Mums and daughters

I'm looking for a spa day where I can take my daughter after she has finished her GCSEs. I'm finding it tricky to find either spas that will take under 18s or to know what would be a sensible treatment package for her age. I would like this to be a shared 'mother-daughter' experience. We live in Cambridgeshire but am happy to travel, ideally to an area with other things of interest to make it a memorable occasion.
25 June 2008

Miranda responds: My daughter is a similar age so I feel well qualified to answer this one. For a spa day The Sanctuary in Covent Garden is a good option.

The Sanctuary accepts 16 year olds which should fit with post-GSCE timing. I cannot think of any teenagers who would not relish the thought of a trip down to London and especially to Covent Garden.

I recently had a wonderful mother-and-daughter day spa experience here. We booked our treatments in advance which is a must. The Sanctuary is not cheap so to avoid any disappointment it is essential to arrive prepared – including two dry swimming costumes and rubber flip flops.

Having checked in and changed into robes we wandered around the facilities – exercise pool, Jacuzzi, steam/sauna rooms and relaxation areas. We then chilled in the Koi Carp Lounge overlooking the famous “swing” pool planning our day while sipping a fresh fruit smoothie.

We both took advantage of the skin analysis consultation and being a regular teenager with complexion issues I booked my daughter in for a 50 minute “warming herbal compress facial”. She really listened to advice from her therapist and came away with some very reasonably priced products – all of which added to the “treat” of this special day.

I, on the other hand, sampled one of their signature body treatments – “Sensual Mande Lular” (an Indonesian Bridal Ritual) - an interesting choice for a mother of three but it was 85 minutes of total bliss. The relaxation process continued with a booked (though free) 20-minute session in the sleep zone. With headphones talking us into a deep meditative state the only shame was that the session did not last longer.

All good things come to an end and I was bracing myself for the inevitable request to inspect the boutiques of Covent Garden on our way home. I was amazed it never happened and half way home realized why – the spa had done its job and she was asleep.

General tips: Try to book treatments at the same time so you have your free time together. Book afternoon treatments if you can leaving the morning free to enjoy steam/sauna and water experiences. This both warms and relaxes muscles before body treatments and opens pores prior to facials. Therapists advise you to stay dry for at least an hour post treatment while the products soak in and a quiet rest adds to the long term effect. When booking into a hotel request rooms next to each other. If you are intending to shop schedule an overnight stay!

Need to know: The Sanctuary for prices, packages and bookings call 0870 770 3350 www.thesanctuary.co.uk. Full Day Passes start at £67 for midweek (£77 at weekends) with warming herbal compress facial £75 and Sensual Mande Lular £90.

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