Glass House Retreat Essex – Couples Night Away Review

If you are looking for a retreat rather than a traditional spa day in Essex, then you’ve probably come across the Glass House, when searching online. Feeling the normal January sluggishness, myself and my husband wanted to book a night away together that was enjoyable, but when searching for luxury spas in Essex online, we also wanted to find one that had some extra health offerings that we could experience too.

Normally when looking for a spa night away together as a couple in Essex, my search criteria focuses on a decent sized swimming pool, lux bedrooms and good spa facilities we can use. So this time we wanted to have all these, plus some extra health and wellness treatments we could try. The place that came up time and time again was the Glasshouse in Essex, which was great as its only around an hours drive from us in Suffolk.

So, we booked one of their retreat night away packages with dinner and a treatment included and here’s what we thought.

What’s the Glass House Spa Retreat Like in Essex?

The spa is in Bulphan Essex and on arrival its clear straight off, this is a modern spa offering rather than a traditional country club or golf club add on. The building is sleek and modern and you walk straight into a monochrome contemporary styled calming reception. We were warmly welcomed by the staff and given a printed itinerary for our stay. When booking there’s a few different options and I chose a 55 minute illuminating facial as my treatment and then we paid a little bit extra to upgrade my husbands so he could have a massage instead. The package then also covers a nights stay with dinner and breakfast. We were also very intrigued to try out Cryotherapy, so booked a joint session of that too.

The bedrooms are nice – not overly luxurious but designed to feel contemporary and fresh, with plenty of space. So onto the spa. Although we’d also wanted to experience some extra health treatments, the poolside and spa relaxation areas are still important to me. Overall I’d rate it highly. The pool was on the smaller side, BUT it had comfy loungers and wasn’t busy as there are so many other spaces to relax. We went on a grey and frosty January Monday so we didn’t sit outside, but once it warms and brightens up, it looks a lovely space to relax in. There’s also a relaxation lounge with big plush sofas and also an indoor and outdoor sauna.

After a while relaxing, we were booked into have our Cryotherapy so we nervously headed down to the chamber! Now in all honesty, I booked this more for my husband than myself as I hate the cold and am constantly under a blanket at home, But I’m pleased to say I was very pleasantly surprised.

Here’s what to expect having Cryotherapy

We went into a small room with what looked like two giant shower cubicles or wine fridges. We were wearing only our swimwear and the first thing the therapist went through with us, was that we needed to be completely dry (Including our hair) Which they do also let you know at check in and then also checked that we didn’t have anything metal on us.

She then explained the process – we would go one at a time, starting in the first cryo chamber to acclimatize for a couple of minutes and then you push the door through to the second part of the Life Cube Chamber that’s -110degrees! You wear crocs, head band and facemask and despite my apprehension, I actually found it a thrilling experience. You pick a song to have playing as you are in there and the time went quicker than I thought it would. It feels crazy watching the hairs on your body frost up and I felt tingly as I marched on the spot trying to distract myself from the chill.

I can see why people book multiple sessions, as after just one go I came out feeling full of energy and clearer headed, similar to that post gym feeling, but without the aches and tiredness.

As well as the sessions and treatments you book, there’s also the option to join in the different classes and daily activities when you stay at the Glass House retreat. As we had a lot already arranged, the only thing I managed to add on, was watching a food demo, which was good, but another time, I’d factor some of these in too, as they looked a great way to sample something else new.

We then both had our booked in treatments and my facial was great. Lots of lovely products to plump up my tired (and neglected skin) so I was happy. The only difference to other facials, was that it was done on a water bed. Once I’d managed to get on, it was very comfy, similar to the feeling of floating on a lilo in a swimming pool. BUT the getting on was another story! I’m very glad you do that bit on your own, as it took me a while and then I had to jiggle about to reposition the water and nearly fell off! After our treatments we relaxed in the lounge with our books for a bit and then went up to our room to get changed for dinner.

We knew in advance that dinner would be different to a normal one we’d have on a night away, as it was completely plant based and they also don’t have a bar or separate dining room for dinner. Its a pretty casual affair with all the meals served in the cafe that overlooks the gardens. Its a nice light and airy space, but not one to get dressed up for, or linger over pre or post dinner drinks. In fact drink are non alcoholic too. The dinner was good, we had to pre order our choice before we arrived and although a lot less than we’d probably normally consume on a night away, it was a nice feeling going up to bed not having over indulged. In the morning, we then went back to the cafe for breakfast. I had the pancakes that were good, although not as sweet or fluffy as I would have liked, probably because they were so wholesome. A perk of your overnight stay also means you have use of the facilities for the following day too.

Despite the misty, frosty morning, we thought we’d explore the outdoors. There was one facility in particular, that had intrigued me above all else when looking at The Glass House online and that was the natural swimming pond. I’ve been reading a lot recently about all the benefits of cold water swimming, but I wouldn’t know where to start, or even where to go. So, a small space with naturally cleaned fresh water in (and a nearby hotub!) sounded ideal. It took me quite a lot of coaxing to get in and I lasted only about a minute. Walking down the freezing cold steps was probably the hardest bit! but once out I felt fantastic and the feeling of clarity and boost of energy lasted all morning. It’s definitely made me want to try it again. You can see my attempt to get in over on my Suffolk Mum Instagram too.

Overall we loved our stay at the Glasshouse. Its not one I’d go to, in a big group looking to celebrate with a fun night as well as a spa, but for a night away to relax and recharge, it was was perfect. with the added bonus of trying out new treatments and experiences that made us feel great.