Facial at Fawsley Hall?

To the amusement of my more educated male colleagues, I informed them that my fiancée Faye and I were going on a Spa break the day after my birthday. “Getting a facial!” was the best of the banter, but I have to admit I was slightly apprehensive. But let me start from the beginning.

I’m a passionate golfer, albeit not the best, but whenever the opportunity arises to visit a hotel with a golf course, I’ll endeavour to take my clubs with me. But after constant pestering from some of my colleagues working in the BookaSpa.com department, I finally succumbed to heading to a spa venue, Fawsley Hall Hotel near Northampton. The logic was that being as this was my birthday weekend, it would be a good opportunity to relax, leave the clubs at home and earn some brownie points by spending a little time with my future wife using the reputed spa facilities at the venue.

Hence my apprehension, as using a spa was a whole new experience for me and nightmare scenarios of getting cucumber eye patches, an avocado paste face mask or a muscular male called Hans giving me an all body massage prevailed. However, with numerous endorsements from the spa team and the promise of an upgraded room, I decided to take the plunge.

Sunday afternoon, Faye and I headed up to the venue. Our treatments were booked for 16.00, Faye’s a pedicure and mine a massage. Arriving at the spa I was nervous…what is the etiquette? Do I wear flips flops or sandals? Do I put on shorts or just a towel? Simple concerns but when accumulated they can make a confident man worry. Fortunately, the friendly receptionist was fantastic allaying any fears I had by calmly informing us where, when and what we needed to be doing.

Attired in my slippers, swim shorts and complimentary dressing gown, which was surprisingly comfy, I was starting to feel relaxed…was that camomile or eucalyptus candles burning… I was soon beckoned for my relaxing shoulder and back massage and I made my way into one of the treatment rooms. Despite the whales mating music in the background, the massage was superb. I walked out after 30 minutes feeling blissfully at peace with the world.

Being a spa virgin, the next hour was spent discovering all the facilities on offer, including the steam room, indoor pool and gym. I pictured the ultimate finale as unwinding in the outdoor Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne…but being as this is a healthy spa I had to console myself with a green tea and Granny Smith apple whilst reading Men’s Health.

I must confess that despite the constant male verbal jousting of ‘spa days are for woman’, it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and one I would be more than happy to repeat. Most of these venues, Fawsley Hall included, are stunning and boast reputable restaurants, top class facilities and idyllic settings. So once you’ve enjoyed your treatments, you can relax in some of the most lavish of settings.

My love of golf hasn’t waned and I would still prioritise a golf break venue, but I’m sold on the spa breaks. I would definitely repeat this experience and who knows, maybe next time I’ll treat myself to a facial.