Lifehouse Spa & Hotel ★★★★

Close your eyes. Picture a traditional English country garden, where willow trees melt into lily-covered ponds and delicate bluebells carpet the ground, giving way to swathes of jade green lawn. There’s no sound but the chirping of birds, the soft hum of insects and the gentle breeze moving through the leaves. A place where you can come to escape the stresses of everyday life, the city buzz and simply disconnect…

Imagine a place where there is a fcus on health and wellbeing, where the spa facilities are top notch and the treatments are carried out by highly skilled therapists. A place to rejuvenate, refresh and renew your body and mind, with a large helping of pampering and luxury thrown in.

No this is not just a made up fantasy that lives in your imagination, all this in fact lies just 90 minutes from bustling London at the adults only Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, located within Thorpe Hall Gardens. Are you already picturing yourself there – a tranquil getaway just for two?

Inside the simple building, you’ll be shown to your stylish and contemporary room, dressed in tones mimicking the colours of the outdoor garden – beige, leaf green and fuchsia. With floor-to-ceiling French windows, outdoor balconies and garden patios you’ll also have your own space from which to admire the stunning heritage-listed gardens. Rooms also feature a luxurious bathroom with designer toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers for extra comfort.

Get to know Thorpe Hall Gardens better by grabbing a pair of wellington boots from reception and heading out to explore and learn all about their history. The land and Thorpe Hall were bought by Lord and Lady Byng in 1913, and the gardens were created by Lady Byng to document her travels around the world – a rock garden of Californian plants, specimens she collected in South Africa and trees from North America and Canada.

When your amble around the gardens is complete, it’s time to experience what Lifehouse is all about and restore your body and spirit at the spa and wellness centre. With an 18.5 metre swimming pool, plenty of spa facilities, and 35 treatment rooms offering a vast array of relaxing, cleansing and healing treatments, this will definitely be one of the highlights of your stay.

Completely relaxed and rejuvenated, treat yourself to a traditional English cream tea in the gardens before heading out to explore the pretty seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea, just 6.4 km away. Here you’ll find vast stretches of fine sandy beaches, flanked by rows of brightly coloured Victorian style beach huts.

Health and wellness is not forgotten at the Restaurant at Lifehouse, headed up by Executive Head Chef Ugo Simonelli, where nutritious dishes are created using fresh local ingredients. Think freshly grilled seafood, meats and vegetables dressed in fresh herbs and sauces.

At the end of your tranquil escape to Lifehouse, we’re sure you’ll feel ready to face your everyday life with renewed energy and vigour.