Spa & Hotel Break Blog

A hen do is a key part of the wedding for many, bringing together close family and friends for some quality time before the big day arrives. Everybody approaches their hen do differently, with some enjoying a big night on the town and others preferring a more low-key event which accommodates all age groups. To give you some inspiration for your nearest and dearest, we’ve pulled together our top 5 unique hen weekend ideas which are perfect for some quality time with the girls.

1. A spot of pampering

One of the favourite unique hen weekend ideas has got to be a relaxing spa break, fitting in some well-deserved pampering in the run up to the big day. Spa days are a big hit for most, being an enjoyable day out for all age groups and allowing everyone to enjoy a catch up whilst unwinding in the luxurious spa facilities.

2. Try your luck with some pottery

Unleash your creativity as you head off to the studio for a spot of pottery. Whether you start from scratch with a full pottery lesson or enjoy some relaxing pottery painting, this is one of our favourite unique hen weekend ideas for bringing everyone together. As well as being a lovely day out filled with wholesome fun, everyone has a physical memory of the day to bring home with them.

3. Head out on an adventure

Whether your group consists of adrenaline junkies or the complete opposite, have a laugh as you bond over a fun new activity. Some unique hen weekend ideas include obstacle courses, water sports and mountain hikes which get everyone laughing and create lifelong memories to cherish. Bonus points if you head out for the activity in fancy dress!

4. Learn a new skill

There are so many masterclass events out there to get involved in, so see what is on offer in your local area. For those looking for a lively evening, why not try out a cocktail class and see who can make the tastiest concoction? If you’re looking for a more inclusive class, look into activities like cooking, yoga and art so everyone can get involved and chat over a fun new hobby. You never know, you might find a new passion to continue with!

5. A weekend under the stars

How better to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones than to head on a countryside retreat? Find a lovely glamping spot surrounded by beautiful views and country activities and pack your night bag as you head to a new spot. To make the weekend extra special, plan the smaller details and roast marshmallows, play games or head on a local hike. Keep an eye out for unique hen weekend ideas in fun accommodations such as tipis, huts or see through domes to make the trip even more memorable.

Saunas have been enjoyed for thousands of years and are an essential part of our beloved spa days. As well as helping us relax and unwind in the dry heat, there are some great benefits that can come off the back of a trip to the sauna. Your heart rate will increase when using a sauna and this is great for our circulation, reducing any muscle or joint soreness to help reduce any pain. As well as physical benefits, a spa break is great for our mental wellbeing, reducing stress levels and promoting a well needed feeling of relaxation.

How long to stay in a sauna to feel the benefits

The answer to this differs from person to person, with each of us having different tolerance levels to the dry humidity within a sauna. Listening to your body will ensure you do not stay for longer than is comfortable, risking dehydration and overheating.

For those who are new to saunas, it always recommended to start small and work your way up. Trying out sessions between 5 to 10 minutes is a great way to get used to the feeling and establish how it makes you feel. As a standard, how long to stay in a sauna is generally capped at around 15 minutes at a time and should not exceed 20 minutes. Many saunas have a clock or timer on the wall which can be used as a guide to ensure you do not go beyond the recommended time.

Knowing how long should you stay in a sauna safely

Before you head blindly into the sauna, it is advisable that you know the rules of the particular facilities. Knowing the temperature, recommended time frame and any warnings will help you get the most from your session. In between your visits, be sure to drink plenty of water to replace the lost fluids from your body and stay well hydrated.

The place you sit can also impact how long to stay in a sauna; with the higher up seating reaching higher temperatures, this is likely to lessen the amount of time you can sit comfortably inside. This positioning is a great way to raise your body temperature quickly to encourage sweating but should only be used by those who are regular sauna users and know their limits. For people who are newer to saunas, sitting or lying down on the lower benches is a better introduction.

Following your relaxing session in the sauna, cooling your body down rapidly is great for circulation. Some spa facilities offer plunge pools and ice buckets which are used upon exit of the sauna to shock the body and get the blood flowing. Please note that a more gentle approach is recommended for anyone with blood pressure or circulation conditions.

When dealing with a pregnancy, you can often begin to feel uncomfortable, especially as the due date draws closer. As you reach this stage, often comes the question ‘can you go to a spa when pregnant?’ and ‘what treatments can you actually enjoy that won’t harm you or the baby?’

When Is The Ideal Time For You To Visit The Spa?

With many asking ‘can you go to a spa when pregnant?’, it is a common misconception that the answer to this is no, however, this is not the case! If you are a spa lover then there are several treatments and spa breaks that you can still enjoy to help give you that much-needed boost. The best time to go can differ from person to person when it comes to their pregnancy but it is the second trimester that is often considered one of the best when it comes to visiting the spa. Not only has the morning sickness typically passed at this point, but you may also be experiencing more pain that will need to be alleviated.

Can You Go To A Spa When Pregnant And Get A Massage?

When pregnant you will often experience aching bones and other aches and pains that can lead to feeling uncomfortable throughout the course of the day. However, with the help of a massage in the spa, you can begin to release pain-relieving endorphins around the body to help you feel good throughout the course of the days and weeks following the treatment. When looking to book a massage, it is important to make sure you are booking at a spa that offers specialist mum-to-be spa packages or massages for those that are pregnant. This is a sure-fire way of making sure that you are cared for by a specialist to ensure that all of your sore spots are completely taken care of in a way that you feel comfortable with. 

Manicures And Pedicures When Pregnant

When pregnant, you may often feel like you don’t have time for a number of the smaller things you used to have time for such as painting your nails. Using nail polish every now and then will not harm you or the baby and will help you to feel better about yourself over time. Regardless of whether you opt for a manicure or a pedicure, this is the perfect way for you to feel great and look great throughout your pregnancy.

What To Avoid When You Go To The Spa

When visiting the spa, it is important to make sure that you are also aware of the treatments that you should be avoiding. To help you to have the best possible spa experience for you, we have compiled a list of the experiences that you should be avoided:

• Saunas
• Steam Rooms
• Tanning Beds
• Hot Springs
• Whirlpools
• Hot Tubs
• Spa Baths

Regardless of whether you are looking to plan a well-needed spa getaway for yourself or you are looking to plan a group getaway with friends, we have the options out there for you. Get in touch today to begin booking your treatments.