Emma Harrison of Team Coco swaps her phone for an off-grid experience in the heart of the New Forest National Park at the characterful Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa .
Wifi, What’s App, and work emails – oh my! These days, it feels like I never switch off, and my screen time is at an all-time high! So the idea of chucking my phone into a box and enjoying a digital detox has never been so appealing.
As well as being somewhat over-stretched work wise, I am also recovering from surgery and with a serious mission to get better acquainted with my old friend sleep, a two-night stay at the stunning Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in the heart of the New Forest National Park couldn’t have come at a better time.
A Digital Detox at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
The hotel is located in a historic manor house in Brockenhurst that was built in 1888 and converted into a hotel in the 1930s, which has grown to be one of the largest in the area. As well as being utterly charming, Careys Manor hotel also has one of the best spas in the area, the Thai-inspired Sen Spa, which has some seriously indulgent hydrotherapy facilities.
Blending 18th-century grandeur with timeless charm, Careys Manor’s ‘Unplugged Digital Detox’ package encourages guests to disconnect to reconnect. Upon arriving in my garden room, which had a delightful patio area that overlooked the pretty manicured garden, I found a welcome hamper that would help elevate my digital detox even further that included Kombucha, Mushroom Powder, Bath Soak, an aromatherapy balm, and a brilliant Wellness Journal which I was excited to start filling in.
Our room, which would be our home for the next 48 hours, was decorated in relaxing hues and had one of the biggest and comfiest beds I have ever slept in.
Surely with all this relaxing and the soothing room (one of 77 within the hotel, each designed with tranquility in mind), a good night’s sleep was surely on the cards?!
Included in the Digital Detox package was use of the Health Club facilities (swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym) throughout our stay as well as four hours in the exclusive SenSpa, a Thai-inspired spa experience which combines state-of-the-art-technology with age-old traditions.
This was without a doubt an ultimate highlight of this two-night break – swapping social media for steam rooms and Slack meetings for hydrotherapy showers, don’t mind if I do?!
SenSpa at Careys Manor
From the herbal sauna and the muscle relaxing jets of the hydrotherapy jets to the re-balancing Amethyst crystal steam room and the intoxicating health showers, which offer a range of sensory showers complete with mesmerising light and sound effects, my favourite was a toss up between ‘Caribbean Rain’ and ‘Atlantic Storm’, which definitely was a revitalising experience!
One of the standout moments that truly elevated my sense of relaxation was a soothing dip in the hydrotherapy pool. Utter bliss and just what my mind, body, and soul were craving!
Here, I could either recline on submerged benches, letting the warm water embrace me, or stand beside bubbling jets that expertly targeted and massaged every knot and tension from my body. It was pure, therapeutic bliss!
At the top of a winding spiral staircase, you’ll discover additional sanctuaries like the Laconicum and Tepidarium. These rooms offer a cooler, more serene ambiance than those below, making them perfect for unwinding. The Tepidarium features luxurious heated loungers, while the Laconicum boasts a heated floor for ultimate comfort. I was especially enchanted by the twinkling lights that dotted the Tepidarium’s ceiling, adding a magical touch to the peaceful atmosphere.
The four hours passed by in a heartbeat, but we still had access to the Ozone pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi where I found myself spending the large majority of my time as well as taking advantage of Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa relaxation room with a refreshing cup of herbal tea.
Each guest that books a Digital Detox package is able to enjoy a 30-minute treatment which includes either an anti-stress massage, a facial, or a body treatment. I opted for the most delightful facial and left feeling and looking much less tired and stressed, which made me feel so much better!
Dining well at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Eating well was definitely part of the Digital Detox package at Careys Manor. We were invited to dine at two of the hotel’s restaurants: the French-inspired brasserie Le Blaireau with its ode to Paris decor and the contemporary three-AA Rosette Cambium restaurant which delivers brasserie-style modern British dining, with plenty of seasonal ingredients in an intimate dining experience featuring a menu that captures the essence of the local area.
There’s no doubt, if you are looking for a rustic escape where you can simply just switch off, Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa is the ultimate destination to relax and rejuvenate in the most chic and nurturing setting. The staff are all exceptional and went over and beyond expectation to provide an exemplary service.
If the pace of modern life has been getting to you, a digital detox at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa could be just the thing you are looking for! Unplug, unwind, and rediscover your sense of peace at a countryside spa escape designed for total digital detox, where you can jump off the grid and reconnect with nature — and more importantly yourself!
It’s not just a getaway – it’s a reset for your mind, body, and soul. Ready to leave the screens behind? Book your Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa Digital Detox break now and experience the true meaning of relaxation.
