Fitness and pampering in stylish surrounds in this boutique hotel spa in the Midlands
A Birmingham hotel spa in a historic property with a vast gym for those seeking complete health and wellbeing
As published on Times Online http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/good_spa_guide/article6949875.ece
The Health Du Vin spa is in the basement of this five-floor hotel. There are four treatment rooms, a manicure room, spray tan room and a relaxation room as well as a vast state-of-the-art gym with sauna, steam and drench showers. The spa, which is candlelit throughout and smelt beautifully of sweet scented candles, is open to hotel guests and members.
There is big emphasis on fitness in Health Du Vin - the spa manager is a personal trainer. The gym and spa share the same entrance, though in contrast to the spa's serene atmosphere, the changing rooms have cold air, walls of lockers and central benches. The shower products were non-descript, unlike most spa bathrooms, It is definitely a space better catered to gym goers, with an ironing board and iron in the corner.
The spa could benefit from its own changing rooms. In the heart of the old city of Birmingham, Hotel Du Vin is a red-brick early Victorian building (1884) that has been beautifully and sympathetically restored from the previously disused West Midlands Eye Hospital to a stylish boutique hotel with original features including granite pillars and a sweeping central staircase, making the hotel interior warm and inviting.
EXPERIENCE
Once I’d changed into my white gown and slippers I waited in the relaxation room - with six leather recliners, lit candles, relaxing music and a well stocked drink station, the room was calming and uncluttered.
My treatment, Holistic, Back, Face and Scalp, includes a full facial, head massage and back cleanse, exfoliation and massage lasting 85 minutes. I chose the ESPA made with stimulating peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary to energise me.
The treatment began with a back exfoliation, cleanse and massage which broke down the tension in my shoulders and neck, then on to a facial, which was much needed after a week in the sun. The skin around my eyes and lips, as my therapist pointed out was rather dehydrated; she paid particularly attention to these areas and reapplied a hydrating cleansing milk to ensure good moisture. I certainly noticed the difference afterwards.
The treatment ended with a scalp massage, the coldness of the oil dripping on to my warm scalp felt wonderfully refreshing.
My therapist, who focuses on sleep disorders in her work, uses music with heart-beat rythmns to help clients drift off to sleep.
The next day I had a luxury manicure that lasted 60 minutes. The lost moisture in my hands post holiday was replenished and my nails were painted beautifully with Jessica products.
FOOD
There are two places to eat in the hotel: a bar menu in the Venetian-style Bubble Lounge served soup, salads and sandwiches and The Bistro offered a classic European menu with richer foods such as pan fried calves liver, smoked haddock and roasted Welsh rack of lamb. Both rooms are beautifully decorated, hugely welcoming and not typical of a hotel bar or restaurant. On a Sunday afternoon and evening, both were really busy and had a great atmosphere. I’d come back to both without being a hotel guest.
IN CROWD
The hotel spa attracts a mixed clientele, from locals, business guests and tourists. The gym is busy pre and post -work when local workers come for their daily workouts. The spa becomes busier in the evenings and weekends with hotel guests, hen parties, and gym goers with more time for a pamper.
WALLET WATCH
The ESPA back, face and scalp treatment costs £60 for 85 minutes or £75 for 100 minutes (with hot stones). My luxury manicure cost £35 and lasted 60 minutes. The most expensive treatments are the spa signature packages, which cost £210 including holistic back, face, scalp massage, a body wrap, luxury manicure and pedicure, two-course lunch in The Bistro and an ESPA candle to take away.
NEED TO KNOW
Hotel Du Vin Health Du Vin, Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2NR (0121 200 0609; www.hotelduvin.com)
