Abi Manning seeks total alignment on a spa break at Budock Vean on the Helford River
What’s the word you’d use to describe the level of bliss reached after a spa treatment? Tranquility? Relaxation? Peace? For me, it’s alignment – for its description of the shift from chaos to calm.
Arriving hot off the Easter-holiday-hectic A39 and straight into a midday treatment had me feeling about as far as one can get from alignment. So the 90-minute Gaia Calming Journey, described as a ‘tranquil experience to offer complete relaxation and peace within’, had some serious work to do.
Anyone who has experienced a Gaia treatment at one of its spas, or dabbled in its swoony skincare products, knows the brand is associated with quality, luxury and sustainability. Expectations were high.
Self-care mode: activated
The odyssey to alignment began in a soothingly airy waiting area, where a feasting table of Gaia testers titillates the senses and heightens anticipation.
The Calming Journey opened with a gentle foot bath and scrub, which eased accelerator-weary soles. Then, my favourite part: a blind sniff-test of various Gaia potions. The scented oil you’re most drawn to is used by your therapist during the treatment. Usually leaning towards citrusy or spicy points on the scent spectrum, I was surprised to be especially soothed by the Calming Blend of chamomile, clary sage and orange blossom in olive and almond base oils. Clearly, I was craving restful self-care instead of energetic revitalisation.
After inhaling a few deep breaths of the warmed oil, the journey progressed to a soothing full-body massage which dissolved all tension. It was followed by an indian head massage that included a facial cleanse and tone. In addition to inducing the kind of influencer-style glassy glow that’s impossible to replicate at home, it drew me into that drowsy space just before sleep, where the mind empties of the pressures of everyday life. A gentle turning of my head awoke me from my almost-slumber, ready for a spine-tingling scalp kneading.
Balm for the soul
Alongside the Gaia treatments, facilities at Budock Vean include a 15-metre indoor pool, a huge Aspen-wood Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot tub overlooking subtropical gardens. It’s a serene space in which to relish ‘me time’ by swimming lazy lengths, sizzling your cares away and bubbling your way to bliss.
The grounds deserve special mention as the hotel and spa are situated in a knockout location right beside the Helford River. It’s worth making time during your visit to explore: play a round on the scenic parkland course, head to the river for a boat cruise, or go kayaking or paddleboarding. There are also tennis courts, extensive woodlands, valley gardens, ponds and a private foreshore, while the paradise of Trebah Garden is just next door.
Do not disturb
Full alignment on a spa break is only partially achieved by a top-notch treatment; the experience is complete when you add luxurious digs and nourishing dining and drinks.
Take your pick from well-appointed hotel rooms (our suite overlooking the golf course and spa was delightful), lodges and cottages, all of which provide access to the spa, golf course and leisure facilities.
Dining options include afternoon teas, relaxed terrace dining and dinners packed with produce from the Cornish coast. And make sure you arrive at the bar with time to spare before your reservation to make the most of the seasonal cocktail menu: the Pineapple Margarita is a sweet standout.
