Doubletree Hilton Spa at Hoole Hall in Chester is perfect way to share romance and relaxation this Valentine’s Day

Feb 11 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Flintshire Chronicle

At this romantic time of year BEN COULBECK discovers the perfect Valentine’s gift – one he gets to share.

Valentine’s Day is your chance to prove (again!) that you are everything your partner wants in a man. It’s an opportunity to show your love and make her feel special. It’s yet another moment when you can undo all previous good work by getting it wrong.

In my case, the second month of the year is also marked by the birthday of my girlfriend, Laura. Double the celebration, double the pressure – but double the Brownie Points for finding something we could enjoy together.

Luckily for a procrastinating male like myself, on the edge of Chester sits a building in which romance and relaxation are combined to perfection, and you don’t have to lift a finger. No pressure after all.

If having your skin rubbed gently with exfoliating and soothing warm mud and being pampered in your own private suite is what ladies are looking for, then look no further than the Doubletree Hilton Spa at Hoole Hall.

Boasting a full range of spa options, beauty treatments and luxurious facilities, we were spoilt for choice but I opted for the Spa couple’s package.

Having parted company to don our his and her’s robe and slippers, Laura and I met up again in the ‘wave room’ to be served champagne. With the gentle sounds of water echoing around the seductive dimly-lit room and ripples criss-crossing the ceiling, you’d be forgiven for having a quick nap.

But soon enough we were taken to our first treatment to the spa’s ‘Rasul’ or mudroom for those of us unfamiliar with such pleasures.

Left with a plate of various clays which, when mixed with water can turn you into a Glastonbury Festival goer in seconds, and a hot steam room and shower, the next 45 minutes are a mixture of mud, sweat but no tears. I’m not usually fussed about skin but Laura tells me that this treatment leaves you feeling completely refreshed and brand spanking new. Watch out for the steam pipes though.

Once dry, it’s time to take it down a pace and we are treated to a full body massage that is not just stress-relieving and almost hypnotic but quite simply amazing.

After what seems like a lifetime of gentle massage, it’s straight up the stairs to a private couple’s suite fitted with your own personal Jacuzzi, sauna and shower, with a view through one-way glass across the Chester countryside. Laura was in heaven and I got the feeling the afternoon was going down well.

After an hour to yourselves, it’s back to the ‘wave room’ for what turned out to be a satisfying healthy two-course meal and drinks. After lunch, the rest of the spa was ours to use at our leisure. With a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, various different steam rooms and an outdoor thermal pool on offer, we did just that.

The spa at Doubletree Hilton Chester isn’t just somewhere to unwind and forget about the stresses of life, it’s a tranquil haven for couples who want to share some quality time together. It just might get you in the good books too.

For further information about Doubletree Hilton Spa in Chester call 01244 408840 or visit www.theclubandspachester.co.uk