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It’s ironic that weddings are up there with divorce and death, as being one of the most stressful times in people’s lives. But all the organisation and preparation is enough to send even the most organised person into stress mode.
However, stress is not good for the mind or for the body, and plays a part in the development of eczema, acne and other skin conditions, and what bride wants to take the risk of having a break-out a few days before their wedding?
Well, there is one way to taketime out from the stresses of the wedding preparations, to get healthy, relax and fit at the same time - visit a health farm. Where else can you walk around in slippers and a bathrobe, take your pick of exercise classes, have a wealth of beauty treatments at your disposal and eat healthy food? You can go with a group of friends, your bridesmaids or even take your mother along, since some health farms offer mother and daughter packages.
Henlow Grange
Set in 100 acres of green fields in the Bedfordshire countryside, Henlow Grange has classes to suit all levels, from energetic step and aerobics, to relaxing yoga and pilates. When it comes to beauty treatments there are a variety of different massages, treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures available. And for those who fancy something a little different there are wax baths, Indian head massage and Reiki on offer.
Henlow Grange is just 50 minutes from London by car, with the nearest train station at Hitchin, which takes 40 minutes from London and a further 20 minutes by taxi to Henlow.
Henlow Grange. Tel: 08703 300 300. All packages include use of all facilities and meals. Top-to-toe day from £109.95, which includes a full body massage, facial or neck and shoulder massage, manicure and pedicure. Two night weekend breaks start from £269 (twin room) per person and includes a facial, a full body massage and a back perfector or scalp massage.
Champneys Health Resort
Champneys Health Resort in Tring, Hertfordshire is set in 170 acres of parkland. Champneys has also expanded to include a range of City Clubs in London and Brussels.
In addition to the wide range of facial, body and beauty treatments available, Champneys also offers alternative treatments including acupressure, Chinese therapy and La Stone therapy, the use of heated and cool stones applied to the body to bring relief to stiff and sore muscles. Champneys is 40 minutes from London by train, with the nearest train station at Berkhampstead, which is about a mile and a half away. Champneys is approximately an hour’s drive from London.
Champneys. Tel: 01442 291000. All packages include use of all facilities
and a lunch. Day packages start from £120 per person and includes a heat
relaxation and full body massage. They also have day packages for men and also
pregnant women. Two night weekend breaks start from £200 per person and include
a heat treatment and a relaxing massage for each day of your
stay.
Springs Health Farm
For those of you based in the Midlands you could try Springs Health Farm, based in Ashby de la Zouch, an hour from Leicester and only one hour from Birmingham.
In addition to a gymnasium, dance studio there are a wide range of beauty and body treatments and chill-out zones.
Springs also boasts a Thalassotherapy pool with hydrotherapy jets. The mineral-rich water increases circulation, combats cellulite and eases joints and muscles. The nearest station to Springs is Loughborough, followed by a short taxi ride. Both Birmingham and Leicester are only an hour away.
Springs Health Farm. Tel: 08703 300 300. All packages include use of all facilities and meals. Top-to-toe days start from £99.95 and include a full body massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. Two night weekend breaks start from £239.95 per person (economy twin room) and includes a programme plan, a full body massage, facial and a Thalassotherapy session.
Forest Mere
Forest Mere in the Hampshire countryside, is part of the same group as Henlow Grange and Springs, and is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It offers the full range of beauty treatments including facials, body massages, manicures and pedicures. But if you want something different, try out the Thalassotherapy salt water hydro pool or alternative therapies like LA Stone Therapy, Reiki and Shiatsu.
Forest Mere is about an hour from London by car, with Liphook station an hour away from London.
Forest Mere. Tel: 08703 300 300. All packages include full use of all facilities and meals. Top-to-toe days start from £114.95 and include a full body massage, facial, pedicure, manicure and a complete exercise and relaxation programme. Two night weekend breaks start from £299 per person, and includes a full body massage,
a facial and a Thalassotherapy hydro pool session.
Cedar Falls
Those of you based in the West Country, Cedar Falls near Taunton in Somerset might just be for you. Smaller and more intimate than other health farms, it is set in 44 acres of landscaped grounds, and is perfect for for those who love
the outdoors.
In addition to the usual range of beauty treatments, Cedar Falls also offers detox algae wraps, Reiki and neuro linguistic programming, if you want to delve deep into your psyche. Taunton is the nearest station, with Bristol and Bath about an hour away.
Cedar Falls. Tel: 01823 433233. All packages include full use of all facilities and meals. Top-to-toe days start from £85 and include a facial and a back and shoulder massage. Two night weekend breaks start from £120 per person per night and includes one complimentary treatment and a solarium treatment. As a big fan of health farms, I can only say, try one out. The prices may seem high, but the atmosphere is incredibly relaxing. Merely walking around in a bathrobe and slippers relaxes you, and throw in a facial, massages and yoga, and you won’t want to leave.
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