When I received an invitation to the re-launch of a luxury woodland retreat and spa in Northumberland I obviously jumped at the chance (and felt very lucky). The event was on Monday evening and I took along my lovely friend Sioban as my guest.

Harwood Health & Spa has had a full refurbishment and boasts a two bedroom self-catering apartment (I’m obsessed with the kitchen) and spa with sauna, jacuzzi and gym. Sounds too good to be true right? Well it’s as fabulous as it sounds… and guests who stay overnight (sleeps up to 4 people) at Harwood Health & Spa have full and exclusive use of the facilities for the duration of their stay, so no interruptions whatsoever. AMAZING. The drive from Newcastle to the edge of Harwood Forest in Northumberland is gorgeous too, long winding roads and beautiful views. I probably should have stopped to take photos to show you, but I didn’t. Sorry.

On arrival, champagne and canapés were being served – fancy – and I met the lovely team and we were also handed a goodie bag with some Espa samples in. Marion – who owns the retreat & spa and is also the principle therapist – gave a small speech at the start of the evening to welcome everyone to the retreat and told us all a bit about the place and the great team she has working there. The farm house was built in 1836 and the last 2 years have been spent converting the northern barn into the spa and private apartment. I love the decor style – just wait until you see the kitchen in the apartment – and it’s obvious that a lot of hard work and love has been put into refurbishing the place. It looks amazing.

Michelle from leading spa and skincare provider Espa was on hand to talk us through Espa’s background and products. Michelle was also offering Skin Vision Analysis to guests – obviously I was interested in this!

Sioban and I were booked in for taster treatments and both opted for a neck and shoulder massage which we both enjoyed very much. I went for the rejuvenating massage oil and Sioban went for the soothing oil (she was the designated driver and when Marion said ‘you’re not driving back are you?’ I was a tiny bit scared, I won’t lie. Ha ha). The treatment room is spacious and the combination of the dim lighting and the whiff of essential oils made me want to stay (forever).

Straight after our treatments we had our skin vision analysis session with Michelle from Espa (Michelle had the most amazing skin ever, by the way) who talked us through the technology and asked about our skin care routine. Then came the scary bit, Michelle hovered the lamp over my face while i lay back and held a mirror close to my face. The skin glows different colours depending on your skin type and clearly highlights if there are any issues with your skin. My skin was very good apparently (yesssss) but there was some purple under the eye (uh oh) which means I need to introduce an eye cream into my routine quick smart. I was really impressed with this technology to say the least.

Before we left we had a quick walk around the vast grounds, checked out the big tennis courts and saw guests partaking in clay pigeon shooting with gamekeeper Nathan!

Are you ready for some pictures? I thought so… 🙂

Marion and the team hosted a great event and the Retreat is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing, indulgent weekend away from the noise of the city… I’m visualising a weekend getaway with friends, or the hubby with a few Espa treatments thrown in for good measure!

Visit the website http://www.harwoodhealthspa.com to find out more and give the team a call if you fancy booking yourself in for some serious R&R. Bespoke packages are also available. If you decide to book up, I’d love to hear what you think!