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China Fleet Country Club is a hotel, golf and health club set in 180 acres of stunning countryside on the banks of the River Tamar in Saltash. Having recently completed a £1.5 million refurbishment including the addition of a brand new Aqua Spa- they have been awarded a four star rating by the AA. Our Editor, Libbi Chapple and Account Manager Emily Trace- were lucky enough to be invited to review th
e prestigious facilities.
Located a short 15 minute drive from Plymouth, China Fleet is a hidden Gem that boasts natural beauty. On the drive there you have the river Tamar to your right, and the 18 hole parkland golf course to your left. We parked the car, (finished our breakfast pancakes!) and made our way to the Barn Spa for our mini treatments.
Libbi’s Experience: Neither of us had ever had a spa treatment before- so we were excited for what was to come. I chose the mini manicure treatment- which was carried out by one of the friendly Barn Spa Beauticians, Victoria. Using the global salon brand, OPI- I was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing a colour!
Having very short nails from a young age and recently managing to grow them out- this was a real treat. Victoria filed and neatened my cuticles, then massaged my hands with the OPI ProSpa protective hand, nail and cuticle cream. It smelt amazing! I went for a neutral colour- and after the treatment was finished, we were offered a drink in the Brasserie to let my nails dry before the spa.
Emily’s Experience: From the selection of mini treatments offered, I opted for the Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage; a 25 minute mini-treatment which helps to ease stress, boost circulation and soothe sore joints and muscles. On entering the Barn Spa, a characteristic and impressive 18th Century converted Cow Shed; I was greeted by Massage Therapist, Megan, and directed upstairs. The treatment room itself had a tranquil atmosphere; with the aroma of essential oils diffusing the room, dimmed lighting and soft classical music in the background.
With this being my first massage, I was surprised at how quickly I could unwind. Megan explained that my shoulders were tight, likely due to hunching over my computer desk five days a week – which could also be the source of the aggravating tension headaches I’d been experiencing. Regular massage every 6-8 weeks can help alleviate this by relaxing and loosening the muscles strained by incorrect posture.
By the end I left de-stressed, relaxed and more than tempted to re-book.
After our mini treatments, we made our way to the changing rooms to get ready for the Aqua Spa. Our fluffy white robes, towels and slippers were a welcome addition and really made the experience feel like something special. We spent the best part of 2 hours in the Aqua Spa- and felt completely relaxed the entire time. The Finnish sauna was our personal favourite- and we alternated this between the experience showers and the ice chute.
It may seem strange to want to rub crushed ice over your body, but after 10 minutes in the sauna it was extremely refreshing!
The Tepidarium loungers added a certain sense of luxury to the Aqua Spa- heated ceramic loungers, perfect for relaxing with a book or a cheeky nap. We thought we had better take a dip in the pool and get our hearts racing after all that laz
ing around- so we took to the lanes and did a few lengths before our lunch in the Brasserie.
Located at the front of the building on a glass fronted balcony, The Brasserie is light and airy and perfect for looking out over the grounds.
Overall, Emily and I had a perfect day at China Fleet- we left feeling relaxed and ready for an afternoon nap! China Fleet has something for everyone- whether you want to become a regular with one of their membership options, or fancy a pamper weekend away.
