It’s been a stressful couple of weeks – just a few things here and there. H and I had a spare Friday night, and her just back from Lisbon and set to fly to Romania next week, it was the perfect time to grab a catch up and head back to Ockenden – our favourite spa. We missed the third leg of our tripod, J, as she had to work 🙁 so the two of us made our way…
Ockenden is located in Sussex, and is the perfect combination; a beautiful old house where your rooms are, and a short walk (15 seconds) will land you in the purpose-built spa.
We love staying at Ockenden not least because it’s such great value for money. The two of us usually do their standard deal – which is £300 (so £150 each) – for which you get a standard room for the night – all the rooms are decked out to the nines, so even if you’re ‘only’ in a standard, it’s still wonderful, you also get a 3 course meal in their Michelin starred restaurant, and you both get £25 each towards staying in the spa.
We hurried away from London, and held up in a little traffic, we swung down winding lanes, checked in and hurried down to the spa which is open until 9 on weekdays. We were the only two in the spa, so we ordered a bottle of prosecco, and meandered out to the sunken hot tub. This is my favourite part of Ockenden – watching the sunset roll over the South Downs is stunning.
Chatting away and catching up on all the gossip of the past few weeks, we soon forgot all the worries we left back in London. We had a late dinner reservation – 9pm to be exact, but caught up in the excitement of hanging out, we were a little late, but luckily they didn’t hold it against us…
We were seated in the restaurant, where we had delicious appetisers – arancini, and bread with cod butter, swiftly followed by a salmon appetiser – brought to us, our favourite sparkling Rose was poured, and we spent far too long deliberating the delicious menu.
For me, whipped Goats Cheese with an amazing salad, for H, it was a smoked mackerel. For the main we both opted for the pork which was melt-in-the-mouth cooked to perfection, not to mention the portion of crackling that comes tucked in amongst all the vegetables.
Then for dessert, it was chocolate delice for me, and Bakewell Tart for H.
As the restaurant winded down, the stuff asked if we’d like to sit in the lounge; a beautiful part of Ockenden Manor steeped in luxury and history. It’s the perfect place to sit back and relax, in a post-dinner haze.
The next day, we decided to get up early, hit breakfast before anyone else, and with a full day of Spa-ing ahead we decided it would be safer to ‘stock’ up on ALL of the food, including the Manor grill. Local produce, and eggs any way you like. Throw in a big latte and it makes for the perfect breakfast, especially with your best friend in tow!
We hurried down to the spa, unfortunately we’d booked too late, and the spa being as popular as it is, meant there were no spaces available. We’d usually opt for a massage which I highly recommend if you get the chance. They did have an Isopod treatment available, so we decided to give that a whirl instead. As an aside, Ockenden were great about the part of the price that was a spa voucher, refunding us as we couldn’t use it, and we opted to pay separately the next day for our Isopod treatment.
Isopods are strange. You climb into the ‘pod’, and the salt water means you float immediately. You can change the lighting, or plunge into darkness, and whilst music plays for the first ten minutes you’ll find yourself floating in silence thereafter… It wasn’t for me. I’m not great at being on my own with my thoughts, and if I’m honest I didn’t enjoy it. H felt the same. It’s supposed to be equivalent to four hours sleep, and good for all sorts of things – each to their own as they say, but – in the immortal words of Simon Cowell – ‘it’s a no from me’. Or rather ‘us’ on this occasion.
Still, we thoroughly enjoyed lazing by the pool, reading, using the steam room and sauna and whiling away the day together… Reluctantly we finished up at 17:00, packed up our car, and waved a sad farewell to Ockenden with a firm promise to return ASAP.
Til next time…
Kate x
This looks like a stunning place to go, and the price isn’t bad either for how much luxury you get! I haven’t done much like this where I have a nice weekend away – I want to start doing things like it more often though!
Author
That’s what we always think – the price is really good value for money! You should Treat Yo Self! 😉
Kate x
This sounds like a fab day! The spa is intriguing and the food looks delightful! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica & James | foodandbaker.co.uk / foodandbakertravels.co.uk
Author
It was so lovely! The Isopod was very unusual but I definitely recommend the rest of the sap!
Kate x
Arhhhh I want to go back so badly!!!! It’s genuinely one of the loveliest places I’ve ever been to!
Gorgeous photos, I’m glad you had such a good time!
Hels xx
Author
It’s amazing isn’t it! I saw your comment on Instagram, major brownie points to your boyfriend for that surprise :). It’s so lovely – you’ll have to head back one weekend!
Kate x
Sorry to hear that you’ve had a stressful few weeks, however I really think that you can’t beat a spa day when that happens. I’m really impressed with the venue and the food.
Author
Aw thanks lovely – I totally agree! It was the perfect way to wind down 🙂
Kate x
Please let me have a spa day in the near future this looks heavenly!! 😍😍
Love Sarah xoxo
Author
Ha definitely – bloggers spa day out would be perfect don’t you think! 🙂
Kate x
When are you, me, and Hels off to this spa?! Haha! It looks incredible and the food is just exquisite! That chocolate delice is immaculately presented, I’m in awe! I’m intrigued by the isopods as well, they’re something I’d definitely have to try once! Thank you for sharing your luxurious little break with us!
Abbey 🐝 http://www.abbeylouisarose.co.uk
Author
Haha STAT I hope, Abbey! Yes I’d always wanted to try it, I think my anxious little mind was just too busy seizing the opportunity of an hour with nothing to but think “REMEMBER THIS AWFUL THING FROM FIVE YEARS AGO? YEAH? THINK ABOUT THAT WHILE YOU FLOAT” ha
Kate x
This sounds absolutely gorgeous! I feel like I was there with you! The boyfriend and I love spa trips, we try and go every month or two! They’re so relaxing and lovely to get away and have someone cook for you and lounge by the pool! I’ll have to add this to my list for next time we’re on the mainland!
PaleGirlRambling xo
Author
Aww yay I’m go glad you felt like you were there too! You do feel like you lead a total life of luxury when you’re at one don’t you? Def head there with the boyfriend, it’s great as can be totally romantic, or is also a whole heap of fun with gal pals! Let me know if you do check it out 🙂
Kate x
Sounds like you really could’ve used the spa experience. Sorry you didn’t care for the Isopod. But at least the pool was gorgeous and the hotel was so lovely!
xx
Emily
emilyhallock.blogspot.com
Author
Yes it was totally worth it and a funny thing to try anyway! Thank you for your lovely comment
Kate x
This place looks so great! I had never heard of it before! But I could defo stay! The swimming pool, the spa, the food… xx corinne
Author
I thoroughly recommend it Corinne! 🙂
Kate x
This place looks amazing! The food looks incredible and the spa! Ugh! What I’d give for one of those right now… xxx
Author
Oh I know! Everytime I’m having a stressful day at work my mind takes me RIGHT back here!
Kate x
This place looks amazing babe, thank you for sharing! Really enjoyed reading about your time there and your pictures are wonderful. 🌸💗✨
With love, Alisha Valerie. x
http://www.AlishaValerie.com | http://www.twitter.com/AlishaValerie
Author
Aw thank you lovely!
Kate x