Utopia Spa | Alexander House Hotel

“Our luxury spa hotel in Sussex is the perfect destination for an invigorating and refreshing break away.” Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

After weeks of endless lifting and shifting a mother and daughter spa day was very much needed. We booked a country escape to the Utopia Spa located at the five-star Alexander House Hotel in East Sussex.

The award-winning grandiose 17th-century manor is set in 120 acres of lush English countryside near the South Downs. The large Roman-inspired spa offers guests a truly luxurious experience. The pampering options are endless with an indoor hydrotherapy pool, bubble tub, swimming pool as well as a stunning outdoor zen garden complete with a hot tub and barrel sauna. There’s twenty-five treatment rooms (including three couples rooms) and an extensive treatment menu. While the main areas are mixed there are separate male and female steam rooms in the respective changing areas. There’s also a fitness centre.

The Experience ~ Our spa package included a treatment of our choice (massage, facial, services or a combination) from the extensive menu as well as either afternoon tea or a two-course lunch. Complimentary drinks were served on arrival and we were presented with white waffle robes which we wore throughout our experience.

We both chose the 85-minute ultimate full body Swedish massage. Our experiences differed in that my daughter got to choose her massage oil whereas I did not (the idea is to go for an oil that reflects your mood).

Performed on an extremely comfortable heated adjustable treatment bed, my massage was very good and proved an ideal destress treatment that revived and relaxed my body which was exactly what was needed. Focus was directed to my sore bare, neck and shoulders as requested. Swedish massage is known for improving circulation, increasing flexibility whilst easing tensions.

The results ~ We both felt fully relaxed after our respective massages and both therapists were accomplished. My specific requests in terms of pressure, areas to focus on and those to avoid (head and hair) were all carried out perfectly.

Pros ~ The hotel and spa facilities are outstanding.

Cons ~ Although we had booked the exact same massage my daughter was offered a choice of oils and chose her favourite, I was not offered this integral part of the treatment. The afternoon tea presentation, quality of food and service was disappointing and did not match the rest of the experience. The garish crockery was chipped, the sandwiches were disappointing and some of the scones overbaked.

The spa menu offers Body Therapies including Ayurvedic treatments inspired by ILA and Temple spa treatments infused with the spirit of the Mediterranean. A choice of ten facials are available including the 85-minute Marine Flora and Gold Cellular Age Restore designed to rejuvenate. Nine massage options include the more unusual Utopia Bamboo massage and a specific mother-to-be treatment. Specialist treatments using Defiant Beauty by Jennifer Young products are offered for guests living with cancer and beyond. Manicures and pedicures are also available at the nail spa.

Everything about the spa and the massages was excellent but the dining element needs attention to improve the overall experience. All the spa staff we encountered were friendly and professional and Covid-19 measures are in place to ensure guest safety. The spa was much busier than I expected so make sure to book all treatments in advance. Can’t go on holiday this year? Kick back and relax with a spa day package or a spa break with an overnight stay deep in the English countryside.