Is it just me... or does reaching your 30s, having a demanding full-time job and a busy London life to juggle, suddenly increase the fascination (read as: need) to book yourself into a fancy spa hotel and review a new yoga retreat on a bi-monthly basis?

I was thrilled when an invite from Foxhills (Surrey’s very own version of Champney’s Spa) landed in my inbox; it’s fair to say that my mind, body & soul was in dire need of a bit of rest and relaxation, and a lot of TLC.

Now, I’m going to be completely honest and say I’ve just had to google bi-monthly to see if it means twice a month it every other month... and apparently it means both?! Anyway, I highly recommend you treat yourself to some form of pampering and indulgence a minimum of once a month. At least! If I had my way I’d go every week.

On arrival at Foxhills my taxi took a turn off the main road, and wound its way up the long tree-lined drive, before pulling up outside of a impressive Manor House. I think you can tell what kind of hotel stay you are in for by the level of welcome and customer service you receive on arrival, Foxhills did not disappoint.

The interior of Foxhills Manor House reminded me very much of a blog press trip I took to Cornwall a couple of years back with Kia Motors, when we were test-driving the new Kia Stinger GT on open country lanes. We’d stayed at Bovey Castle, Devon and I can honestly say the spa experience at Foxhills was just as luxurious as Bovey!

A hotel’s setting and the surrounding gardens really make the difference between a 3 and 5-star rating.

After dropping our bags off with the concierge, we were invited to sit by the fire and have a hot drink, before being shown over to the Spa’s changing facilities and brand new yoga cabin in the woods.

Our trip itinerary was centred around wellness in every way. From the peace and tranquility of the yoga studio, with its views out onto the golf course and woodland areas, to the gentle soothing music that floated atop our Yoga instructors voice, guiding us through a series of dynamic flow poses before ending with meditation.

We broke for lunch, which has definitely got to be one of the best (read as: tasty and wholesome) hotel buffet lunches that I’ve ever eaten, before checking into our very spacious hotel rooms.

I’d taken one of my best friends, Heather with me, as my plus 1, and we were absolutely thrilled at the size of the hotel room, which overlooked one of Foxhill’s many outdoor pools. The complimentary bottle of red wine also went down a treat too!

For the second half of this afternoon, we were invited to take part in a restorative yoga session.

Again, in the sand gorgeous yoga cabin as before, but this time in a darker, more ambiently lit setting then before. I’d never practiced restorative yoga before and wasn’t quite sure what to expect... the only way I can described it is like a super-slowed down version of normal yoga, at a gentler pace, with much more focus on doing less poses, but holding them for longer periods of time. Heather and I were floating on a cloud after this! 

It was exactly what my weary mind and body needed. Oh man! I do miss going to regular yoga classes! And when you get a really good teacher + studio combo, you can feel the difference! I think that’s one of the reasons I’ve only ever been to one yoga class at my current PureGym, as it’s done in the same studio that I get proper sweaty in doing HIIT and weights classes in... and it’s not in the slightest got the sort of vibes that lends itself to feeling zen, no matter how good the teacher is!

What I loved about our short break at Foxhills was that we could enjoy the plentiful spa facilities (complete with outdoor jacuzzi and natural algae (chemical free) plunge pool) on both the day we checked in and out. I can’t remember the last time that I could lounge by a pool for hours on end, wearing a fluffy bath robe and a swimming costume, with my only cares in the world being: are you hydrated enough? Do you want a magazine to read? Steam room, swim or sauna next... mmm! It was utterly wonderful.

We also found out that Foxhills has a Hammam spa, so after booking in a number of spa treatments between the two of us (facials, massages, head massages, etc) we decided to finish up our spa trip with a traditionally influenced cleansing ritual, think: black soap, mud, and gorgeously scented oils and creams to whisk away any remaining worries or woes! It was fabulous! You can book a Hammam thermal treatment for around £35 for 2 people.

I feel slightly sad that we didn’t get to explore the grounds, due to the short duration of our visit, and the allure and warmth of the spa facilities on a cold autumn day... but from what I could see, and heard from the members who I chatted to whilst I was there, it’s a much-loved resort by golf fans locally.

A FANCY Dinner for two at Foxhills…

 For dinner we were invited to try The Fox dining rooms, which is the more sumptuous of the three restaurants on site, with the other being a much more casual golfers bar.

We dressed up in our pretty things and headed down to our table, which we were advised to reserve, as it can get very busy! They have a good wine selection and also a cocktail menu. I opted for an Old Fashioned and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was! For dinner, we went for a selection of sides, and steak. The portions are very generous! If you’ve not got a huge appetite, I’d highly recommend sharing a couple of sides between the two of you, alongside your main course.

One of the things that I would have loved to see The Fox dining rooms do is all up the romance factor a little. Perhaps making this lighting more low-key and adding some real candles to each of the tables, as it felt a bit bright. But I cannot fault the stunning wall mural or decoration elsewhere. It’s very well done.

Would I come back to Foxhills, Surrey? Yes! In a flash! Would I recommend it to friends? Definitely.

With so many unique and independent places to stay around the UK, I’m always hard pushed these days to just stick with any of the big name hotel & leisure brands that we already know. Particularly when places like this are on your doorstep and just a stone’s throw from a train station connecting you to London and onto other UK cities.

Interested in booking yourself into a yoga retreat at Foxhills?

The Foxhills County Club & Spa winter yoga retreat offer for 19th January 2020 is now officially available on their website, to book use the promo code (YOGARETREATLK) to get 10% off your booking.

Starting from £134 for members (£149 for visitors), you can up he luxury even more and add an overnight stay and breakfast (£190pp) for maximum relaxation.

To find out more or to book your place, email reservations@foxhills.co.uk or call 01932 872050

Yoga Retreat example itinerary 

9am-9.30am – Welcome and arrival smoothie.

9.30am-11am – Dynamic morning yoga practice

11.30am-12.30pm – Nutrition talk

12.30pm-2pm – Lunch

2.30pm-4pm – Restorative afternoon yoga practice.

4pm-8pm – Use of spa facilities

Enjoy! X
Photography: Lucie Kerley / Wildflower Blossom Studio

Foxhills Country Club, Golf Resort & Spa

Stonehill Rd, Ottershaw, Lyne, Chertsey KT16 0EL

Foxhills January Yoga Retreat Promo code: YOGARETREATLK