hotel. Suitable from 14 – 36 weeks, this treatment helped to reduce fatigue, aches, swelling and tension in my body. The pièce de résistance being the award-winning ‘cooling body bliss lotion’ infused with aloe vera, cucumber and green tea extract, which helped to cool my tired legs and swollen cankles. Post-treatment, I chilled on the rooftop sundeck, taking in the awe-inspiring views of the majestic ocean and 3.5 mile stretch of golden sands. On a clear day, it’s what I imagine heaven would look like.
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THE PIG AT COMBE, EAST DEVON
A friend of mine lives only a 10 minute drive away, yet had never visited this Elizabethan gem set in 3,500 acres of lush Devonshire countryside. She happened to be pregnant at the same time as me, so we booked in for a mum-to-be day out. The PIG is famed for its food – everything is driven by the gardener, forager and chef from the Kitchen Garden. We dined on crispy parsley ‘gnocchi’ with oyster mushrooms, braised celery & cavalo nero. A slice of home-made carrot cake, washed down with non-alcoholic mojitos. Afterwards we headed to the walled infusion garden to two potting sheds that have been transformed into treatment rooms. The pregnancy massages using Bamford products did not disappoint – melting away tension, leaving us feeling totally relaxed. Sheer bliss in a bucolic setting.
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BORINGDON HALL – GAIA SPA, SOUTH DEVON
Gaia Spa is a luxury spa set within the grounds of Boringdon Hall, Devon; a Grade I listed 16th century country manor on the edge of Dartmoor, Plymouth. The first Greek god was Gaia, Mother Earth after all, so it felt fitting to book a prenatal treatment here. The ‘Mother Gaia’ massage is a beautifully gentle, relaxing treatment. It begins with a back exfoliation, followed by a specifically designed massage focusing on alleviating muscular aches on stressed areas. Make sure you squeeze in a visit to ‘The Spatisserie’ for a light lunch or afternoon tea. With superior treatments and facilities, it’s no wonder this spa was named Condé Nast Johansen’s Best Destination Spa in the UK & Ireland 2018.
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WOOLACOMBE BAY HOTEL, NORTH DEVON
A short drive away from Saunton Sands further along the North Devon coastline lies Woolacombe beach. An equally beautiful stretch of sands that will take your breath away. Book in to the brand spanking new Alchemist Spa at Woolacombe Bay Hotel for a ‘passenger on board’ pregnancy massage. The scrub and massage treatment uses ‘Bumps A Daisy’ products by Natural Spa Factory and helps to ease water retention, increase healthy circulation, soothe irritation and help repair stretched skin. I can’t wait to return to their impressive SALT gym – home to a London-worthy Versa-climbing workout. I also love the look of their ‘Copper Tub Experiences’ where you can indulge with powerful oils, face masks and fizz with somebody special. A bath butler will draw your bath and add your choice of oil so you can simply sink in, bubbles in hand. Not suitable during pregnancy unfortunately.
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ST MICHAEL’S FALMOUTH, CORNWALL
Cornwall’s largest destination spa in Falmouth will enchant you with its stunning sea views, sub-tropical gardens and state of the art health club boasting over 100 classes each week. Book in for a ‘Mother to be‘ package where you’ll enjoy a smoothie and 2-course lunch and receive a peaceful pregnancy face and body experience, followed by an Opi Express pedicure. I will be booking a return visit to sample the extensive fitness timetable spanning boxing and Pilates to stand up paddleboarding with WeSUP.
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By Hettie
Hettie is the editor and co-founder of DOSE. A keen runner, she’s also partial to a blast of high-intensity and hot yoga. A country girl at heart, she divides her time between London and the lush rolling hills of North Devon. When she’s not jetting off on her next adventure, Hettie can be found in a candle-lit alcove with a laptop, a spaniel and a full bodied Malbec.
