Walking up the red carpet and through the doors of Kettering Hotel and Spa into the traditional country house-style foyer, you’ll be embraced by an immediate wave of zen. Unassumingly tucked within an industrial estate (that doesn’t exactly scream luxurious getaway, I might add), the feeling comes as a pleasant surprise. Everyone’s shoulders here hang a little lower and their voices carry a little softer. One thing is clear within minutes of entering: you’re going to be well looked after here.
With a 13-metre-long pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and four treatment rooms, the sensory overload of the city quickly evaporates. The spa corner of the hotel is set beneath a bright ceiling with blonde wood beams and a soundtrack of ambient music playing is playing in the background. Around the pool are alcoves fitted with cushioned loungers where you can easily stretch out with a book for hours on end. If you fancy a hot choc, herbal tea, a glass of fizz or even a pint while you bathe, just ask and you shall receive. There’s also a small adjoining gym and class studio, if you’re that way inclined.
As the facilities went, they were pretty bog-standard. But your biggest struggle here will be choosing what spa experience to indulge in. There are 17 different rituals, scrubs, peels and massages on offer, as well as ‘finishing touches’ in the form of nail and wax treatments. I opted for the Temple Spa Glorious Mud treatment and spent 50 blissful minutes being exfoliated, moisturised and cocooned in warm, mineral rich mud, all topped off with a gorgeous scalp massage.