Steve and I visited Hotel Du Vin, Exeter to sample their Twilight Spa package recently. The package includes an hour long treatment of your choice, use of the heated pool and a three course dinner from the Prix Fixe menu.
We made our way through the hotel and the grounds to the spa which is situated at the rear of the hotel gardens. It’s a little haven of peace and tranquility. Steve had opted for the men’s treatment package which included a back massage, face massage and eyebrow tidy up. I decided to have the best of both worlds with a half an hour back massage and a half an hour REN facial. My therapist Natalia was very thorough and asked many health questions before my treatments began in order to give me the best possible experience.
After a blissful hour of pampering, Steve and I met up so I could take a dip in the heated indoor/outdoor pool. A small refundable deposit of £5 enables you to have full use of a locker, robe, flip flops and towels whilst you use the facilities. Perfect for a non resident like myself. Steve decided that he would wait in the bar area whilst I swam. I had the pool to myself and took full advantage. Many lengths were swum in the short time I had before our dinner reservation. I certainly felt like I was ready for supper once showered and dressed!
After joining Steve for a drink in the bar we made our way to the restaurant. A light and bright room with floor to ceiling views out over the garden. On warmer days many large glass doors can be opened to give you the feeling of dining outside with a wonderfully cooling breeze. The decor is modern with red leather bucket chairs and sleek dark wood tables. The ceiling lights create ambient lighting as well as a pretty impressive art installation. The kitchen is open plan so depending on where you are sitting within the restaurant you can see your food being prepared.
As part of our Twilight package we could dine from the Prix Fixe menu. The fixed price menu has three or four choices for your starter, main course and dessert. A good selection of fish, vegetarian and meat dishes were on offer to cater for most palates. My choices were seared octopus with lentils for my starter and a pretty grilled aubergine dish with gnocchi and pesto. The addition of edible flowers was a lovely touch.
Steve had the kale and butterhead caesar salad with crispy pancetta and quails eggs for his starter. For the main he chose a grilled mackerel dish with a fragola salad in a creamy dressing that was reminiscent of a waldorf salad.
We both decided that the cheese board was our choice for course number three. I was delighted when I saw our waitress wheel out a cheese trolly with about 15 different English and continental cheeses. Both Steve and I were in cheese heaven and it certainly was the highlight of our meal. A real talking point. After perusing the menu we decided on 4 different cheeses each so we could try as many as possible. I would definitely return to sample the cheese board again. The experience of selecting your own cheeses from so many was novel.
The Twilight Spa package is a great idea for someone who wants a little pamper and with a friend. It makes for a great afternoon and early evening out. It retails at £75.00 per person and in my eyes it’s good value for money.
To book in at Hotel Du Vin, Exeter go to their website by clicking here.
Disclaimer: I was asked to visit Hotel Du Vin, Exeter to review the Twilight Spa package. I was not paid for writing this review and all views are my own as always.