An Afternoon at Huddersfield's Alexandra House

It wasn't too long ago I was thinking it was high time I had a facial. Not just for its skin-soothing benefits; my ridiculously-hormonal face (yep, I'm in my 30s and still suffer blemishes - sob!) but for the sheer relaxation only a half-hour treatment in a spa can bring.
Well, let it be said that the lovely team at Faith PR, alongside the therapists at Alexandra House - a spa I've been visiting for regular facials for some years now - can clearly now also read minds. As lo and behold an invite to sample the Huddersfield-based holistic spa popped into my inbox. And oh how welcome it was!
Since going freelance full-time at the back end of last year, I've not only been coming to terms with managing my own time and 'being my own boss' ("Another cup of tea, Lauren? Yeah, go on then Lauren!") but working from home has been sending me stir crazy.
An afternoon of zoning out was just the pick-me-up I needed - and would you just look at the beautiful surroundings of Alecandra House's newly renovated spa....

In bloom: the beautifully idyllic surroundings of Huddersfield's Alexandra House
There's a reason Alexandra House's slogan is 'A spa with a heart'; the staff can't do enough for you when you visit and there's a lovely holistic approach to each and every treatment. But it doesn't end there. Everything is geared up to ensure you leave the spa not only looking great (as far as glowing skin goes) but feeling as light as a feather, too.
My visit to Alexandra House followed a busy morning at a networking event with my friend and fellow spa lover, Ellie (pictured below). The afternoon was just what we needed after a few hours on our feet and we were pleased to be greeted by friendly spa owner, Maxine and her equally lovely team of therapists.
In no time at all, we were given comfy slippers and robes and shown into the retail therapy room before our treatments - a chance to relax while taking a look at the many holistic-themed products on offer.

Top left: My spa-ing partner, Ellie. Top right, Eve Taylor products, on display in the Retail Therapy room. Bottom left: One of the treatment rooms. Bottom right; Enjoying a foot soak and a smoothie

Choosing a deliciously healthy pear and banana smoothie from the extensive drinks menu, we were first treated to biscuits and a gorgeous hot foot soak, complete with a mountain of bubbles - absolute bliss.
After a morning pounding the halls of a huge exhibition venue, we were more than ready to take the weight off our poor feet.

Left: the Retail Therapy room. Top right: Alexandra House's therapists working their magic. Bottom right: the relaxation room

It was then time for a relaxing foot massage from the lovely ladies you see above, before we were led into our individual treatment rooms. Ellie opted for a soothing Indian head massage, while I went for my favourite - a 30-minute Eve Taylor facial.

The beautifully-decorated treatment room
The therapists at Alexandra House have been using Eve Taylor for almost as long as I've been attending the spa (some four years or more) and they're some of the best products I've been lucky enough to try during my time writing this here blog. When my skin's been at its worst, I know Eve's products - thanks to their soothingly gentle formulas - will give my complexion the boost it needs. I've used the brand's cleanser regularly in the past, and the products' aromatherapy scents are relaxing without being overpowering.
It's interesting, also, that Eve - a big advocate for holistic therapies - won't allow her team to blend the aromatherapy oils during a full moon, or when they're in a bad mood. Apparently, it affects the energy of the product and therefore the effectiveness of its ingredients. Mmmm. I'm not sure I'm 100% with Eve on that one, but that said I've always come away from the spa feeling as if I'm walking on air - and good or bad energy aside, that'll do in my book.

The treatment itself was just what the doctor ordered (actually, can that be a thing now? Facials on the NHS!); a mix of gentle music, aromatic scents and one of the best facial massages I've had in a long time. Hats off to the lovely lady who managed to put me in something of a spa-induced coma for 30 minutes.

Recommended Eve Taylor homecare products
But the fun wasn't over just yet. Making our way into the relaxation room, we enjoyed a little more time with our feet up before we had to head out into the real world and endure Huddersfield traffic at rush hour. Just what I needed to pull me out of that coma. NOT.
If you're looking for a West Yorkshire-based spa that delivers great treatments in beautiful surroundings, head here. You won't be disappointed.
A huge thank you to Alexandra House and its team for a lovely, much-needed afternoon - I'm sure I'll not leave it quite so long until my next visit!
Disclaimer: I was offered an afternoon's pampering at Alexandra House for review consideration. I have not been paid to write this post, neither am I affiliated with the brand in any way. All opinions are my own and 100% honest, as always.