Tag Archives: spa

Villa Magna Hotel, Madrid

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Villa Magna may not be the newest or hippest hotel in Madrid, but it certainly provides lavish luxury and classic, sophisticated design for the most discerning visitor. With its prime location on Paseo de la Castellana we found this palatial accommodation the perfect base for a weekend exploring Spain’s infectious capital city.

We arrived late on a Friday evening, the grand hotel was illuminated gloriously, the ‘Villa Magna’ art deco font glowing majestically beneath the cowering trees. Outside the hotel, the driveway was lined with posh shiny black cars, with the drivers waiting patiently for their clientele. Even at the weekend Villa Magna has an air of business efficiency.

We collapsed gratefully in the smart, pristine clean double room. The neutral brown and beige colour choices are very diplomatic to suit all visitors. The furniture was all very grown up (a writing desk, armchair and flatscreen TV), definitely more geared towards guests on business. The huge bed was the centrepiece of the room, indulgently comfortable with soft silky sheets; I slept soundly both nights. The opulent marble bathroom featured twin marble sinks and a large bath-shower. Toiletries are provided by the renowned Asprey brand Purple Water range, in swish purple and silver tubes.

Those interested in the leisure aspects of the hotel will enjoy the mini makeshift spa downstairs and the renowned, gastronomic main restaurant, Villa Magna Rodrigo de la Calle. Here the prestigious chef prepares the finest seasonal Spanish food. Breakfast is served here too, a display of tempting continental and Spanish delights was on offer buffet-style… we particularly enjoyed the Iberico ham and Manchego cheese, though the pastries were lovely and flaky too. An a la carte menu is available too for those who need a hot, wake-up meal.

Though small and inconspicuous El Club spa offers some appealing treatments that will relax and refresh you. We enjoyed an hour-long massage each with essential oils to melt away all tension and worry.

Many of the main bus routes run from just outside the hotel, you can easily reach the important Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid; in the opposite direction the city centre, shops, museums and cafes await your arrival.

Villa Magna oozes art deco charm and its location is second to none. Join the high society girls and the dapper suited men at this luxury Madrid hotel.

More information and book here: www.villamagna.es

Many thanks to the Madrid Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

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The Lowry is Manchester’s only 5 star hotel, located a little outside of the centre it is nonetheless easy to reach by foot or taxi from Manchester Piccadilly Station. The dramatic glass exterior is very striking and contemporary against the city backdrop. Walking into the modern building, I felt like I was arriving for a conference, the design is geared towards business rather than leisure.

Staff immediately relieved us of our bags and escorted us upstairs to our room, which was spacious and stylish overlooking the River Irwell. Noticing the quirky, colourful furniture and a trendy assortment of magazines, all thoughts of business were soon banished… I felt completely at home. The combined bedroom and living area boasted an Olga chair and writing desk, and a luxurious super king size bed. The spacious bathroom was finished in Italian porcelain with a big bath and shower, bright white towels, shining mirrors and a selection of REN toiletries. The rooms are very quiet and the soft furnishings have a calming effect on your mood, after a relaxing bath I spent a while flicking through Wallpaper magazine and admiring the impressive views.

It is easy to reach the eateries and bars of central Manchester, and there are plenty. We chose to stay nearby and after a fun evening at nearby cocktail bar, Under New Management (which I highly recommend for masterful mixology) I slept soundly below the Salford skyline. Next morning we enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant. All my favourite things were on offer: French toast with berries and crème fraiche, fresh orange juice and a creamy cappuccino. The food was swiftly delivered to us, fresh and flavoursome.

A lovely spa and great dining facilities are available for all guests to enjoy, so if you don’t want to leave the hotel, there is no need to. The Lowry can also cater for business needs. There is a dedicated Conference and Banqueting floor with a wide range of flexible meeting rooms. They can host all kinds of occasions and pride themselves on top quality facilities with exemplary service and attention to detail.

Despite its highly regarded position as part of the Rocco Forte hotel family, the Lowry stands strong with its own individual style and modern features. It is a much loved home from home for tourists and Mancunian celebrities alike.

More information and book here.

Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.

Lowry Spa, Manchester

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Whilst staying at the Lowry Hotel I was tempted to remain in the building all weekend. The weather in Manchester is often dreary, wet and cold and this homely five star establishment offers a warm and luxurious place to relax and indulge.

After a long, deep sleep and a leisurely breakfast, I visited the Lowry spa. It was relatively early on a Sunday morning and couples were wandering around enjoying the facilities and rejuvenating treatments. Although there is no pool, the spa offers sauna and relaxation rooms so guests use these as they wish.

I enjoyed a Signature Back and Scalp massage followed by an express therapeutic facial. I can never decide between massage and facial so this was the perfect compromise for me. My softly spoken therapist managed to instantly calm me, and it helped that the bed was wonderfully warm and enveloping. As I directed, she pressed through my knots with strength, methodically pushing through the tension in my upper back and shoulders. Gradually the tightness loosened as she patiently massaged oil into my muscles. Then she moved onto my head to relieve all pressure in my scalp.

It felt like an added bonus afterwards when it was time for the mini facial. Cleansing and exfoliating (a step I fail to remember regularly in my skin routine!) my face instantly felt fresher and brighter. A moisturising mask left my cheeks plump and my forehead silky soft. It was lovely to leave the treatment room with a clear head and relaxed body. I could then go and read a magazine and enjoy the rare opportunity for total tranquillity.

With many alluring spa packages and day offers, the Lowry spa is ideal for both staying guests and outside visitors… the perfect retreat away from the loud and lively city.

More information on the Lowry Hotel spa here.

Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.