The Top Ten Pre-natal Spa Treatments

by Jessica Baldwin (March 2012)

There’s no doubt about it, having a baby is the most amazing experience of any woman’s life. But let’s be honest, the nine months leading up to it are peppered with aching backs, troublesome skin, swollen ankles and stress. It is at this time that your really need some TLC yet it can be hard to know where to start; which oils are okay to use during pregnancy and how can you possibly have a massage when you can’t get even get comfortable? Fear not, here’s my guide to the ten best pre-natal treatments in the UK right now…

The Sanctuary

12 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London

Arguably London's most famous day spa The Sanctuary lives up to its name. Hidden within the heart of Covent Garden the welcoming women only day spa is the perfect place for a little me time before the big day. Their Mum to Be massage uses their own pregnancy product range and pampers you from head to toe with lighter pressure in sensitive areas.

Champneys at Forest Mere

Liphook

Part of the South Downs National Park this branch of destination spa hotel Champneys used to be a hunting lodge. The exclusive resort specialises in natural healing and has an array of holistic treatments suitable during pregnancy. The Beautiful Bump treatment starts with a soothing foot soak and is one of the UK's only maternity treatments involving the much needed back massage.

Grayshott Spa

Headley Road, Grayshott, Hindhead

Once home and muse to poet Tennyson, Grayshott's 47 acres of inspiring grounds melt into 700 acres of National Trust land making it the perfect place for a country retreat. After a gentle stroll through the orchard head to the spa for an osteopathy session, designed to combat aches and pains it is particularly effective at relieving back problems.

The Vineyard

Stockcross, Newbury

As a mother-to-be the wine infused Vineyard is probably the last place on your list right now, however, as well as stocking 23,000 bottles of premium plonk this elegant ex hunting lodge hides a wonderful spa. The comprehensive Pre-Natal Treatment uses pink clay mud and Calendula oil to help tone up your body when exercise is out of the question.

The Pavilion Spa

Cliveden, Taplow

From the steamy Canadian hot tubs to the ornate walled garden, every aspect of Cliveden House has been created with relaxation in mind and the grand estate has seen everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Winston Churchill pass through its doors. Its Pavilion Spa's Mother-to-Be day will have you feeling like Lady of the Manor in no time with a mini manicure, pedicure and facial.

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club

Wych Cross, Forest Row

Deep within the deer-filled woodland that inspired Winnie the Pooh stands Ashdown Park. The grand hotel is home to a fantastic spa with a host of pregnancy friendly treatments on offer. During pregnancy many aromatherapy oils are avoided, however Ashdown’s special ‘Mother to Be’ experience safely combines feminine geranium with uplifting pink grapefruit to nourish skin and revive energy.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

66 Knightsbridge, London

Standing proudly on London's most expensive junction this world renowned hotel is perfect for ladies that lunch, with Knightsbridge's boutiques fringing its doorstep and the Kings Road just a stone’s throw away. After your retail therapy let their Ultimate Rose Pregnancy Treatment rejuvenate your body with a relaxing massage whilst the cleansing facial and relaxing scalp massage will leave you glowing.

Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa

Climping Street, Climping

Strolling through Bailfiffscourt's narrow passages and walkways is like stepping back in time. Just minutes from un-spoilt Climping beach its windows look out over rose-clad courtyards and acres of parkland. Amongst the moats and meadows is the spa, set in a stunning barn conversion with elegant French windows and timber beams. Their New Beginnings massage takes place on their Mediterranean floatation bed, enabling tired backs to relax and unwind.

Spa at 51

51 Buckingham Gate, London

For all out indulgence head to Spa at 51. In a prime location between Buckingham Palace and Westminster the classic hotel boasts a Michelin starred restaurant and a spa fit for a queen. Their bespoke approach means each treatment is tailored to your needs and their Anne Semonin Pregnancy Face and Body Treatment banishes water retention, soothes aches and leaves skin luminous.

Hartwell House Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

Oxford Road, Aylesbury

Over the last thousand years Hartwell House has played home to a bevy of colourful characters from French royalty to Edward the Confessor. As a result it's been everything from an observatory and museum to French court. Today it’s a hotel and spa and is the ideal place for perfect pieds, so let them makeover those neglected with a much needed pedicure.