A Relaxing Retreat at Lincombe hotel: A couples spa get away

Welcome to my blog! If there’s one thing you can’t rely on in the UK, it’s the weather. But fear not, because I’ve got the perfect solution: a staycation at a hotel with an amazing spa! As a spa therapist, I have a not-so-secret guilty pleasure—spa days and weekends. They make me feel incredible, but with my years of experience, I can’t help but critique the little details. Join me as I dive into the best spas I’ve visited. Expect a sprinkle of humour, a dash of excitement, and lots of honest opinions. Enjoy the ride, and let’s find your perfect spa escape together! This time we are reviewing a couples getaway in South Devon. The very nice @2 Million spa refit for Lincombe Spa which opened in november 2019. They have many different options for spa breaks or stays, we happened to come across a very special deal to which I can't remember how much it was but it included a night stay with use of the spa and dinner in may 2022.

Lincombe Spa 

https://www.lincombehallhotel.co.uk

South Devon 

Adults only 

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First Impressions

Our first impressions of the hotel were incredibly positive as we drove up to its charming, classic villa-style exterior. Despite the rainy spring day, the atmosphere was perfect for celebrating our anniversary, and my mood was already uplifted.

We were greeted with a luxurious and comforting welcome. The interior was captivating, featuring an array of hats on the wall that gave it a delightful, country yet traditional feel. The large ceilings and expansive windows added a touch of classical British elegance to the ambiance.

The staff were immediately friendly and efficient, escorting us to our room where we found a bottle of champagne and an anniversary balloon waiting for us—a truly special touch that made our stay even more memorable.

Eager to explore the spa facilities, we were delighted to find that it was quiet, allowing us to enjoy the first hour in serene solitude. The spa itself was immaculate, boasting amazing facilities that were both luxurious and clean. It was a tranquil experience, made even more serene by the gentle rain tapping against the large windows as we indulged in the spa’s offerings.

Our Stay

We kicked off our stay in the most fabulous way—starting with a glass of bubbles in the room before slipping into our robes and heading down to the newly renovated 5* spa. Now, I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to spa facilities. As a stewardess on 7* luxury yachts, I’m used to seeing the kind of dirt that can come with maintaining these spaces, so my expectations are always high.

Steam rooms aren’t usually my thing—they can feel a bit gross—but this one was a pleasant surprise. No funky smells, just a clean, well-maintained space that I could actually relax in. My routine is always steam first, then sauna, and if they have an ice room and bucket shower (which they did here!), I’m in heaven. After the heat, it’s such a refreshing way to cool down. We also took a dip in the lap pool before finishing up in the Hydro Pool. And here’s where things got even better—we noticed a cocktail menu by the pool! Naturally, we ordered two espresso martinis, which were divine. We did have to call to check in on them as they did take a while.

Oh, and I can’t forget the Himalayan salt room. Laying on those warm beds, surrounded by pure Himalayan salt, was pure bliss. The instructions were confusing and it turns out they turn them selves off after half an hour so if someone has used them before you you have to wait 7 mins or so for them to reboot, nevertheless, It was the perfect way to unwind before getting ready for dinner.

We wrapped up the evening with some games in the lounge, enjoying the stunning views through those large windows. After a night like that, I slept like a baby. The next morning, we had breakfast in the breakfast room, which offered gorgeous views across the gardens—such a serene way to start the day.

Lounge with the fire

Facilities 

15m Lap Pool

• 15m lap pool for a relaxing full-body workout

• Floating eases muscle tension

• Water regulates temperature, minimising the sensation of burning calories

13m Hydro Pool

• 13m hydro pool with 10 air jet stations, including volcanoes

• 34°C water and pressurised bubbles for muscle therapy

• Promotes endorphin release and stress relief

Scandinavian Sauna

• Eases stress, flushes out toxins, and improves respiratory issues

• Ideal for post-gym workout sessions

Aromatherapy Steam Room

• Uses essences of coconut, orange blossom, eucalyptus, and vanilla

• Stimulates the limbic system, combining smell and memory

• Calms, distresses, relaxes muscles, and lifts mood

Himalayan Salt Room

• Halo therapy with microscopic salt particles for respiratory and sinus relief

• Helps with allergies and hay fever

Ice Room

• Unique to Torquay, featuring an ice fountain and backlit ice wall

• Cold therapy benefits include weight loss, improved circulation, and overall health

