I recently had the absolute delight of visiting∗ the newly opened Monart Spa in Poundbury Dorchester, to indulge in one of their signature luxury Spa days.
Still glowing from the light of that beautiful day and enthused by the New Year, I want to share with you my wonderful experience.
2020 has arrived with a bang, bringing us from one decade into another, hot on the tails of a whirlwind of promises and resolutions. We all know very few of these will last into the spring, but one resolution I am hopeful of keeping this year is to take better care of myself, #selfacare you might say. And what says selfceare better than a luxury spa day?
Monart Spa is a luxury 5 star spa located in the Royal Pavillion, considered to be the “jewel in the crown” of Poundbury. The Spa was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in November.
It’s an imposing and elegant building at the heart of the community built from local Portland stone, which sparkled and looked resplendent in the winter sunlight on the day I was lucky enough to visit.
Come in and have a look around. See for yourself why selfceare starts here at the beautiful Monart Spa, and why it absolutely must be at the top of your “to visit” list in 2020.
On arrival we were greeted by the lovely team and shown to the Spa lounge, where we were offered complimentary drinks and had an opportunity to meet other local bloggers and journalists attending the Spa day.
After our tea and introduction we set off on a guided tour of the Spa, hosted by Jo, the absolutely delightful Spa manager.
First up on our expedition, the luxurious changing rooms.
On this early leg of the tour I was growing suspicious that this place might just be heaven, and my suspicions were quickly confirmed. The interior is a dream; gold, shades of blue and turquoise green adorn the room, velvet soft furnishings welcome you to sit down, relax and indulge yourself.
Facilities are second to none. Your every need has been catered for. Dyson Hairdryers, straightening irons, Penovia shower products and bathrobes, oh the bathrobes. Can we just take a moment to appreciate these robes. If clouds have a texture, I’m confident it would feel exactly like this.
Also, top marks to this luxury Spa for providing robes that actually fit. As a larger lady I have had the embarrassment of having to ask for a ‘bigger’ robes at far too many Spas. But not at Monart, here the robe wrapped around me like the warmest and softest hug. A small detail that has a big impact on your experience.
We were given a choice of individual lockers, which are convenitently secured with an electronic wristband. Easy to master and no need for a cumbersome pound coin. Slippers and the famous robes are provided. You are also given an ingenious little “spa bag” for the day.
Someone certainly had their “thinking cap” on when they dreamed up this idea. It is unique to this Spa and a stroke of genius. A place to carry your essentials with you on your spa day; a good book, spare towels, your phone (if you wish but really, why bother?) and anything else you so desire. It is also every so cleverly numbered, so should you forget your locker number, you have a nifty reminder. See, genius.
We spent a while indulging in the splendour of the changing rooms and were then gently ushered by our wonderful host through the Spa, passing by the exquisite Margaret Dabs nail salon, on to the Light relaxation room.
Here we had a choice of beds where we could set up camp for the day. Your bed if for your own personal and exclusive use, you can choose whichever you like. A place to read, sleep, dream; it’s yours and your alone for the duration of your stay.
The light relaxation room is a haven of tranquility. Soft daylight streams through the large Georgian windows and architectural ingenuity is fused with imaginative interior design.
The pods are a particularly interesting design feature, and surprisingly comfortable.
Your every need is catered for with wellbeing for the body and mind at the forefront. Detox tea is available all day as is PH balanced water and fresh fruit. You are encouraged to hydrate through your Spa day journey to increase the effects of the treatments and relaxation experience.
We continued our Spa tour towards the very heart of the Spa; the Thermal Suite.
The thermal suite at Monart Spa is based on ancient heating and cooling rituals. It comprises a 10m hydrotherapy pool and eight thermal experiences; Suana, Aroma Steam Room, Sanarium, Caladium, a Salt Grotto containing a pink Himalayan salt wall, an Infra-red therapy room, and 4 experience showers. If you are brave enough, there is also the Polaris Ice Bath!
Jo discussed the health benefits of each of the treatments and explained how best to enjoy and gain the most by combining the experiences and in which order.
Here is some detail about each taken from the Monart Spa webpage
SAUNA
When taking a sauna you feel the beneficial environment all around you. Heated to approx. 80 degrees, Sauna heat is wonderful at penetrating deep into the muscle and joint tissue to help alleviate stress. It promotes skin exfoliation and tissue toning as well as aiding circulation.
AROMA STEAM ROOM
Steam is water in its most active form. It has been used as a form of therapy since ancient times. Our luxurious steam room is heated to 47 degrees. Easy to breath in, this eucalyptus infused hot vapour will benefit lungs, cleanse the skin by opening pores and at the same time reduce stress and increase overall wellbeing. You will experience great mental relaxation and leave feeling refreshed.
INFRARED PRO ROOM
Our multi-award winning Infra-Red Pro room is ideal for anyone with lower or upper back strain. Enter the pre-heated cabin and take a seat in one of the four beautifully designed body sensor chairs. The in-built sensors scan your body determining the intensity of infra-red heat required to penetrate deep into your back muscles and spinal column for a 20 minute treatment. This infra-red penetrating heat offers great relief to anyone with muscle tension in the back region and also has an invigorating effect on metabolism.
CALDARIUM
Based on ancient roman principles this cabin provides heated benches and floors through internal thermal water flow creating a dry, warm and relaxing environment. The gentle heat infused with relaxing aromas helps to ease stress, tension, aches and pains. Guests can spend time here reading, contemplating and de-stressing.
