Every now and then, life gets a bit much, and there’s nothing quite like grabbing your best girlfriend, packing up the car, and driving out to the middle of nowhere to switch off the phone, detox from social media and get some R&R…
We discovered Ockenden Manor a year ago, and ever since then it’s been our best kept secret. However, it’s just too good to keep to ourselves any more. Today I’m going to cover off the spa experience at Ockenden, and later in the week I’ll update you on what dining in their incredible restaurant is like :)…
Ockenden Manor is the most adorable hotel and spa, located in Cuckfield, East Sussex. You’ll drive through a super charming little village, and drive through some gates in to what looks like an understated victorian home. Don’t be fooled, though – this is Ockenden Manor after all.
The Hotel
The Hotel itself is beautiful. Situated in eight acres of land, Ockenden is a beautiful Elizabethan manor. This time, we stayed in the Lily suite, which had the comfiest four poster bed, beautiful views, and a super luxurious bathroom, too. If it wasn’t for the amazing spa and restaurant, it would be utterly plausible to come to Ockenden to just relax in your room!
The Spa / Treatments
The spa is located a very short walk away on the same plot of land. Rather than try to shoehorn a spa into the old charm of the building, Ockenden have a beautiful, purpose built building.
With several treatment rooms, a relaxation room, an indoor swimming pool – which you can swim outside from, an outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room and rainforest shower, oh and did I mention a jacuzzi, too? Ockenden really is superbly equipped, should you not be keen on a treatment, it really is perfect for just relaxing. One small down-side – you’ll need to get their early if you want to get a lounger by the pool – seating is somewhat limited.
During both our trips to Ockenden, all the staff have been amazing but a particular special mention has to go to the spa therapists who are always friendly and super informative about the treatment you’re about to have.
The best treatments on offer are the full-body massage which is amazing, or if you fancy something a little different, opt for the Five Element Acupressure Scalp Massage, which is an amazing hot oil treatment for your scalp. You fill out a questionnaire beforehand to determine which element you are, and from here your therapist tailors your treatment to your needs – I came away feeling super relaxed (as you should!).
You have full use of the spa facilities all day, which are all good in size and the steam room, pool and other spa facilities never feel over-crowded. At the end of the spa day nothing bets relaxing in the hot tub and watching the sunset over Cuckfield Park – although you’ll need to hurry, you’ve got a dinner reservation – but more on that, later 😉
Keep an eye out on Treatwell for Ockenden Manor deals, or visit Ockenden Manor to book direct.
Ockenden is also part of a bigger hotel group – Historic Sussex Hotels, and we can’t wait to visit one of the other hotels in this chain!
Have you been to Ockenden? What’s your go-to spa?
Kate x
