Darts Farm Wellness Spa, Topsham

Rosanna Rothery reveals how cossetting and convenience converge at Topsham’s foodie emporium

Darts Farm at Topsham has long been a one‑stop‑shop for the good things in life: handcrafted charcuterie, tomahawk steaks, local ciders and wines, handmade chocolate truffles, bathroom tiles and fabulous soft furnishings. Pop in for a litre of milk and you’re likely to leave with a tub of handcrafted gelato, a John Sankey armchair and a new pair of walking boots.

However, what’s less well known is how you can pair your shopping trip with the opportunity to slink off to Darts Farm Wellness Spa (at the rear of the building) for an hour or two of steamy bliss, a heavenly massage and infrared rejuvenation.

It’s not just convenient; it’s a genius example of time management to combine picking up your week’s fix of local produce with a cossetting spa experience.

Initial impressions of the spa are of a tranquil boutique space, complete with a Fired Earth palette of warming greens and creams, natural fabrics, elegant lighting and wooden panelling. So far, so hygge. The next discovery is just how exclusive it is. The infrared sauna and steam room are solely for the use of your party, so spa‑phobics can rejoice in not having to make awkward conversation with a bunch of near‑naked strangers.

Everything is immensely chilled out. A pink Himalayan salt wall and the warm glow of the infrared light in the sauna seep into your bones and senses, while the essential oils in the steam room coddle you in a warm and fragrant embrace.

Manager Kelly Twiggs and her team of therapists are experts in Elemis treatments, so the facials and massages tailored to each spa package guarantee stress‑busting, muscle‑kneading and skin‑nourishing benefits. This journalist (adept at tying her tendons in knots by sitting in a C shape) appreciated a personalised routine to relieve the big seize in her neck and shoulders.

Post‑massage, we recommend lazing around in the Lavender Relaxation Lounge: a soothing spot in which to be swaddled in a dressing gown, sip a From Trees herbal tea and nibble a Cow and Cacao truffle.

For a little extra, you could add a two‑course meal from The Wellness Menu at The Farm Table, which is vibrant with fermented benefits. Springy sourdough with marmite butter, coupled with a draught of kombucha can be followed by the likes of Brixham john dory with Darts cabbage kimchi, tea‑stained egg and seaweed. Your microbiome will love you for it.

The spa is also a lovely space for spending time with a group of friends. For a special occasion, we’d suggest forgoing gut health and hearty dishes in favour of the High Tea option in the Yard Restaurant.

It’s all the little touches at the Wellness Spa (caring therapists, personal changing closets, handcrafted tiles, a living moss wall and exclusive facilities) that lend it an elevated edge. By the time you find yourself whizzing around the Food Hall, your spirit will be lifted, your mood lighter, your limbs looser and your shopping basket bursting with goodies.

Need to know

Spa packages meet a variety of needs and budgets (starting from £75) and range from the exotic Awakening Ritual to the rejuvenating Relax and Renew.

There’s also a Polished and Pampered package for those who want a glow up, an Escape Ritual for Two and a Pregnancy Retreat.

Robes, slippers and fluffy towels are all provided and packages include use of the Infrared Sauna and Steam Room and the Lavender Relaxation Lounge.