AD – this experience at Southampton Harbour Hotel HarSPA was complimentary in exchange for a review.
Last week we headed over to Southampton Harbour Hotel for a day of relaxation at HarSPA – and I think we can all agree that it was perfect timing! After returning from our Iceland trip and everything happening in the world at the moment, a day of pampering was exactly what we needed – and it was in such a beautiful setting. We always try to make sure we have a couple of relaxing spa days booked each year (or more if we’re feeling fancy!) as I really feel it is important to invest in some relaxing, stress-free time every now and then.
I’ve visited Southampton Harbour Hotel a few times for dinner, but this was our first time visiting the spa – I was excited to see what it was like. We were invited along to HarSPA for a bespoke Temple Spa Day package, including a new Temple Spa treatment each. Southampton Harbour Hotel is located in Ocean Village, overlooking the marina and with excellent views from every angle.
You’ll find the spa – named HarSPA – near the main entrance to the hotel, with a separate access for spa guests & members. As you enter you’re greeted by white walls, neutral colours, a relaxed atmosphere and a huge living moss wall.
Everything about the entrance had me feeling immediately relaxed and excited to see what the rest of the spa was like. It felt very luxurious and exclusive as we walked in, which made our day feel like even more of a treat.
Next to the entrance is a striking white spiral staircase up to the changing rooms, gym & treatment rooms – it’s a real standout piece of architecture and I love it! If you’ve visited the main hotel, you will have seen a similar spiral staircase in the entrance there.
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After a quick introduction and tour from the spa staff we headed up to the changing rooms. Lockers had been assigned to us and a robe, slippers & towel had been left inside – a nice touch that added to the luxury feel of HarSPA.
Inside the changing rooms is everything you’d expect to find, plus a few extra touches – Temple Spa toiletries in the showers, cotton buds & balls for touch ups and GHDs for when you’re finished in the pool area.
The pool area is well thought out, beautiful and feels quite exclusive – there is a small pool with a separate jacuzzi area at one end and large windows overlooking the marina. There are a few loungers if you prefer to read by the pool, and an outside decking area (weather permitting – it was raining on our visit!).
It’s also fully equipped with a sauna, steam room & showers next to the pool, giving you plenty to keep you entertained throughout your day at the spa. The pool area didn’t feel at all crowded, and there were only a few other guests on our visit, which was perfect.
Adjacent to the pool area is a relaxation room – serene & comfortable. With plenty of beds, blankets and refreshments, this was a great place to escape to in order to read a book – or have a nap!
After spending the morning swimming, relaxing and reading we headed to the HarSPA Cafe for our lunch – included in our spa day. I was very impressed by the lunch offerings – healthy, delicious & generous portions, which is something I often find spas can lack!
For lunch you are given a choice of protein – chicken, salmon or falafel, served with a side salad. You can then help yourself to the selection of freshly made salads on the bar – and you can go back up for more! There was plenty to choose from, and we definitely didn’t go hungry. An excellent lunch!
Served with a glass of prosecco to make our day that little bit more special.
A dessert was also included in our spa day, with a choice of pastries and cakes available. I opted for the courgette & avocado cake – because that must be healthy, right?! Tom chose a chocolate muffin.
It was a good way to finish our leisurely lunch.
Our treatments were both booked for after lunch, so after a few more minutes of reading we headed up the spiral staircase to wait for our treatments.
Southampton Harbour Hotel have partnered with Temple Spa to offer a lovely range of face & body treatments. Temple Spa is a luxury British skincare & body care brand, taking inspiration from Mediterranean ingredients and producing some beautiful products. At Southampton HarSPA you are able to book a range of Temple Spa facials, massages and body treatments – they all look fabulous.
I opted for the Temple Spa In Good Spirits Massage – 30 minutes of invigorating massage leaving you feeling fresh & revitalised. Glorious!
Tom chose a more relaxing Temple Spa Drift Away Massage – 30 minutes of massage using a dreamy blend of essential oils including lavender & patchouli. Soothing & tension relieving, perfect if you’re feeling a little stressed.
The treatment rooms are modern and simplistic, which I loved. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the beds are gently heated, which isn’t something I’ve experienced before!
My massage used the In Good Spirits energising massage oil with ginger, lemon & bergamot oils chosen to stimulate and refresh the skin. It had a delicate smell which I found lovely and relaxing.
The massage itself was wonderful, as expected! My therapist confirmed what kind of pressure I wanted beforehand (I opted for medium) and the massage techniques were firm and thorough. My muscles felt worked in the best way and all tension & stress left my body.
It was lovely – I definitely could have laid there for another 30 minutes.
After our massages we were free to return to the pool area, where we spent a little while rehydrating & reading.
We had a very enjoyable day at Southampton HarSPA and I can’t wait to head back for another treatment – the facials all sound incredible. It’s a small, exclusive-feeling spa with excellent facilities and I absolutely love the marina location.
When the time is right and we can all return to normal, I would definitely recommend booking a spa day at Southampton Harbour Hotel – we’ll all be in need of some relaxation, that’s for sure!
Head over to their website and browse the spa days and treatments available.
Thank you to HarSPA for having us – we had a lovely day.
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Okay, so this sounds DELIGHTFUL! The second we get out of lockdown I know where I’m heading…
Becca / becc4 blog