April launch for Macdonald Berystede spa

Macdonald Berystede Hotel in Ascot, UK, will launch the new Vital Spa and Leisure Club in April as part of its £10m (US$17.3m, 14.6m euro) redevelopment programme.

The Vital Spa will boast six treatment rooms offering rejuvenating facials, body programmes combining oriental massages with aromatic balms, hot stone therapy and a velvet body polish featuring aromatherapy-based Decléor products from Paris.

Facilities in the Leisure Club will include an 18m indoor swimming pool, an infrared sauna, a rock sauna, an aromatic steamroom, a salt infusion and cold room and a 150sq m (1,600sq ft) fitness suite equipped with Technogym’s Excite range.

A new rooftop terrace for the Hyperion restaurant, a function suite for up to 350 guests, upgraded bedrooms and the complete refurbishment of all lounges and bars are also planned as part of the redevelopment.

Thompson McLeod and Street Design planned the spa development and Alba Pools provided the spa facilities.

Regional sales manager Mathew Turvey said: “The Vital Health and Beauty Spa will bring the hotel’s facilities to a standard comparable to and in some cases better than our local competitors. More and more hotel guests are now realising the importance of daily relaxation both at home and while on business. The spa will also provide a club environment for local residents wishing to enjoy up-to-date facilities and relaxation in a peaceful setting.”

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts expects to see a return on its investment within the next five years.

In 2005 Macdonald Hotels committed £150m (US$260m, 219m euro) to a redevelopment programme across the group, including the development and refurbishment of a number of spas including The Macdonald Berystede Hotel, The Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa and The Macdonald Bath Spa.

The Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick has recently reopened following a £13.5m refurbishment of all 83 bedrooms and public areas, and the addition of a Vital Spa & Leisure Club.

The hotel’s new spa and leisure facilities feature a traditional rock sauna, a bio sauna, two steamrooms, a fitness suite equipped by Technogym, showers with three different settings (drench, mist and rain forest), and Scotland’s first indoor/outdoor saltwater hydro pool.

Membership to the Vital Spa & Leisure Club at both hotels is available to both guests and members.

In mid-December The Macdonald Bath also opened a thermal spa following a £10m (US$17.3m, 14.6m euro) refurbishment. The Greek temple-style building – which complements the façade of the five-star hotel – includes a hydro pool and an infrared cabin, as well as rock sauna, salt infusion, ice and aroma steamrooms and experience showers. Details: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk