posted by Sheenie on Clarins, In Praise Of..., Jessica, Nails, Nails of the Day, Spa

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Last weekend was amazing. I know you will all agree with the sunshine we had but for me, it was extra special for a different reason. Why? Well I met my friend Rhian from Pretty Green Eyes for a spa weekend…and it wasn’t just any old spa but at the luxurious Vale Resort.

Rhian has long told me about this spa which is she is lucky to be living 5 minutes from.  It’s Wales’ largest spa, is set in over 650 acres of breathtaking Welsh countryside and is a stone’s throw from Cardiff.

We showed up bright and early on Saturday morning to take full advantage of the spa facilities, which I was personally yearning for from a hectic week at work and surviving on six hours of sleep from the night before.

The Vale takes a holistic approach in creating a peaceful and calming ambiance and there certainly is real attention to detail with the lighting and décor.

Equipped with 19 treatment rooms, there are three zones where you can float away in – the Indian inspired tented slumber lounge, the therapeutic water zone with warm water beds and the scented, rebalancing chromotherapy area.  If you are unable to drift off then there are wonderful sofas to curl up on and read a book or a magazine in the relaxation room.

Choosing treatments is tough when they all sound divine but after much deliberation I settled for a Sensorial Candle Massage (£60 for 55 minutes) and a Jessica Grooming Manicure (£5 for 25 minutes).

My appointments weren’t till after lunch so I took the opportunity to spend the morning indulging in the steam room, the enormous Jacuzzi, going for a swim and the best thing, a snooze session in the chromotherapy room. Poor Rhian had wondered where I had disappeared to as I slid under the duvet for a nap, under the fancy mood lighting.

I’m telling you every spa should have rooms to snooze in.  They are amazing especially after a treatment.  And yes, I had another nap, this time after my massage. I should add my treatment did not involve hot wax being poured on me.  Instead my legs, arms, hands, soles of my feet, shoulders and back were gently massaged while fragrant burning candles filled the room. Total bliss!

So after all this pampering, when did I  manage to leave the spa? Almost nine hours later and oh Lordy, I’d love to go back and do it all again. Beautiful surroundings, remarkable facilities and superb beauty therapists, escaping to the Vale was just the fix I needed. I suggest you give it a try if you get the chance.

To find out more about the Vale Resort and the facilities it offers, visit www.vale-hotel.com.  There are often packages and good deals available so check their site.

My stay at the Vale Resort is not a sponsored post but paid for by myself. (All images above courtesy of The Vale.)

I had such a great time in Wales, I thought I’d share a few of my pictures from the weekend with one or two for your amusement…