Review: The Pig hotel’s spa cabins nestled in its Brockenhurst grounds offer a tranquil escape from the rat-race

THE Pig is rightly renowned for its rustic charm and outstanding food, but perhaps a lesser known draw of the country house hotel are its delightful spa cabins offering a tranquil escape from the rat-race.

Nestled in the hotel grounds beside a lake, the Potting Shed treatment rooms are the perfect spot for a wellness fix.

Having just seen off a particularly nasty cold that had left me feeling run down and low in spirit, the offer of a rejuvenating massage could not have come at a better time.

Even the drive to the hotel, through the beauty and serenity of the New Forest, was calming, and I was struck, as always, by the beauty of this grand hotel, housed in a magnificent 17th century building. Set against a backdrop of blue skies bright with winter sunshine, it looked glorious.

The Potting Shed is a short walk from the main building, through the walled garden, which was thick with lush green herbs and leafy vegetables destined for the restaurant’s kitchen, and across the bridge over the lake.

Stepping inside on what was a crisp, chilly morning, the soothing warmth of the little hut – a truly understated sanctuary – was tremendously welcoming. The aromas of wood and aromatherapy oils brought instant calm, and as I took in the trowels hanging on the wall and terracotta pots lining the shelves, it was clear the appeal of the Potting Shed lies in how low-key the set-up is. It has an intimacy harder to find in traditional spas.

And there were other subtle differences – my therapist Heidi filled in the consultation form to save me the task, and I was assured that should any part of the massage feel too intense or uncomfortable, she would be alerted through my body language – I was in safe hands.

For the next 60 minutes, I luxuriated in a blissful top-to-toe intuitive massage. Transported outside time and space, I could have been a million miles from anywhere. Nothing else existed in that moment, which is the sign of a truly great treatment.

My breathing, unhindered by tension and stress, was deep and free-flowing, setting a meditative tone to the session.

Draped in warm towels, I grudgingly brought my awareness back to the room, feeling recharged and on a natural high. I ended my treatment with a cup of verbena-infused tea, and left feeling like a different version of myself.

Life is frequently stressful and overwhelming, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas when our to-do lists seem never ending, but taking time out for yourself, even when it seems indulgent or extravagant, is so important.

And if you can’t justify treating yourself as the festive season looms, why not indulge a loved one? Believe me, they will thank you for it.

The Pig’s treatment rooms are open to non-hotel residents, and the hotel also offers a wide range of homegrown gifts, including Pig Cut wine, The Pig's first and second book, Bramley favourites and its exclusive Bramley x The Pig candle

To book a treatment at The Pig, or to gift a treatment voucher, visit https://www.thepighotel.com/brockenhurst/