EXPERIENCE SHOWERS
Our thermal suite has four experience showers. Two of which offer unique pre-programmed options. Featuring different water temperature, pressure, light, sound and scent. Choose from the following four programmes: Highland Mist, Bermuda Shower, Isles of Scilly and Polynesian Rain.
POLARIS ICE FOUNTAIN
Fine granular ice flakes are produced to allow you to cool your core body temperature after utilising any thermal room. The use of ice flakes helps stimulate circulation, close skin pores and provides an invigorating experience.
SANARIUM
The sanarium provides a sauna type heat at 60 degrees but is infused with moisture. The slight moisture infusion means guests can enjoy the experience for a longer time. The fiber optic starry sky mood lighting provides a wonderful area for relaxation.
The heat and moisture deeply penetrate tense muscles and joints and improve circulation.
HIMALAYAN SALT GROTTO
Introducing award winning micro salt diffusion technology our exquisitely designed salt grotto features a wall of pink Himalayan salt blocks which creates a unique oasis of wellbeing. The grotto combines heat and micro-ionised salt particulates to aid breathing and the immune system, easing respiratory difficulties as well as revitalising your skin.
HYDROTHERAPY POOL
A perfectly relaxing environment. Multiple hydrotherapy jets provide neck, shoulders, upper back and lower body massage. While primarily a therapeutic pool, space is also available for a casual swim.
With our tour concluded we were then encouraged to get into our cosies and enjoy our Spa experience.
There was a stampede back to the changing room but in a few moments we were all in our own bubble, enjoying the magic of this beautiful 5 star luxury spa.
The day floated by in a serene haze. I was utterly immersed.
It was then time for my treatment. I was met by my therapist back at my bed in the Light Relaxation room and we headed downstairs to the beautiful treatment rooms.
Here my therapist explained the Pevonia Lumafirm® Lift and Glow Facial and Eye Treatment I would be experiencing. This is a wonderfully indulgent but effective facial and eye treatment, lasting a blissful 115 minutes!
The Lumafirm® Lift and Glow Facial and Eye Treatment is described as:
Redefining radiance and facial contouring, this exclusively formulated treatment is designed to deliver instant results and cumulative skincare benefits. Ideal for any skin type showing signs of aging, or as the perfect instant repair boost when you want to look your absolute best. Proven to perform, this facial renders your skin ultra-luminous with a firmer, tighter, and more youthfully defined appearance.
Here’s little more about the Penovia luxury brand, if, like me you are new to it:
Pevonia offers a complete line of spa products containing the finest natural marine and botanical ingredients, combined with technologically advanced formulas and treatments that deliver highly visible results
The most powerful ingredients in skincare come from the safest source – nature. For over two decades, Pevonia has been the leader in delivering natural skincare solutions to the finest spas and professional aestheticians worldwide.
Experience Pevonia spa treatments for optimum de-aging and unparalleled rejuvenation. Pevonia professional spa treatments unite the finest natural botanical & marine ingredients with advanced technology and delivery systems to ensure the products reach the deepest layers
of the skin for maximum absorbency and truly phenomenal results.
Protecting the earth and maintaining an affinity with nature and its precious resources is an integral part of Pevonia’s philosophy. Cruelty-free and post-consumer recyclable/reusable packaging further affirms our fervent commitment.
My treatment started with a foot bathing ritual and I was quickly relaxed whilst my therapist set about her magical work. I emerged 115 minutes later feeling a sense of calm and relaxation that seemed to penetrate deep into my bones. I was shown to the dark relaxation room where you are encouraged to sit a while and continue to relax and bathe in the afterglow of these indulgent and wonderfully effective treatments.
My skin was positively glowing. This was one of the loveliest facials I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The product range is heavenly, the textures, scent and results are beautiful.
After our treatments we reconvened in the Spa lounge. An inspiring and bright space as charming and beautiful as the rest of the spa. Elegant but comfortable , regal yet welcoming.
Here we were served a locally sourced lunch. Ingredients are well considered for their health and wellbeing benefits. Produce is found locally to support local business, but equal consideration is given to the environmental impact of sourcing food, so every effort is made to keep the carbon foot print low.
Our lunch was delicious light and nutritious. We also enjoyed a delightful glass of local sparkling wine from the Langham Estate.
The day continued in much the same beautiful and relaxed style as it had started. It’s amazing how you can feel exhausted and entirely rested all at the same time. I savoured every moment.
After a truly magnificent day of indulgence and pure luxury, it was time to say goodnight to this beautiful space.
As well as a delightful glow to my skin thanks to the beautiful Penovia facial, I left with a new found appreciation for the meaning of ‘Luxury Spa day’ and a commitment to continuing my selfcare journey.
If you can promise yourself one thing in 2020, it must be to take care of yourself. The rest will all fall into place. I can think of no better place to start that promise than right here at the beautiful Monart Spa in Poundbury. It will be the best promise you make, and keep, to yourself.
I will certainly be returning to this little slice of heaven right here in Dorset as soon as I possibly can.
∗Thank you Monart Spa for this gifted experience
3 Comments
Thank you for this full and reflective review. It looks stunning but also considered and conscious of making the experience memorable. I clicked through as was pleasantly surprised at the reason cost of a slice of “heaven” I am keen to visit.
Okay I need to go. Beautiful beautiful beautiful x
Honestly, I can’t recommend it enough. It is a beautiful place, so relaxing and right here on our dorset! Treat yourself, you’ll love it x