Hi all and thanks Gramaisc for mentioning the Beauty Academy.
Phyllis, they do offer various kinds of special pampering days. I only know as much information as I needed to write their brochure but in brief, there is a full day including lunch, a morning with mid-morning refreshments and an afternoon including afternoon tea. From what I understand, the food is prepared by our hospitality team but provided to you in the Beauty Academy, which means there is no need for a separate booking.
The Spa Indulgence packages include various treatments, depending on what the students are working on, plus time in the sauna/steam room and the refreshments. Prices vary according on the treatments but as an idea, the day is £28.
As with all the treatments at the Beauty Academy, you do need to be as flexible as possible when making a booking. The Academy is fantastic value and a lovely environment but it doesn't run in quite the same way as a high street salon, which would have all treatments available all the time - this is a training environment, with different groups of students learning different skills at specific points in the timetable. So if you 'phone to arrange a facial at 3pm next Thursday for example, you might not be lucky but if you ask when a facial is available OR what is on-offer at 3pm next Thursday, you should have no problem.
I don't know whether you know where the Academy is, Phyllis? It is really easy to find and you don't really have to come through the College. It is in the new Riverbank Building. It is on the left side of that building as you look at it from the park, being the nearest bit to the windmill. It has its own entrance, from the courtyard facing the windmill roundabout - so it is the first thing you come to if you walk into the courtyard from, for example, Wilkinsons car park. You can always drop in there to talk to the receptionists and get full details of what is available at the moment - they are always very keen for clients to support the Academy because it is a really important part of the students' training.
To book with the Beauty Academy call 01785 275514 - I think there might be someone there this week but you might be better leaving it until after half-term.
If there is anything else I can do, please drop me a line.
Clare