When was the last time you felt yourself properly relax? As in, away from a screen, no distractions, just me-time, relax? Probably not for a while. More and more of us are neglecting our mental health, constantly being on the go, so booking a dedicated time for relaxation has never been so important. TheSpread Eagle in Midhurst offers the ideal place to just let go, unwind and purposely do absolutely nothing. I recently headed down to try their Reviver Spa day and it really couldn’t come soon enough.
The Spread Eagle Reviver Spa Day is a fantastic offer that includes tea or coffee and homemade biscuits on arrival, full use of the spa facilities, a 60 minute treatment and a two-course lunch with a glass of Sussex sparkling wine. This is all topped off with a fluffy robe and flops to really complete the spa experience.
I’d stayed at this beautiful hotel a few years back for their inaugural forest bathing experience, so when the spa package popped up I was delighted.
The Spread Eagle is one of England’s oldest coaching inns, with parts of the building dating back to 1430. The result is somewhere that’s quintessentially British, where you can feel the history seeping through the walls in a cosy, old-world charm. The air smells of toasty firewood tinged with essential oils the closer you get to the spa, and the decor is whimsical, charming and provides plenty to look at. In all, it’s welcoming, special and the ideal place to head for a day of pampering.
The Spa at The Spread Eagle Midhurst
I arrive for my Spread Eagle Hotel spa day at around 10am, where I order my tea and head to the main spa area. This area is bathed in natural light, with wooden loungers next to a relatively large pool. It’s not an over-the-top spa area, but it has all you could need and it does it well. There’s a main pool, hot tub, sauna and an outside area which I can imagine is perfect to catch some rays with a glass of bubbles in the summer.
My tea and biscuits are bought over (including the most delicious crumbly shortbread) and I recline back to read my book and just relax until it’s time for my treatment.
The Treatment
There are six treatment rooms here, all with a variety of Temple Spa offerings. The package I’ve got includes the ‘Relax and Refresh’ which is a massage and facial all in one. It starts with a foot scrub and massage, before seamlessly moving to a back, neck and shoulder massage, finished with a refreshing facial. The masseuse who works on me is absolutely incredible and the space itself is beautiful. It’s a large room with high ceilings and low level lighting. Classical music plays and as the knots are teased out of my back, I find myself almost drifting off to sleep.
Once the treatment is complete, I’m led to a relaxation area with fruit water and a magazine. As I flick through the pages and sip my drink, I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. The treatment was one of the best massages I’ve ever had, the products have made my skin smell divine and I didn’t realise quite how tense I was feeling, until it all disappeared.
The Food
One of the best things about this spa day is that when it comes to lunch you can decide to eat in the main restaurant, or in the conservatory, which is a bit more relaxed and you can wear your robe. Of course I choose to eat in my robe, because how often can you indulge in incredible food and a glass of fizz like this?
The menu is focused on locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully presented and with a range of choice. I opt for a parsnip and ginger soup topped with toasted hazelnuts and accompanied by freshly baked bread to start. Other choices include a duck liver and cognac parfait or sliced smoked salmon. For mains it’s an easy choice of the Spread Eagle burger, topped with smoked applewood cheese and pickles and packed into a soft brioche bun. There’s also the option of fish and chips, slow-cooked chicken leg or fresh herb risotto. You can add on sides like pigs in blankets or buttered hispi cabbage if you’re feeling really hungry!
With lunch complete, I spend the next couple of hours around the pool, dipping in and out of the hot tub and rejuvenating in the sauna. It feels very relaxed here, with staff nearby in case you need, but giving plenty of space for you to just be. It’s very begrudgingly that I have to pack up my things to head home later in the afternoon.
Additional Details
The Spread Eagle Hotel, Midhurst spa day, feels like so much more than just a day out. It really is an experience that leaves you feeling completely serene, muscles relaxed and your stomach full. The setting is beautiful and cosy, with friendly staff, and everything from the moment you arrive until the moment you (very sadly) have to leave, is taken care of. We couldn’t recommend this any higher for a romantic spa day with your other half, a trip to a spa in Sussex with friends, or for a solo pamper.
Book your experience here
Book the hotel here
The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa Midhurst
South St, Midhurst GU29 9NH
