A Decade of Pure Indulgence: Suffolk’s The Spa at Bedford Lodge Celebrates 10 Years
The Evolution of the UK Spa Industry; embracing natural skincare, and the rise of wellbeing and inclusivity
Newmarket’s multi award-winning and 5-bubble rated The Spa Bedford Lodge Hotel, is thrilled to announce its 10-year anniversary this July 2023. For a decade, The Spa has been a sanctuary of tranquillity, providing unparalleled relaxation and rejuvenation experiences for both Suffolk locals and the wider county’s visitors.
Since opening in 2013, The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel has sought to set the standard for luxurious, and inclusive spa experiences, with the finest spa facilities in East Anglia. Nestled within the idyllic surroundings of the former Georgian hunting lodge of Bedford Lodge Hotel, The Spa has become a leading spa destination in the UK.
Guests can enjoy spa breaks, spa days and evenings; the seamless spa journey has something for the most discerning of guests, including 10 beautiful treatment rooms, with one couple’s suite, along with extensive spa facilities. These include the iconic hydrotherapy pool, relaxation room, steam room, sauna, dry flotation, experiential showers, and rooftop hot tub. There is particular importance placed on inclusivity at The Spa, ensuring a luxurious, pampering treatment menu for all guests, with Wellness for Cancer treatments available, as well as gold-standard treatments from ESPA and Jessica manicures & pedicures.
Over the past ten years, The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel has continuously evolved and expanded its offerings, staying at the forefront of wellness trends and innovations. From its extensive range of indulgent treatments to its state-of-the-art facilities, The Spa has consistently exceeded guests’ expectations, earning numerous awards (including Best Boutique Spa in the recent Boutique Hotelier Awards 2022) and becoming a destination of choice for those seeking ultimate relaxation.
How have spas changed in the last decade?
As The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel commemorates the milestone of ten years, Spa Manager Kate Lake, explains how the spa world has changed in the last decade;
“In the 10 years since The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel opened, the UK spa industry has undergone a remarkable transformation; responding to the changing demands and expectations of discerning spa lovers. As the world becomes more conscious of health, sustainability and self-care, spas have adapted to embrace organic and natural products, prioritising wellbeing, addressing menopause concerns, and also catering more to male clients. So much more than simply a beautiful destination to enjoy a steam and a massage, spas are now seen as a haven for holistic wellness and self-care.”
Going Green – Embracing Organic and Natural Products
“One significant trend that has emerged is the guest’s understanding and love of organic and natural products. Spa guests are now actively seeking natural, sustainable alternatives to what were the traditional spa products. They want to be informed about ingredient sourcing and educated on the product journey, showing a growing awareness of environmental impact and the desire to avoid unnecessary chemicals. At The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, we use ESPA products which is a natural, sustainable and ethically sourced, British brand.”
Prioritising Wellbeing
“In the wake of the global pandemic, self-care and wellbeing have really taken centre stage. What was once considered a luxury, such as massage, is now often viewed as an essential part of a selfcare routine. We find at The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, guests are budgeting for ongoing wellness experiences, with spa treatments being incorporated into their regular schedules, alongside gym memberships. A spa day is no longer solely about beauty and pampering, it has evolved into a holistic wellness experience, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul. We’ve seen this with our hugely popular Modern Alchemy packages (spa break from £660 per couple).”
Here Come the Gentlemen
“We’ve really welcomed the diversity of our spa clientele growing, with a notable increase in male guests! Initially they can be a bit unsure and apprehensive, but many of our male guests recognise the benefits of regular spa visits, to de-stress or to recover after exercise. We have a welcoming and inclusive environment, where everyone is welcome at The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel. For our male guests I highly recommend the MEN’S Personalised Facial, Shoulder, Neck and Scalp Massage (£97 for 60 minutes).”
Menopause Manifesto
“Acknowledging the unique needs and experiences of women, many spas have also addressed the topic of menopause. Recognising that menopause is an important stage in a woman’s life, the team at The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel have created The Mid-Week MenoPause Package (£140 per person) to suit those experiencing hormonal changes, such as symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It is estimated that there are currently 12 million women going through the menopause in the UK and it can be a time when women are often looking for more than just physical help – the emotional challenges can be very draining too, which is why a stress-relieving spa day can be helpful. We created the package so it can be tailored to the guest’s individual needs, as well as ease menopausal symptoms such as difficulty sleeping or fatigue.”