The Garage Spa Visit – County Durham

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On Monday I was invited along to the Garage Spa located near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham for a morning pamper session. As if I was going to refuse a morning of pure relaxation so of course I jumped at the chance. I have seen this spa mentioned many times on Tried and Tested with glowing reviews so I was very excited.

Firstly the area is stunning, lots of green surroundings and it was a red hot day. I noticed a large hotel ‘’The Morrit’’ beside the spa and did not realise that later this would be where I would dine for lunch.

 

‘’Adjoining the historic Morritt Country House Hotel, The Garage is a building with a fascinating past, transformed from an ancient stopping station into a first-class spa.

Here you’ll find everything you expect from a modern spa and more. Created with imagination and luxurious rural simplicity, sumptuous decor awash with warm natural stone and timber welcomes you like an old friend.

The Garage is no ordinary spa. Want your nails done? Step into the paint shop. Not firing on all cylinders? A full body MOT is just the ticket. Need to put on the brakes after exploring the stunning Teesdale countryside? Make The Garage your destination.

We’ve put a unique and luxurious spa on the map and look forward to welcoming you to our one-of-a-kind facilities and gorgeous treatments.’’

 

On arrival I was greeted by two lovely smiley therapists who gave me a medical form to fill in, asked if I would like to book any additional treatments as they had availability and gave me a menu to pick my two course lunch which was either a starter and a main or a main and a dessert. I was very impressed by the menu, true restaurant standard food and lots to choose from.

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After I had filled in my forms and picked my lunch I was shown to the changing area and given a fluffy robe, towel and flip flops to wear. The changing areas have individual units which include a toilet, basin and shower which was a nice touch and they were fitted to a very high standard, I loved the tiles and huge shower head. It did feel like my own private bathroom. Shampoo and Conditioner was supplied, however there was no body wash and my hand wash had ran out on the basin so I had to wash with shampoo.

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Once I was changed into my robe I was given a guided tour of the spa which consisted of

Steam Room

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Salt Room

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Jacuzzi with separate plunge pool and a separate warm pool

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Outdoor Gardens, which if you get the weather like I did are just amazing to relax in. I loved the swing seats

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Outdoor Sauna

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Outdoor rustic Jacuzzi bath

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Many different fancy showers around that all looked different so I assume do different things and cold bucket dunkers which would be great fun if with friends

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Many treatments rooms including a mud treatment room (you can buy the mud to massage all over the body, chill in the room letting it work its magic and then wash it off) the floatation bed room (ill come to this treatment later) then upstairs they have a couples treatment room which has its own private balcony with a copper bath on the balcony and more treatment rooms.

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I had a go of everything apart from the mud and didn’t have a treatment although I wish I had now.

I must admit I loved the outdoor space especially as the weather was so good and it was so peaceful.

I was treat to a 15 minute dry floatation treatment which is a like a water bed that you lie on and your submerged down into warm water. Imagine being on a lilo in a hot bath but actually being submerged without getting wet. The bed sort of hugs you tight and you just float on warm water. I did lie there thinking that it would be great it had settings that would create a slight wave so you felt you were at sea but it was very relaxing all the same.

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After the floatation treatment I was peckish. I’d had no breakfast so went to the reception area which has a beautiful lounge and ordered tea and a teacake. I sat and enjoyed this in my robe catching up on emails. Once finished I went back to make the most of the facilities.

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At 12.30pm I decided to go and get changed ready for lunch at 1pm. I sat in the sun outside the spa and a lovely girl from the hotel came and got me and escorted me to the restaurant in the hotel. My meal was fantastic, could not fault it. As was the service, I had corn fed chicken and a strawberry shortcake. It was divine and from what I saw of the hotel it too was beautiful.

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After lunch it was time to head home. I really enjoyed my time at the Garage Spa, its quirky and different to the norm which I like. I will definitely return with friends in the future and make sure I have a treatment.

Don’t worry I did not leave without securing all my readers an exclusive discount and I have a cracking offer for you all subject to availability so don’t miss it!

It is the Country Lane Package which consists of;

Full day Spa use (9am-5pm)

2 course lunch from our bar and bistro menu

Use of our fluffy robes, towel and flip flops

Mud Pit treatment

55 minute Classic Facial or 55 minute Deep Relaxing Massage.

Usual Price;

Monday- Friday £109.00 per person – 20% off = £87.20

Friday – Sunday £149.00 per person – 20% off = £119.20

 

This offer will be subject to availability so book ASAP and make sure you quote ”Tried and Tested” to get the discount. 

Tel: 01833 863100

Email: [email protected]

 

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Clarins Red Room – House Of Fraser

After having the worlds worst cold I needed a little TLC. I knew exactly where to go for a pick me up that is not only great value but a great indulgent luxury treatment. Having been before I knew I would be well looked after.

Did you know Clarins in House of Fraser, Metro Centre offers a RED ROOM treatment? It is a 45 minute facial within a private treatment room. It is amazing and a facial that you wont experience anywhere else as Clarins staff are uniquely trained.

Clarins is the leading Number 1 in skincare so I would expect you to be shocked if I told you that you can get a 45 minute facial for £15 and that the £15 was then redeemable against any purchase made at the time of your appointment, making you facial FREE!!! Yes that’s right FREE!!! You cant even get a Facial with budget products in a salon for that price ladies.

I am a big fan of Clarins and this facial is a great way to try products and find favorites. Katherine is very informative and so passionate about the brand. Katherine first asked about my current skin care regime and asked what I was currently using, she then studied my skin to help her pick the products that would be right for me. Katherine ran through every product she used and the benefits. I particularly like the mask and the serum. The facial was so relaxing with an added bonus of some neck and arm massage. My skin feels amazing!

