Away Day

After all the complaints on last year's Away Day, this year we had choices on what we would like to do on the day. The choices include Golf, Multi-activities, Polo and the Spa. I was torn between choosing the Polo or the Spa. I mean it's not very often that you get to learn how to play Polo (to just rent a horse will probably burn a hole in my pockets!) but in the end, I opted for the lazy option of relaxing at the Spa.

We travelled to Sunningdale (which is nearby to Ascott and since it's the Ascott weekend, there were numerous ladies in their dresses and hats travelling to Ascott... I was supposed to go but that's another story...) Anyway, the Spa that they booked for us was supposed to be officially awarded the UK's Most Excellent Spa!

The Spa Resort grounds which is also a hotel at the Pennyhill Park. Feels like I've turned back time and stepped into the 18th century British aristocrats world!

Quaint little cottages with green lush to help you relax, cosset your soul and lift your spirits. I guess it's a nice change to be in the countryside on a weekday instead of working! The air definitely feels a lot fresher and cleaner...

They have two large swimming pools, one indoor and another heated pool outside. The indoor pool even have underwater music to give you the ultimate mental and physical workout!

The hydro pool complete with jacuzzi treatment using water therapeutically to aid relaxation and for a water massage experience.

The Tepidarium which is supposed to be a warm relaxation room, designed for you to while away the hours on the gently heated ceramic couches, which are shaped to the contours of your body. It sounds better than it really is because after 20 mins on the chair, my back felt sore because the chairs were hard! Had to go for a massage on the massage chairs to relieve the sore back in the end...

Heehee... secretly took a picture in the ladies changing room when no one is looking. If only I have a house with such a nice and large toilet! hehehe...

One of the many saunas and steam rooms available at the Spa. The Aromatic Grotto Steam Room operate at a high temperature to allow perspiration and relaxation which supposedly has a therapeutic effect on the hair and skin. It also stimulates detoxification. Then there is also the Herbal Sauna with a herbal oven dispensing steam with three different essences for purification of the body.

And after the high temperature (you should only do it for a maximum of 20 mins!), you should bring your temperature back down by going into the above Ice Cave. By rubbing the body with fresh crushed ice from the ice fountain or against the ice walls, the circulation is stimulated and the body cooled. Alternatively, you can jump into the Plunge Pool to close up those pores and cleanse the body. The Plunge Pool was absolutely freezing! Brrrrr....

I like this, the Reflexology Thrones - these warmed ceramic thrones are designed for relaxation while your feet are gently massaged by jets and pebbles in a warm pool of water. Especially good for those who always wear high heels!

And to complete the Spa, we were offered two treatments! I got a tonic facial and head massage... hehe... I only took a picture of the room after the lady left the room. Didn't want to look so "sua gu"... hehehe... but it was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep during the massage!


And I also got a pedicure! Hehehehe... pink little toes... especially now that summer is coming and everyone is wearing flip flops...

At the end of the Spa day, everyone else from other activities came together for a barbeque dinner before we headed back to London. I must say for once, I really did enjoy the Away Day! (Last year, we went to Brighton and did various water sports... the next day I could barely move after the strenuous exercise!) But, next year I'll probably go for the Polo. It really did look very fun and everyone who went for that said that it was absolutely fantastic. Well, at least I'm being pampered for the day... so I can't complain much! :)