Thursday 14 June 2012

Introducing the new and improved St Ives Country Park



We were thrilled to hear that St. Ives Estate near Bingley, has recently been awarded 'Country Park' status by Natural England.  This accreditation reflects the enormous investment made in this 550 acre estate that takes in natural woodlands, vast Coppice ponds, chainsaw sculpture trail, golf course, equestrian centre, licenced cafe, landscaped picnic areas and the most amazing adventure playground for miles around. St. Ives is a wonderful place to visit whilst staying in Hewenden being only a short 10 minute drive away.  Although St. Ives has much to offer those simply seeking a delightful stroll in beautiful woodland (and a rewarding cream tea at the end!) it is particularly engaging for those families needing to entertain the younger end. 




The adventure playground has undergone a huge transformation over the last couple of years and now boasts an enormous sand area, a vast array of climbing equipment, slides and zip wires, suitable for ages two right through to teenage, and some magical musical play equipment under the shelter of trees.  The chainsaw sculpture trail is also wonderful for children as it features mystical woodland creatures such as fairies, goblins, dragons, witches and wizards.  We go to St. Ives regularly for a walk, play and, more often than not, an ice cream but our children have also enjoyed pony trekking recently.  Whatever your passion, be it golf, horse riding or walking, St. Ives is well worth checking out.

Meet our wonderful aromatherapist...

Sabina

If we could have just one wish for our guests staying in Hewenden - its that they find the time and space to truly relax.  Our wonderful aromatherapist, Sabina, can certainly help in this endeavour. Years of study and training in the field of aromatherapy, massage and Reiki healing build upon an instinctive and natural gift for making those around her feel relaxed, rebalanced and ready to embrace the present moment. What better way to enhance your holiday in Hewenden than to indulge with an aromatherapy massage. 



Sabina visits Hewenden every Thursday, when our communal lounge is transformed into a private treatment room, bringing holistic healing to your door.  Alternative appointments can often be accommodated at times of mutual convenience.  If you would like more information or to book an appointment prior to your visit please don't hesitate to email us.

Aromatherapy massage: Holistic and deeply relaxing, this massage nourishes the body and revives tired muscles whilst releasing tension and stress.  Essential oils are applied for maximum benefit.

Full body massage: 1 hour session £28
Back, neck and scalp: 3/4 hour session £22
Back massage: 1/2 hour session £18

Aromatherapy Facial: a facial cleanse precedes a therapeutic massage using nature's essential oils.  Tailored to your skin type, this massage is beneficial for skin tone as well as tension carried in the head and neck area.

Facial: 3/4 hour session £24

Reiki healing: is an ancient healing system. When harnessed, the healing effect has the ability to both sustain and restore equilibrium to ones system.  The intention of Reiki is to enhance and maintain well being.  Reiki is able to bring release to many discomforts such as physical aches and pains, emotional issues, tension and stress.

Reiki healing: 1 hour session £26

Guided Visualisation: 1 - 1 1/2 hour seession: £30

Thursday 7 June 2012

Meet our enthusiastic team of housekeepers... and gardener!

We know how lucky we are to have such an amazing team working with us - many of our guests comment on how wonderfully clean the cottages are on arrival and we know the grounds and gardens are enjoyed by all who visit -  we thought we'd take this opportunity to introduce the people behind the scenes and to thank them for all their hard work.

Michala



Warm, funny, bright and exceptionally conscientious - Michala is an absolute pleasure to work with and has an incredible eye for detail. She instinctively knows how to make our cottages look their best for every guests - not just clean but cherished!

Niki



The newest member of the team and what a find!  Niki thinks, moves and works at lightening speed, getting through enormous amounts of work without ever compromising on quality.  Her flexible, positive and dynamic approach is infectious (we have all raised our game since she came!).

Joe - the gardener















Introducing Joe with any degree of impartiality is tricky; as his wife I am bound to say he is kind, considerate, great fun to be with and that his horticultural skills and knowledge are first rate.  Joe has helped John in all aspects of mill renovations before moving on to design, build and plant the 'secret garden' beyond the mill pond at Bents Mill.  Sadly for Hewenden, he was whisked off to work at RHS Harlow Carr near Harrogate for four years, during which time nature added its own design element to Joe's original scheme.  He has returned to Hewenden on a part-time basis in the last couple of years, diving his attention between the valley, our kids and studying yet more horticulture.