Experience a sea of tranquillity with marine based spa treatments

Whatley Manor, the 23 bedroomed peaceful retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds, has introduced a new 60 minute ‘La Prairie Marine Youth Protection Treatment’, to add to its collection of La Prairie experiences. The hotel’s spa Aquarias is the only La Prairie five star ‘Art of Beauty’ centre outside of London. These centres are only found in the most exclusive spas around the world and are a sign of outstanding quality.

The ‘La Prairie Marine Youth Protection Treatment’ (£80) is suitable for all skin types and is super-hydrating, restorative and age defending. The ultra pampering 60 minute holistic treatment focuses on the Advanced Marine Biology Cream and a wide range of La Prairie’s marine enriched and youth maintaining products to hydrate, firm and soothe the skin. Other La Prairie treatments include a 90-minute ‘La Prairie Radiance Gold Facial’ (£135). Using Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold, which contains 24-carat colloidal gold, it gently tightens, firms and rejuvenates the skin to slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin and heighten its natural glow.

In addition, the award winning spa has evolved an even greater range of therapeutic massage experiences and facials with a collection of ‘Ressource Minérale’ body wraps and massages. These treatments use marine mineral clays, essentials oils and semi precious crystals and gemstones to sooth, nourish, relax and restore the body and can be performed individually or in combination for a more intensive effect.

Choose from ‘harmonising’ (to aid deep relaxation), ‘correcting’ (to help eliminate toxins and improve the appearance of cellulite) or ‘reviving’ (to energise the mind and body and firm skin tone). Combine the ‘Ressource Minérale Body Wrap with a ‘Ressource Minérale Gemstone Balm Exfoliation’ for the ultimate 90 minute treatment (£115) or enjoy the body wrap on its own 60 minutes (£80).

Once the skin has been covered in the creamy mineral based clay the body is then cocooned in a warm wrap, whilst a soothing eye and scalp massage is performed to relieve all stresses and strains. The range also includes a selection of 90 minute Ressouce Minérale specialised massages (£115).

For exclusive pampering for two people, the VIP Suite offers even greater privacy and time to relax together, complete with hydrobath, dedicated therapists and exclusive treatments. These include the two and a half hour ‘Daydream Cocoon’ (£445) which has been redesigned to comprise the ‘Ressource Minérale Body Exfoliation’, the ‘Ressource Minérale Cleopatra style Bath Haven’, the ‘Luxury Silky Clay Body Cocoon’, ‘Liberating Massage’ and finishes with a new ‘Fresh Green Tea Ritual’.

An alternative treatment for two people is offered in the ‘Aquarias Serail Mud Chamber’. This is a 60-minute ritual (£115 for two people) in which couples can enjoy their own private chamber gently massaging medicinal muds and chalks into one another’s skin whilst inhaling steam infused with pure essences. A rich nourishing body moisturiser completes the experience.

In response to requests from guests, a range of manicures and pedicures are available. Using Jessica products, the range includes a pampering 90-minute ‘Jessica Deluxe Pedicure’ (£75) which cleanses and exfoliates, followed by a nourishing mask and heat treatment. A choice of waxing and tinting treatments are also available to complete the beauty regime.

Some treatments have been particularly designed to be suitable for pregnant women after their first Trimester. This includes the 60-minute ‘Pre-Natal Body Care’ (£80) - a nurturing massage with specifically blended oils for mothers-to-be that helps to ease stress on the joints, back and neck. And all weary women might like to receive the boost to their complexion that the ‘La Prairie Beauty Express’ can provide. The new ‘La Prairie Marine Youth Protection Treatment’ is also designed with pregnant women in mind.

In addition to the range of treatments the European style spa offers a total spa experience. Starting with an invigorating salt scrub and acclimatising with the gentle warmth of the Tepidarium, the ritual then enters a series of thermal cabins. This begins with the dry heat of the Laconium, followed by the steaming Caldarium and the Chamomile Steam Grotto and finishes with the intensive heat of the Finnish Sauna. In between each cabin guests can make use of the ‘experience showers’ which offer cooling water infused with mint or a tropical rain shower infused with Maracuja scent.

The spa journey continues to the hydrotherapy pool with airbed, neck massage jets and an airtub, to relieve tired muscles. The pool even allows guests to swim outside and sit on underwater recliners as they gaze out over the ‘infinity edge’ to the gardens and valley below.

The next part of the experience takes guests inside to the Wave Dream Sensory room and a spellbinding art installation by Swiss water scientist Helmut Eigenmann, which uses light and ripples of water to reflect waves on to the domed ceiling accompanied by soothing music.

The final part of the journey returns guests to the Spa Lounge overlooking the hydrotherapy pool and gardens, where a range of light snacks and drinks are served.

The spa can be enjoyed by both hotel guests and non-residents. For non residents a series of mid week (Monday - Thursday) Half and Full Spa Day Experiences have been devised with the chance to enjoy a day of pampering. A new ‘Couples Indulgence Day’ (£245 for two) includes unlimited use of the spa, as well as a light lunch and refreshments in the Spa Lounge and a 60-minute Serial Mud Chamber treatment for two. Or alternatively the ‘Relax and Restore Day’ (from £145 per person) offers all the facilities of the spa plus a 60-minute treatment and light lunch in the Spa Lounge.

In addition, Aquarias can arrange Tai Chi, which may be enjoyed outdoors in the beautiful loggia garden, weather permitting. A personal lifestyle consultation and fitness assessment may be arranged with a personal trainer to compile a programme tailored to each individual.

A one-night stay at Whatley Manor costs from £290 per room for a standard room including bed and breakfast and 10% discretionary service charge and VAT, plus use of the spa Aquarias. Spa treatments cost from £80 for a 60-minute treatment or £115 for a 90-minute treatment. Personal training costs £50 per person per hour.

For further information and to book visit Whatleymanor.com.