Fully Equipped Gym

• Range of fitness equipment for toning, resistance training, and cardio

Bucket Showers

• Traditional Tyro lean contrast shower for hydrotherapy

• Best taken after a sauna for maximum thermal shock benefit

Himalayan salt room

Hydro pool & Lap Pool

Scandinavian Sauna

The Food

Let’s Talk About the Food

One of the standout aspects of our stay was the incredible value we received. Our package included not only a night’s stay and access to the spa but also a three-course dinner and breakfast the following morning.

We dined at The Brasserie at Lincombe Hall, where the food is crafted by their talented Head Chef, Phil, who has been with the hotel for over 30 years. While I can’t recall the exact dishes we enjoyed (it’s been over two years), I do remember being impressed by the quality and flavours. Phil’s experience and dedication clearly shine through in every dish.

The intimate setting added to the experience, with just one other couple dining alongside us. The service was prompt and attentive, which made the evening even more enjoyable. However, one thing that stood out was the lack of background music. With such high ceilings and only two couples in the room, the atmosphere felt a bit too quiet. We found ourselves whispering, as the silence was a bit awkward. Hopefully, they’ve since added some surround sound speakers to enhance the ambiance.

Final verdict - Lincombe Hall Hotel

4 ****

Overall very enjoyable, and we’d definitely consider returning. The experience provided everything we needed for a relaxing getaway. The food was a standout feature, offering delicious meals that truly enhanced our stay. The room was spacious and quiet, providing a comfortable space to unwind, while the lounge by the fire added a cozy touch to our evenings. The cocktails were also a highlight, perfectly crafted to complement the ambiance. Everything in the hotel functioned as expected, contributing to a seamless and pleasant stay.

We hope this review captures the vibe you’re looking for if you want to treat yourself and take a well-deserved break with a friend or Partner one.

You can now experience this at about £220 per person, for 1 night stay with breakfast, 60 minute Treatment and use of the Spa! I like to use Spa Breaks Website for looking at different deals. https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/lincombe-spa-at-lincombe-hall-hotel

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Disclaimer:

The content provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. All information shared is based on personal experiences and insights. The author does not claim to be a medical professional, and the content should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical guidance. It is essential to consult with your doctor, therapist, or counselor before implementing any practices discussed in this blog post. The author holds no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Thank you for your understanding.

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RATING SYSTEM

0 Stars:

• Experience: Extremely poor, unacceptable service, or severe hygiene issues.

• Service Quality: Rude or unprofessional staff, treatments not as advertised.

• Facility: Dirty, unkempt, or unsafe environment.

1 Star:

• Experience: Poor experience, major issues but not severe.

• Service Quality: Unfriendly or indifferent staff, poor treatment quality.

• Facility: Below average cleanliness, outdated or poorly maintained facilities.

 2 Stars:

• Experience: Mediocre experience, several issues affecting the overall visit.

• Service Quality: Inconsistent service, treatments not up to standard.

• Facility: Clean but needs improvement, minor maintenance issues.

3 Stars:

• Experience: Average experience, met basic expectations.

• Service Quality: Polite staff, acceptable treatment quality.

• Facility: Clean and functional, minor improvements needed.

 4 Stars:

• Experience: Good experience, a few minor issues.

• Service Quality: Friendly and professional staff, good treatment quality.

• Facility: Clean, well-maintained, pleasant ambiance.

5 Stars:

• Experience: Excellent experience, memorable visit.

• Service Quality: Highly professional and friendly staff, exceptional treatment quality.

• Facility: Immaculate, luxurious, and well-equipped facilities.