I’ve just completed the London Marathon, after months of careful training to get my fitness up. And now I’m in a familiar world of pain. I could do with a massage, a facial, a manicure and definitely a pedicure when my poor feet have recovered enough to hobble from the car to the kerb.
And I know just the place I’ll be heading – the fabulous Derwent hotel in Torquay where we host some of our weekends. Their Aztec Spa has the most brilliant range of treatments, from Elemis facials and Swedish massages to hot stone treatment and Indian head massage. Just the job for an exhausted runner. And of course there’s their amazing Fire and Ice multi sensory thermal suite.
Oh and I need a weekend of fun and laughter with my girlfriends too so I think a girly spa weekend is very much on the cards. Talking of which ……
Girly spa weekends are an area of the business which we’re working on. It dawned on us that our party weekends in Torquay would provide a gang of girls of all ages with everything they need. Built in party atmosphere, plenty of time to chill or have some fun in the fast lane. And at a very good value price too. Most of us are now budgeting very carefully so the all inclusive price for two nights’ accommodation with live entertainment and meals takes the uncertainty out of the sums. With everyone under one roof, late birds can dance the night away, while anyone with a cracking book on the go, can turn in early without spoiling the party.
A girly weekend away can be a real challenge for the organiser, who has to juggle budgets, ages and expectations. Our spa weekends are all organised for you plus we can add anything you and your gang fancy doing. With the fantastic range of things to do here in Torquay, we set about thinking of ten great spa weekend ideas for girls (of all ages) on tour.
I love lists so here we go then. I defy you not to find something that would appeal to your gang, whether they’re 18 or up to 118.
Splash – Torquay is situated in one of the world’s most beautiful bays, and inevitably there are a multitude of sports on, above or under the water to enjoy. Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing watersport in the world and Torquay is helping to lead the way on all this. It might look easy standing on a plank with a paddle, but there’s a lot more to it. Ever thought of jumping off a cliff? Coasteering is just the best fun going. If donning a wetsuit isn’t your thing, you can be more sedate and take a ferry across the Bay to Brixham, a very picturesque fishing port. Oh and there are some great fish and chippies around the harbourside there.
Girly Grub – our girly spa weekends include meals but if you’ve never tried a Devon cream tea, this could be the excuse you’ve been waiting for. There are plenty of harbourside cafes where you can enjoy this calorie laden treat. Or enjoy one in your hotel in the Aztec Bistro with a glass of bubbles. Don’t forget, it’s cream first on the scones. That’s the Devon way.
Murder Mystery – Agatha Christie is the world’s best-selling author – only the bible has outsold her – and you can follow in her footsteps, visiting sights around the Bay that inspired her fiendish plots. She was born and grew up here, even roller skating on the pier and swimming at Beacon Cove. Visit her holiday home Greenway overlooking the River Dart or get in the mood with a nostalgic trip on the steam train. Poirot and Marple fans won’t need any persuading.
Shop like a Pro – one of life’s essentials is a good mooch around the shops. We recommend Exeter for a typical city centre shopping sesh with plenty of great eateries in a compact area. The train from Torquay station takes you right into the middle of the city so it’s peasy when you’re lugging all your new treasures back. Totnes too is well worth a visit with its variety of independent quirky shops, buskers and markets.
High Wire Act – ever tried zip trekking, segway riding or a treetop challenge. Adrenaline junkies will love all these adventures on offer in Haldon Forest.
Walking – nothing beats fresh air and we have plenty of that here. Take a stroll along the prom, the pier or have a paddle and you will quickly blow away all those cobwebs. There are some beautiful parks and cliff walks too to suit all ages and abilities. Just the thing for a fuzzy head too – just in case you should have a hangover……
Go-karts – go on, you know you want to. Find the racing driver inside you and get yourself on the grid.
Festivals – throughout the year, Tor Bay hosts a variety of amazing festivals, celebrates pirates, walks, music, beer, sailing, seafood and of course Agatha Christie. There is always something on!
Fire and Ice – it’s the Derwent Hotel’s fabulous new multi sensory thermal suite and it’s just a quick nip downstairs from your hotel bedroom.
Pier pressure – nearby Paignton has a fantastic pier that ticks all the traditional pier boxes – arcades, fun games, ice cream, candy floss, telescopes, and of course plenty of fresh air. Be a grockle (that’s what we call tourists here) for an hour or so on the slots with a bag of chips.
Escape rooms – if you haven’t tried one out yet, maybe it’s time to give it a twirl. And nothing is more fun than trying something new with your mates. Guaranteed to give your brain a bit of a workout.
Whatever your perfect weekend escape, we’ve got it covered.
