The Malvern Spa is a gorgeous hotel nestled below the Malvern Hills in the picturesque town of Malvern. As soon as we stepped through the door we felt a relaxed in the understated yet indulgent spa.
Check In
Checking into the hotel was seamless. As part of our package we were able to use the facilities from 12pm so the staff took care of our luggage until we could check into the room at 3pm. We were then taken on a quick tour of the facilities and given our all important, robe, towel and flip flops.
Changing Rooms
The changing rooms were spacious and clean, with plenty of lockers and changing cubicles. As soon as we changed into our swimming costumes and slipped on the robes we were ready to head to the pool area.
Pool
The pool area is beautifully designed with huge floor to ceiling windows which let in lots of natural light. Inside there is a heated hydrotherapy pool with plants around the edge, giving it a holiday feel. You can access the outdoor pool through a little doorway without leaving the warmth of the water. Here you will find different jacuzzis and loungers submerged in the water offering gentle bubbles and massage jets.
One of the best things is the amount of loungers there are plenty, both inside and out, so no loitering to reserve your spot.
Thermal Suite
There are two saunas, a crystal steam room and a salt grotto in the thermal suite which is right next to the pool. The herb sauna was a comfortable 40 – 45 degrees, it didn’t smell particularly herby but it was definitely relaxing. The other sauna is one of the first Kelo saunas in the UK, made from naturally fragrant Kelo wood found in the Arctic Circle. The temperature was between 70 and 75 degrees, far too hot for me to spend more than a couple of minutes in there. However, if you can hack the heat it is supposed to be very beneficial.
The crystal steam room was my favourite. A really large chamber with twinkly lights in the ceiling and a crystal that was lit up in the centre. With it being pretty dark, you need to almost feel your way to the seat. However, once you are settled the steam really works its magic relaxing any tension and clearing your airways.
The final room is a salt grotto which has a water fountain of salt water on one wall and seats on the other. Breathing in salt is thought to help with both your health and mood. However, we found it a bit chilly in here and didn’t stay long.
There are also foot baths and two showers, one offering a cold fog, and a cold water bucket to cool yourself down after the sauna if you are brave enough. At regular intervals you hear involuntary screams from this direction as people douse themselves in freezing water.
Outside
The outside area is quite spacious and is well looked after. I loved the feeling of the fresh air on my face as I swam outside in the lovely warm pool. Seeing the steam rise from the jacuzzis gives it a magical feeling.
There are plenty of loungers around the pool to sunbathe, if you visit when the weather is good, and there is also a fire pit to keep you warm on colder days.
If you are visiting with a group or for a special occasion there are pods that you can reserve to keep you warm and dry. They offer different packages some offering fruit platters and drinks as part of the price. A great way to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
Treatments
When it was time for our treatments, we were seated in the gorgeous lobby are on huge, squishy sofas while we waited for our therapists. I opted for an express facial which was a real treat. The therapist was extremely friendly and professional, making sure she tailored the facial to my skin. She used a range of Elemis products which smelt gorgeous and left my skin feeling glowy.
As part of the facial she included one of the best scalp massages I’ve ever had and gave my neck and shoulders a quick massage as well. When it was finished (always too soon!) she took me to a lovely relaxation room with comfy loungers and dimmed lights where I waited for my friend.
My friend opted for a full body massage which she really enjoyed. She asked for firm pressure and said she felt it could have been a little firmer, but she was pleased that the therapist identified where she was tense and worked on these areas.
Food And Drink
During the afternoon we enjoyed a glass of prosecco by the pool, we went to the bar to order but afterwards we learnt that you can scan the QR code and they will bring your drink to you (we definitely missed out there!)
As part of our package we had £30 credit in the restaurant which almost covered two courses each and all we had to pay for were our drinks. I had a lamb tagine served with pilau rice which was really tasty and filling and my friend had a halloumi and falafel burger which she enjoyed. We then shared a couple of puddings, a rich chocolate brownie served with salted caramel sauce and ice cream and a lemon meringue tart which was delicious.
Our package also included breakfast, which you can order from the à la carte menu and also help yourself to the buffet. On the à la carte menu there was a full english breakfast and a veggie version plus lots of different egg dishes, such as eggs florentine, poached eggs with avocado and Grovewood Eggs which I opted for. This baked eggs dish was served with spiced tomato and beans finished with a sprinkling of dukah.
As well as the à la carte options, the buffet had a great selection. You could have anything from cereals, yogurt and fruit to a wide variety of fresh pastries, cheese and meat. You can also get unlimited tea, coffee and juices at the self serve station.
Rooms
We had a standard twin room which was nicely decorated with all the amenities that we needed, including a powerful hairdryer (essential when you’ve been in the pool all day), tea and coffee making facilities, an iron and complimentary toiletries. The beds were comfortable and the bathroom was beautifully clean with a fantastic waterfall shower, perfect to get ready in the evening after a day of relaxing by the pool.
Why We Liked The Malvern Spa
Although The Malvern Spa is in a cute little town that is definitely worth exploring, it is actually located on the edge of an industrial estate. However as soon as you step through the doors you immediately forget this and are engulfed in a luxurious, peaceful atmosphere at a reasonable price. The staff are extremely friendly and professional, and are always on hand to make your stay enjoyable. The neutral palette that has been used gives a serene feel and touch of class. The whole spa is well looked after and the outdoor area is an added bonus especially if you are lucky enough to visit when the sun shines.
Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.