Stylish Spy tries a Gold Carat Facial

TAKE ME WITH YOU…

The Norfolk Mead is a boutique hotel, wedding and events space set in eight acres of manicured gardens in the beautiful Norfolk Broads. As well as 16 rooms, suites and individual cottages, the hotel has a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and a dedicated spa, which opened in 2024.

SHALL WE SPA

Crafted out of wood, glass and graphite, the separate spa building is a modern juxtaposition to the traditional hotel. Glass doors lead straight to spa reception which has bank seating, a two-person desk and shelves of Natural Spa Factory products. We were warmly greeted, handed an itinerary for our spa day and invited to take a seat in the Nordic-style coffee lounge, where we took the edge off our early start with piping hot Flat Whites.

Changing rooms are compact but perfectly formed with textured walls and dark wood lockers operated by four-digit code – with grey robes and towels inside (bring your own flip-flops); change beside the slim benches underneath. Your loo, swimsuit spinner and two showers equipped with Natural Spa Factory amenities are straight ahead.

Once showered, pull up a green padded stool at the vanity bar and use the huge back-lit mirror to preen; each station has a pair of GHD straighteners and a hairdryer. Help yourself to cotton wool, and Natural Spa Factory cleanser, moisturiser and body lotion.

A door next to the changing rooms leads to the thermal suite with its large hydro-therapy pool heated to a 35-37°c. T - two large and one small – take care of your shoulders; push various silver buttons around the edge to enjoy jets-a-plenty (whilst seating, standing or lying no less).

At the back of the pool is a herbal steam room seating six on black-silver mosaic-tiled benches. We loved the twinkly ceiling lights and the heady smell of Nutmeg in the air.

Cool down under the experience shower afterwards with its three settings – Tropical Rain, Thunderstorm or Artic Mist - each with its own corresponding video with sound (rainforest for Tropical Rain, Caribbean storm for Thunderstorm, and penguins and ice caps for Artic). The foot spa beside this has grey mosaic-tiled seats for two and bubbly water below for relaxing hard-working feet.

A door from here leads outside and to the aromatic sauna which made entirely of glass and heated – on our visit – to a rather mild 79 degrees. The brave can exit here and head straight to the new cold-water buckets, of which there are two, to tip cold water over their heads (something this Spa Spy cleverly challenged her spa partner to do rather than endure it herself).

The vitality pool out here is square, sunken and attractively set in navy mosaic tiles. The water was deliciously warm on our visit; the jets (once activated) nice and lively. Use the QR code to order bubbles to enjoy in said bubbles.

Relax on one of two double rattan chairs afterwards, admiring the many plants, silver lanterns containing real candles and a bronze Buddha.

Together with five treatment rooms, you’ll find the relaxation room upstairs, a calming space with super comfy S-shaped loungers. We loved the suspended ceiling lights.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried a Gold Sculpting Facial (60 minutes, £84).

My therapist, Isabel, met me in the spa reception and led me to a cosy treatment room called Lavender. Inviting me to sit on a chair in the corner, Isabel asked about my skin (dry – thank you, winter) and described the stages this Natural Spa Factory treatment before leaving the room so that I could disrobe and get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face up.

Isabel began the facial with an eye and lip cleanse followed by a double cleanse (superficial then deep) which she wiped off with hot towels. Next came an exfoliating scrub followed by a hydrating oil which Isabel expertly massaged in – my parched skin drinking it in gratefully.

A thick, cold mask containing gold and caviar was then painted on; cotton wool pads doused in eye serum ensured that I closed my eyes and relaxed. While this set, Isabel massaged my tense neck and shoulders.

Carefully removing the mask in one clean go, Isobel showed me the jelly-like structure with holes for eyes, nose and mask – I had a mind to ask if I could keep it for Halloween but thought better of it.

The cream mask that followed was much lighter; while this penetrated, Isabel massaged my scalp. She removed the mask with a toner that smelt unmistakably like Marzipan. Eye cream and moisturiser completed this treatment.

The final flourish was a choice of tea based on mood – I chose ‘happy’ and happily polished off a pot of it in the relaxation room where I met my spa partner who looked much more serene than on arrival after his Hot Himalayan Salt Stone massage (60 minutes, £90).

HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?

Glowing skin? You bet. Despite practicing for just five years, Isabel has already built up a clientele of spa goers that ask for her personally.

SPOT OF LUNCH?

The coffee lounge beyond the changing rooms serves hot drinks, cakes, pastries, juices, smoothies and cocktails.

For lunch, a corridor to the right of reception doubles up as the Conservatory Restaurant serving Tapas and afternoon tea to guests in robes. A long bank of green seating makes the most of the slim room; a large window lets light flood in.

With eyes bigger than our stomachs, we chose six plates from the Tapas menu (if you want dessert, we recommend four) and tucked into Waldorf Salad, Brie with sticky cinnamon sultanas and warm bread, Cheddar & Rosemary Croquettes with cranberry puree, King Prawns in a creamy garlic and chilli sauce, chicken with spiced three bean Tagine and crispy Squid with Saffron Aioli. We accompanied these dishes with glasses of crisp 0% Peroni (Dry January has never tasted so good).

Despite being full to the brim, we couldn’t resist a dessert and opted for sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and pouring cream, and an apple Tarte Tartin with vanilla ice-cream.

GOT ALL DAY?

Start the day with a hot drink and a nibble in the coffee lounge (pictured above) before getting changed. Spend a good amount of time trying the heat facilities – both inside and out (using the QR code to order drinks) – before pairing a treatment with a Tapas lunch or pretty afternoon tea.

SHORT ON TIME?

Try the Beer or Prosecco Spa – the first of their kind outside of Europe – is a really fun way to spend 45 minutes with a loved one or friends.