Donnington valley spa profile

DEEP IN THE HEART OF BERKSHIRE, DONNINGTON VALLEY HOTEL SPA HAS SPECIAL LINKS TO CALIFORNIA. ANNETTE HANFORD CHECKS IN There were balloons, cards, and even a birthday cake to celebrate the first year of Darren Dixon’s new “baby”. Darren is spa director at Donnington Valley Hotel, and his pride and joy – shared by a loyal staff – is the hotel’s £6.5m health club and spa development. Incorporating an extensive range of spa, health and fitness facilities, it forms part of Donnington Valley Hotel’s £14m renovation project, which also included the addition of 58 new bedrooms, and bringing all the existing accommodation up to the same high standard. Darren joined the group and began working on the project in February 2006. At the time research demonstrated the demand for a spa, and the building began to go up. As well as choosing specialist spa and gym equipment, Darren was responsible for ordering all the fixtures and fittings – even down to the cups and saucers, he jokes. His background in the spa industry (at Celtic Manor in Wales and Nirvana Spa in Berkshire) had also allowed him to build relationships with skincare houses, so choosing brands for use within the spa – Spa Find, Espa, Clarins and Jessica – wasn’t a problem. Just like many real babies, the spa’s “due” date came early. Work was ahead of schedule and it opened a month before plan. However, Darren was unfazed by the early arrival, attributing the smooth running of the project to the combination of his previous spa experience and that shipments of materials and equipment could be stored locally. Even with the links to the California wine region (see Peter Michael Collection), Darren wanted the spa to maintain a local identity and have strong links to Berkshire. He wanted clean lines, and a holistic approach to the use of water. The spa is directly accessible from the hotel, signposted from reception and with a lift link from the floors. The main reception – where residents, members and those taking spa packages can sign in and collect towels and robes – is welcoming and in harmony with the hotel. This area also includes the club lounge where clients can enjoy a selection of fresh fruit smoothies, coffees, light lunches or even a glass or two of something bubbly while taking in the views of the landscaped grounds or pool area. Access to the pool area is via the well-equipped changing rooms. Once in the “wet area”, guests have a choice of sampling a range of heat experiences, comprising hot or cold monsoon showers, an aroma room, steam and sauna. Each of the heated rooms can accommodate up to 18 people. The pool is often host to a selection of open aqua classes and lanes can be roped-off for serious swimmers, while the Jacuzzi and poolside relaxation areas – including a sun terrace – are particularly suited to those wishing to take things easy. But for some serious pampering, take the lift up one floor to the Sonoma treatment suites. The spa reception area is well stocked with retail products, and to the left is a dedicated manicure and pedicure area, complete with top-of-the-range electric massage chairs for a truly indulgent treatment. To the right-hand side is a comfortable seating area, where clients can begin to fill out the first part of their consultation forms – anything of a confidential or sensitive nature can be addressed in the treatment room to allow the therapist to tailor the treatment to the client’s needs. Treatment suites are named after California’s Sonoma Valley wine region, second home of the hotel group’s owner, Sir Peter Michael, and the Peter Michael Winery estate. Paradise Ridge is the perfect name for the relaxation area, while Warm Springs also reflects the nature of the AquaSun room. The AquaSun mineral treatment is a like a virtual holiday, recreating the key beneficial elements of the beach. Clients bathe in Dead Sea mineral water – scattered with rose petals – which has healing properties for the skin, while warm jets massage the body and a low UV sun canopy provides minimal tanning action and a sense of well-being. A deckchair in the room adds to the holiday theme. In addition, there are six beautifully appointed treatment rooms or suites as they are known. A palette of creams and browns, coffees and chocolates, ensures that each of the rooms appeals to male and female clients. Warm and embracing, the main feature in each room is a fully-adjustable, extra-wide couch. The over-size couch lowers almost to the floor to ensure all clients – from large-framed men to those with mobility issues – can access it and be treated in comfort. Each room features a seating area for the client to complete their consultation and discuss the treatment with the therapist. It also serves as a place for the ritual-style cleansing foot soak – again, complete with rose petals – which starts many of the signature treatment journeys. The versatile rooms are all equipped with showers, allowing them to be used for a full range of face and body treatments, and as well as having access to the computerised music system, there are also individual stereo units on hand if guests require their own choice of music. Boasting a mature 18-hole golf course, busy gym membership and host of corporate events in the hotel, it’s no surprise the spa actively caters for male clients. Most of the treatments on offer are designed for men and women; however, the spa offers male-specific products and a selection of treatments formulated for men. Highlights include: * Golfer’s Foot Ritual (£30/30mins) post-golf foot treatment featuring a combination of treatment oils and massage to soothe and refresh tired feet and leaves the client raring for the next 18 holes. * Gentlemen’s Facial (£45/60mins) to address overall skin condition, targets specific problems and soothes shaving bumps and irritation, to leave skin refreshed, healthy and ultra-smooth. * The Golfer’s Tonic (£70/85mins) tees-off with a relaxing back massage, followed by a luxury foot treatment, as well as encompassing exfoliation, deep aromatherapy massage and warm paraffin wax to relieve aches and pains of feet that may be feeling below par. The look and feel of the place – even down to the textiles and staff uniforms – is very important to Darren. “Brown is the new black,” he says. “It’s a shade that won’t date, and as well as being a warm colour, it continues and strengthens the link to the hotel rooms. White puts men off. It’s like going to the doctor or dentist. We are enticing male clients from the golf course and want to give them something to look forward to. It’s important we create the right type of client journey. Whether it’s a scent or a sensation, we want the client to take something home with them.” Treatment bookings are constantly monitored – with hot stone therapy currently the most popular – to establish demand and assess the need for additional lines or facilities. Darren hints there might be expansion plans in the offing, including the possibility of a dual treatment suite, for next year. Watch this space for news of new arrivals and the pitter patter of (pedicured) feet... FACT FILE Name: Donnington Valley Health Club and Spa Location: Newbury, Berkshire Opened: September 2006 Treatment rooms: Six, plus a dedicated AquaSun room and relaxation area Brands: Spa Find, Espa, Clarins, Jessica First impressions: Equipment and decor that will stand the test of time, complemented with excellent, helpful staff to catering to your every need. Get the look: A contemporary colour palette, highlighted with art. Works of art in the treatment rooms, in the spa, and in the grounds. KEY FEATURES * 18m swimming pool * Steam room * Sauna * Jacuzzi * Aroma room * Steam room * Monsoon showers PETER MICHAEL the collection Donnington Valley Hotel is part of Sir Peter Michael’s collection of restaurants, hotels, golf, spa, estate shooting and private fishing facilities, along with Californian-based winery and boutique California wines. The neighbouring Vineyard at Stockcross – a boutique hotel with Michelin-starred food, suites and spa facilities – is also part of the group.