Since my first visit to a spa in November, I have become a bit obsessed with spas. I didn’t realise just how much I would enjoy lying around, not doing much at all. I find that they are a great way to relax and recharge, especially when you have had a stressful few weeks. At the beginning of April, I was invited to The Club and Spa, Birmingham for their relaunch. After looking around, I just knew that I needed to spend an afternoon there.

The Club and Spa, Birmingham

Located in the bottom of the Cube which is behind Birmingham’s Mailbox, The Club and Spa has recently undergone a massive refurbishment. When I say massive, I mean that £500,000 has been spent on it, making it one of the best city centre spas in the Midlands! I went along to the relaunch, where I got a tour of the facilities and a complimentary shoulder massage. The spa manager, Jennifer invited me along to experience the facilities for myself. So, I decided to go on a Wednesday afternoon and have a bit of me time.

The spa facilities

At the spa, you get access to the vitality pool, two saunas, monsoon showers and a steam room. There is also a relaxation room which you can use with hanging pods and loungers. When you arrive at the spa, you are given a locker for the day. Inside this locker, you will find a robe, towel, a pair of flip flops and a bag. These are for you to use while you are at the spa and you are able to take the flip flops and bag home with you.

As part of my day at the spa, I was able to pick an hour’s treatment. There were a few to choose from, but I decided to go for the full body massage. As I suffer from chronic back pain, I was tempted just to go for a back massage. However, I thought that the full body massage would be a nice experience. I have been quite stressed recently, so I thought that I would probably be carrying a lot of tension around with me.

My massage was booked in for 1pm and I was advised to arrive at the spa half an hour before. One of the members of staff gave me my locker key and showed me through to the changing rooms where I got changed into my swimsuit and grabbed my robe, towel and flip flops. I then waited in the relaxation room until it was time for my appointment. My massage therapist was also called Hayley.

Full body massage

Hayley showed me to the treatment room and asked me if there were any areas that I would like her to focus on. I said my lower back and my shoulders, as that’s where I often feel pain. She also asked what sort of pressure I’d like and we decided on medium to firm. I was then asked to roll my swimsuit down to my hips and then get onto the bed while she left the room. To start with, I had to lie face down, underneath the towel.

As I had never had a full body massage before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that I would enjoy the back and shoulder part, but I wasn’t sure how I would feel having my legs and arms massaged. I needn’t have worried though, I loved every minute. As I was so tense in my shoulders (particularly my left) and my calves, it was painful at some points. However, overall, I found the whole experience to be very relaxing. In fact, I almost fell asleep as she was working on my back. I was jolted back to reality when she asked me to turn over onto my back.

Once the hour was up, I felt like it had gone by way too fast. I would love to experience a two hour massage. I came out of the treatment room feeling like I was floating. My body was so relaxed and the treatment really helped to clear my mind as well.

Elemis products

In the Club and Spa Birmingham, all of the products that they use are from Elemis. These are all available to purchase at reception if you decide that you want the spa experience at home. I really liked the Instant Refreshing Gel that was put on my back. I probably should have bought it afterwards so I could use it at home. It leaves such a great feeling and helps to soothe aching muscles. It’s the perfect product to use after a massage. I think that it would also be perfect to use after I’ve been for a swim. I go swimming quite often and my muscles often ache after.

The vitality pool

Once my massage had finished, I made sure to make the most of the rest of the facilities. I love reading and rarely find time to just sit and enjoy a good book. I took my kindle along with me, so I decided to sit by the pool and read for a bit while I still felt so good after the massage. After around half an hour of relaxing, I went into the vitality pool. The pool is fitted with an array of different jet. Some of which, you manually switch on if you want to use them. These jets are designed to give you a hydrotherapy experience. I had a bit of a swim in the pool, before getting out and heading back to the loungers.

Thermal areas

At The Club and Spa Birmingham, there are two saunas and one steam room. I made sure to spend a few minutes in each one to get the full experience. If you are going to be spending time in any of these, it is important that you keep hydrated. There’s a water fountain based outside the steam room to ensure you stay hydrated. So, you can help yourself to water as often as you need it. I only spent a couple of minutes in the steam room but was in the kelo sauna a bit longer.

I must admit, I did spend most of the four hours I was there sat by the pool reading. It was just such a relaxing environment and I enjoyed every minute. I think I will definitely have to go back in the next couple of months. It’s such a convenient location as it is right in the city centre and it’s so easy to get to.

I was invited to The Club and Spa Birmingham in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.