After the treatment you are offered ”a hint of colour” make over. Great if you have some shopping to do or are going out that evening, although it is just a mini make over but a nice chance to experience Clarins make up also. I opted out on this today as I was only planning on going home and wanted the full benefits of the facial products all night.

I will definitely be returning again and again for this facial, it is my port of call for a ”pick me up”. Katherine and the girls are very kind and very professional, a credit to Clarins!!

If you feel you would like to try this amazing £15 facial deal then I’d urge you to book asap. Last time I blogged this deal got booked up very very quickly.

To Book call House of Fraser Metro Centre Clarins counter on : 0191 493 2424 ext 7954

Lisa Clarke Guthrie's photo.
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Seaham Hall Spa Visit – Just for July deal

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I was invited along to Seaham Hall to experience their ”Just for July” package which consists of

  • Spa use from 11am – 3pm
  • Two course meal in the Ozone Restaurant
  •  Complimentary drink on arrival and full use of robes, slippers and towels
  • Treatment choice: 35 min signature massage OR 35 min Refreshing Facial

Offer available Monday to Friday until 31st July 2016

£80 per person

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As I drove up the drive way I was taken a back by the exquisite surroundings. The Spa at Seaham Hall Hotel was the 1st building you come to and it has its own private car park to the left so parking is a breeze. As I walked up to the entrance I got a few snaps of the tranquil gardens and fountains.

I was greeted by very friendly reception staff who offered me some sparkling water or some cloudy lemonade, I went with the lemonade which was refreshing. After filling in my medical questionnaire Amanda gave me a guided tour of the spa. Amanda was very informative and very nice. She made me feel most welcome.

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After my tour Amanda guided me to the changing area and gave me my robe, slippers and towel and explained how to use the lockers. Towels are freely available to use as many as you need. I got changed into my swimsuit, robe and slippers and headed straight for my treatment as I was booked for my massage at 11.15.

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I was met by Sarah who took me into the treatment room for my 35 min well being back massage. I was asked if I had any medical conditions she needed to know about, how I liked my massage and what oil I would like (I went with Detox). I was told I could wear some paper pants to spare my own, and to climb on the heated bed and make myself comfortable while she left the room. The bed was very comfortable indeed and even without the massage I felt relaxed. Sarah re entered the room moments later and began the treatment, smothering the back of my body (legs and feet included) in oil. Sarah didn’t scrimp on oil neither which was a bonus!. Sarah gave me a medium/firm massage at my request, also making sure I was happy with the pressure at the start. Sarah started with one side of the body top to toe, then the other side and then she went to town on the back. My shoulders were a tad knotty so Sarah gave them a little more attention. I really enjoyed my massage and left feeling relaxed and excited for the rest of the day.

After the massage I was led to the ZEN lounge to re-hydrate with water and a tasty sorbet. The zen room has amazing movable heated beds with blankets. There is complimentary fruit and nut in there and it was a lovely tranquil hangout to read some magazines while I waited for my lunch reservation at 12.30pm in the Ozone Resturant.

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At 12.30pm I went for lunch in the Ozone Restaurant. I could either pick a starter and a main or a main and a starter. I went for the starter and a main. I had duck pancakes for starter and Chicken Tikka for my main course. The restaurant is oriental in style which fits beautifully with the spa and I love the fact you can wear your robe and slippers too. The restaurant is where you can have an alcoholic drink as no alcohol is permitted in the spa areas. Very friendly staff again served me, taking my order and making sure my water was topped up. The food was delicious and portions generous. I could not eat it all to my disappointment but made sure I told the staff how nice it was.

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After my food I was keen to get in and use the facilities. Even without a treatment this spa has plenty to keep you entertained. You have the Sauna, the Sanarium (like a sauna but not as hot), the Hamman (amazing steam room with showers and a Jacuzzi pool inside), the Hydropool (a strong jetted pool which I was told helps with cellulite), the aromatherapy steam room, 2 plunge pools, 2 outdoor Hot tubs and of course the main pool itself. I did 15 mins in the Sanarium, 10 mins in the hydropool, 15 mins in the outdoor hot tubs and then 10 mins in the steam room. My favorites being the steam room, hydrapool and outdoor hot tub. The areas are clean and tidy. There is plenty of water freely available too.

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After I tried out all the facilities, I decided I could not leave without testing out the gym, so at 2pm I went and got my gym gear on and headed on up. The gym was amazing. The equipment was new and very good quality. I wish this gym was closer to me as I would join in a heart beat. It is the type of gym that you would look forward to go to and I know this may be a little hard to believe but trust me! Everything works, everything looks new, its tidy, its modern technology within the machines, its cool and its clean. Its a gym bunny’s dream and I certainly made the most of my 45 minutes in there with my faithful Michael Jackson blasting through my headphones.

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After I blasted out a 300 cal burn it was sadly time for home but I had managed to fit everything in which was great. I really enjoyed my visit to Seaham Hall Serenity Spa and I hope I have given you all a great insight to my visit. I think this deal is great value for money considering the massage treatment alone costs £65, add on your 2 course lunch and use of the facilities and you have yourself a great bargain for only £80pp. Its a great time to treat yourself in July ladies but be quick as I wouldn’t want you to miss it. I have a feeling this deal will be popular so don’t delay in booking. Thanks so much to everyone at Seaham Hall for inviting me along and making me feel so welcome. I will definitely be back!

To book call: 0191 516 1400 and mention you seen the deal on Tried and Tested

Twitter: @seahamhallhotel

Facebook: Seaham Hall

Instragram: @seahamhall

Google+: Seaham Hall

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