I ventured just a few miles down the road from my Ipswich home for a luxury overnight stay, as too often we forget that sometimes the best places to visit are right on our doorstep.
For years I had wanted to stay at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, yet I had never done it, instead travelling into London or further afield for a luxury weekend break.
I pondered this thought while I sat in a steaming hot bubble bath (in a free-standing copper bath, of course), with a glass of wine in hand and while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Ipswich’s stunning marina.
We had just finished a fantastic afternoon of treatments at the nearby Flawless Image beauty spa, with which the hotel offers a number of packages.
I felt my worries slip away as I enjoyed a half-hour back, neck and shoulder massage followed by a sumptuous hour-long facial in the spa’s sensual double room with my partner, Reece. The massage was incredible. It was the first time that I have ever been close to asking a therapist to go a little less firm - but I knew the knots on my shoulders needed it.
We decided to venture out for dinner to explore the eclectic mix of bars and restaurants that line the marina, but were sure to sample of few of the lighter bites on offer from the hotel’s eaterie, including tempura pork cheek with spiced apple sauce and a bread board. The beer and onion loaf was particularly delicious.
Granted, a stay at the Salthouse doesn’t come cheap, with a copper bath room set to cost you £302 a night. But for a special occasion, I couldn’t recommend it enough.
We had breakfast included in our bundle, but the Salthouse offers a number of room rates and packages starting at £145, which is on par with boutique hotels in London - or in fact any other town or city across the country - but without the hassle of travel. There are also several day pamper packages available.
From the second you enter into the quirky lounge and reception area you are the staff’s main priority. Nothing is too much trouble.
Duty manager Shane was there for the duration of our stay, and couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful.
The beauty that the harbour offers, you wouldn’t think it is just stones-throw from the bustling town centre.
The Salthouse Harbour Hotel is certainly the jewel in the crown of what is a fantastic part of Suffolk that us locals probably don’t celebrate enough.
The prices
Residential spa packages start from £179, including an overnight stay and breakfast at the Salthouse, and a half hour massage at Flawless Image
Copper bath room, from £302 per night
Penthouse suit, from £354 per night
Day packages are also available:
Day Package - £99 per person
A full day if pampering at Flawless Image, including either an OPI manicure or pedicure, then a two course lunch and glass of fizz at the Salthouse. The afternoon then includes either a Repose facial or Vespers full body massage.
Half Day Spa Package - £59.50 per person
Arrive at Flawless Image at 10.30am or 2.30pm and enjoy a half day of pampering with the choice of a power breakfast facial or Media Vespers back massage followed by an OPI manicure or pedicure. Head to the Salthouse before or after your treatments for a one course lunch and glass of fizz.
Cream tea and treatments - £55 per person
Full afternoon tea and treatments - £65 per person
Included in both of these packages are a choice of a power breakfast facial or Media Vespers back massage followed by an OPI manicure or pedicure.
For more information, visit www.salthouseharbour.co.uk or www.flawlessimage.co
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here