If you are looking for a last minute gift idea for someone in your family, or perhaps you’re thinking of spoiling yourself with a trip to the spa in the New Year to help recover from the Christmas madness, take a look at what the Grand Hotel Eastbourne has to offer. I was lucky enough to spend a day there recently with one of my Guest Reviewers, and this is how we got on.

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is the only 5 Star seafront hotel in the country and its quality is shown from the moment you arrive – I only wish we’d been staying the night too! We were directed down to the Spa which is in the basement of the hotel and were pleased to find that the “grand”-ness of the hotel continued downstairs.

When arranging the Spa Day we’d already pre-booked which treatments we were having. The first would be just after our arrival, and the second later that afternoon once we’d had time to relax. My first treatment was a Back Massage whilst my Guest Reviewer Katherine was having a Facial, and after changing into our swimming costumes, robes and slippers – which would be our outfit for the day – we were taken off for our first pampering session. Here’s how Katherine got on:

“After being shown around the spa areas by a member of staff, I started the day with a relaxing facial. The therapist (Jillian) introduced herself and then, after completing a short health questionnaire,  left me to get changed. When she returned, the lights were dimmed and she asked if I had any issues with my skin. A deep cleansing facial was decided on, using luxurious skincare products. Jillian started with a brief arm and hand massage, before cleansing my face with a lavender gel.  Next was an exfoliation, both were removed with hot towels wrapped around my face. Then followed the choice of a ‘mask’ or facial massage – I chose the massage, which was delightful. After another hot towel, Jillian applied an eye cream, lip balm and a moisturising cream. My face felt wonderful, almost as if it wasn’t mine, and glowed in a way that it hasn’t done for a very long time.”

Meanwhile I was enjoying a Back Massage with my therapist Emma. Having never had a massage before I was rather looking forward to the experience. Emma left the room whilst I settled face down on the table and when she returned relaxing music was turned on and scented oils were used on my back as I lay there enjoying the peace. Emma did a full back massage including my shoulders, neck and head and after a deliciously relaxing massage on my back I turned over to she could do the front of my shoulders and upper arms. Whilst lying on my back I had a Lavender Pillow placed over my eyes, and this combined with the music and relaxing massage was amazing. If I’d been there a little longer I may have fallen asleep!! The perfect start to my day of rest.

Following our first treatments we had a few hours to fill before our next ones. Upon return to the main spa area and taking up camp in chairs beside the pool we were handed menus from which to choose our lunch. There was a great range on offer from sandwiches and light bites, to slightly larger meals and hot food. We both settled on the Grand Club Sandwich and a glass of fruit juice and were told it would be served in the lounge area in about 20 minutes. The service was swift and we were soon seated eating our lunch. The food was amazing and the portions were ideal. It was lovely and unusual for both of us to eat a meal without having a child hanging off us, so it made for a very pleasant time!

The afternoon was spent lounging by the pool, taking a dip in the Jacuzzi and generally not doing anything too strenuous. Relaxation was the name of the game, and we were certainly going to make the most of the opportunity. The area around the pool was nice and warm and there was a water cooler providing plenty fresh water whilst you relaxed. Before long it was time for our next treatments. This time I was having a Maintenance Manicure, and once again Emma arrived to do my treatment. There was a large number of colours to choose from, or for an extra £5 you could have a French Manicure. After some deliberation I decided on a deep plum colour. My fingernails were filed and buffed and my cuticles treated before base coats, colour and top coat were applied. Throughout it was nice to chat with Emma and watch her in action. I was really happy with my nails once she finished and was all to happy to go and sit somewhere for about 15 minutes until they’d dried fully as she advised! Whilst I was having a manicure Katherine was enjoying a very different treatment.

“My second treatment was  a Turkish salt scrub, and Jillian was my therapist again. Again, she left me to get ready and the lights were softly dimmed (not so much this time). I laid on my front to begin with and Jillian worked on my arms, applying the scrub (with a lovely soft eucalyptus scent), ‘melting’ it with warm water, and then removing the scrub with a warm mitt. Each arm & leg was done individually & then my back. Jillian then asked me to roll over and the fronts of my arms and legs were treated in the same way. Jillian then gave me the choice of whether or not I wanted my stomach and chest area done – I took her up on the offer. After completing the body scrub, Jillian applied a soothing camomile body lotion. It was a wonderful treat, I left the room very relaxed, and ready to face the world again  – it definitely made me feel like a “Yummy Mummy!”

I think its fair to say that we both thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Grand Hotel Eastbourne Spa and would go back again in a heartbeat. It was lovely to get a day to relax, but the facilities and the treatments made the day even more special. An amazing day out.

So for a last minute treat for yourself or for the New Year, or perhaps to buy a gift voucher for a loved one this Christmas, head over to the Grand Hotel Eastbourne website and make sure you pay a visit soon. You will also find them on Twitter @GrandEastbourne.