Spa and Afternoon Tea, Christchurch
A spa day and afternoon tea, Christchurch Harbour Hotel
What’s not to love, right? The titles surely tells you that this will be the mother of all treat days. A day at a spa is heavenly. An afternoon tea in Christchurch, Dorset as well is surely the cherry (or rather, jam and clotted cream) on top?
You might not know, though, where the Christchurch Harbour Hotel is. Well, it’s situated on the Dorset coast, in a rather special spot. It’s right across the water from Hengistbury Head, which is home to some of the only overnight beach huts in the land. And this hotel has an absolutely breathtaking view across to them.
The huts over the water exchange hands for eye-watering sums of money, and no cars are allowed to drive to them during the peak season.
Chill out
I was greeted warmly by friendly staff upon arrival to the spa. They directed me to the cosy sofa in the waiting area, to await a quick briefing. It’s a nice spot to sit awhile, being supplied with magazines to read as well as a great range of teas to sample. There’s even complimentary fruit to nibble if you’re feeling peckish, too. Which took away the temptation to snack on chocolate or cake. Yet…
Warming up
Before long I was sitting in the bubbling Hydrotherapy pool, enjoying the deliciously warm water and the pretty, coloured lights. It’s so relaxing that it would be quite easy to simply stay there and while away the hours.
I do love a steam room, though, so I had to try that too. It was luxuriously hot, with billowing clouds of white steam floating around the room that invoked a sense of sheer relaxation. I emerged feeling super clean – ready for a quick shower before hopping into the swimming pool to cool off a little.
Treat(ment) time
Time for my facial! I met my therapist, a lovely young lady called Sophie, who proceeded to anoint my face with all sorts of scrumptious-smelling potions. The treatment room was spacious and well-equipped, and the beautician took her cues from me regarding whether to chat or not, which surely is ideal.
I came out feeling really refreshed, with squeaky clean, plumped-up skin. All the products used at HarSPA are natural, and the aromas reflect this. Simply heavenly.
A sea view
As well as the waiting area, there’s another, far bigger relaxation zone at the HarSPA, hidden like a closely-guarded secret at the top of an internal staircase. It’s a beautifully furnished space that’s flooded with natural light from the full-length windows. Plenty of magazines are supplied, so you can chill out with some reading material. If you can stop gazing at the gorgeous views across the bay, that is.
Afternoon tea in Christchurch
Next, it was time to head to the Upper Deck restaurant, one of Christchurch Harbour Hotel’s two eateries, for my second treat. A truly scrumptious afternoon tea was about to be served. I’ve had lunch at Upper Deck before (lucky me), so I was really looking forward to trying their sandwiches, scones and cakes. Especially having read the menu.
I was not disappointed. A generous selection of deeply filled finger sandwiches. A pile of freshly-baked, still-warm scones. Full pots of jam and thick clotted cream, plus an array of lovely cakes awaited. One of our party was allergic to dairy, and she was impressively well catered for, with the pastry chef even whipping up a coconut-based spread for her scones. They can ably cater for gluten free diets here too.
In due course, the cream tea was demolished, with satisfied lip-licking and smirks all round. What we simply could not fit in was cheerily packed into take-away boxes for us by staff, ready to impress our lucky spouses – or enjoy again the next day.
I just loved my afternoon of luxury, and I love this four star place. Everything. The location, the restaurants, the staff, the branding, the food, the spa… and have I mentioned that my home is only about a mile away? Lucky, lucky me (she says, breaking into a gargantuan grin of prodigious proportions).
Stay over…
Why not make a weekend of it – there’s lots to do in my local area (it’s why we moved here)! See up-to-date reviews and rates for the Christchurch Harbour Hotel HERE. Other great Christchurch hotels include the Captain’s Club, with its riverside position in the town centre.
Related articles:
- Dining at the Upper Deck, Christchurch Harbour Hotel
- Christchurch & Highcliffe Food Festivals
- The Captain’s Table, Christchurch review
- A day at Hengistbury Head
Note – I received a complimentary spa day and afternoon tea from Christchurch Harbour Hotel, as I was visiting with Bournemouth Bloggers. The review is entirely mine and the opinions expressed are honest.
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