Devon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT, WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0202.jpg" alt="Entrance to The Carlton Hotel, Torquay " class="wp-image-65990" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0202.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0202-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0202-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0202-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.tlh.co.uk/aztec-leisure/aztec-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aztec Spa</a> is a pretty pamper place found downstairs at <a href="https://www.tlh.co.uk/where-to-stay/tlh-carlton-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Carlton Hotel</a>, a family-friendly Georgian stay in a leafy part of central Torquay. Here you&#8217;ll find a large indoor bistro (excellent cream teas), a stunning 25m heated indoor pool, a gym and games room, along with a very inviting outdoor pool and seating area for soaking up the English Riviera sunshine.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0195.jpg" alt="outdoor pool at Aztec Spa, Torquay " class="wp-image-65991" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0195.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0195-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0195-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0195-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



I love it here and last year (or was it the year before?) I road-tested Aztec Spa&#8217;s fabulous <a href="https://www.tlh.co.uk/aztec-leisure/aztec-spa/fire-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fire &amp; Ice Experience</a>: a 60-minute session in a state-of-the-art thermal suite, comprising a Finnish sauna, ice fountain steam room, a multis-sensory shower, heated ceramic loungers and a hydro-pool, ideal for a destress with your mates. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0169.jpg" alt="Aztec Spa reception " class="wp-image-65992" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0169.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0169-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0169-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0169-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Now I&#8217;m trotting back to check out their new star treatment for summer 2024 &#8211; Get Up &amp; Glow. It&#8217;s been created as treatment to get you beach and party ready for summer, which will surely be happening some time soon. It&#8217;s designed to get your face and bod buffed and polished and sounds much more fun than bikini diets and squats in the gym. Plus, the first time I came here for a treatment the husband actually noticed I’d had something done, so hopes are high.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0199.jpg" alt="Indoor pool at Aztec Spa, Torquay " class="wp-image-65993" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0199.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0199-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0199-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0199-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



To access the spa you head downstairs through the bistro (where you get tempting views of the gorgeous pool through viewing windows). Sign in at reception and then rather than take a seat there, you&#8217;re led down a meandering path to another seating area with loungers and a tinkling fountain.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0171.jpg" alt="Aztec spa waiting room" class="wp-image-65994" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0171.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0171-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0171-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0171-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



As the name would suggest, the decor is Mesoamerican style, furnished with rattan furniture and carved stone, a faux ceiling of jute-tied bamboo overhead and glass partitions separating visitors from the treatment rooms, daubed with intricate forest-green patterns. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0175.jpg" alt="lounges at Aztec Spa, Torquay " class="wp-image-65995" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0175.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0175-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0175-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0175-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It&#8217;s a million miles from minimal or clinical, it&#8217;s pure sensory theatre, enhanced by the scent of spicy wafts and the sound of pan pipes and gentle tinkling water from the fountain. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-treatment">THE TREATMENT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0179-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65996" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0179-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0179-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0179-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0179.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There are two options &#8211; 90 or 60 minutes, both using Aztec Spa&#8217;s signature ELEMIS brand. It&#8217;s billed as &#8216;an exotic exfoliation ritual to cleanse, polish and soften your skin to perfection. With a facial to refresh and brighten skin&#8216;. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0193.jpg" alt="Chloe, therapist at Aztec Spa " class="wp-image-65998" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0193.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0193-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0193-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0193-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



My therapist, Chloe, leads me into a rosy-red low-lit room with a treatment bed in the middle, and a shower draped with white towels in one corner. Chloe is friendly and gentle, and starts by giving me a choice of two scrubs, (frangipani or a more energising lime and ginger), then leaves with instructions for me to don the obligatory, fetching paper pants and to hop under the towels face down on the treatment table.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0191.jpg" alt="ELEMIS treatment scrubs " class="wp-image-65999" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0191.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0191-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0191-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0191-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The first half of the treatment is all about the scrub I&#8217;ve chosen (frangipani) which is liberally applied and used to exfoliate one limb at a time, with Chloe doing a fan dance with the towels, while I turn this way and that. I&#8217;m glad I&#8217;ve gone for the gentler frangipani because the ginger and lime is applied with a brush and just with hands was sufficiently scrubby for me.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0192-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-66000" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0192-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0192-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0192-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0192.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



After about half an hour, it could have been more, but I am pretty catatonic thanks to how soothing and scented it all is, Chloe says it&#8217;s time to wash it off and leaves the room for me to shower.



Once cleaned up, I discover my skin has been replaced with that of a silky lil&#8217; otter, having been polished to a fine lacquer. Then it&#8217;s back on the bed for the same mesmerising back, front and face ritual, while Chloe moisturises with yet more divinely scented creams, finishing up with an arm, hand massage and scalp massage. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0188-1-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-66016" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0188-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0188-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0188-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0188-1.jpg 1202w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Bathed in melatonin-inducing lighting, ethereal music and more creams than Rodda&#8217;s, at this point it was less Get Up &amp; Glow, and more, just leave me here to levitate for a few days, please.



If you love roses, apricots, and almonds, then the frangipani scent is just what the spa doctors ordered. But it wasn&#8217;t just the creams &#8211; it was how Chloe applied them, with no small talk and just the right pressure. Twenty out of ten, Chloe! Only four years in the job, she tells me, but clearly made for the role. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about">OUT AND ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/RICH-BONSTOW-TORQUAy.jpeg" alt="Torquay Rich Bonstow " class="wp-image-32456" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/RICH-BONSTOW-TORQUAy.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/RICH-BONSTOW-TORQUAy-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/RICH-BONSTOW-TORQUAy-666x500.jpeg 666w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Rich Bonstow </figcaption></figure>



Well, you&#8217;re in Torquay so, afterwards you could wander straight down to the marina and beaches to show off your glow. Torre Abbey Sands is a <a href="https://www.torbay.gov.uk/news/pr9134/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR39AisPQQDRPJCOoYe7smaHp1--fWbHzQ8CRYFvkIorbGwqfXn2zYFdjJ4_aem_AZLzfucTPIR-6rkbKXfxoZhd-xDNwHq9-sDlFTKU7CVm1bgXGVyhQGywcBiU1oW-8DJmEhn8Mu5skIkITI5LlLni" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Flag beach </a>within walking distance of the hotel. That said, any fake tan will have been scrubbed off and your barnet will look like it&#8217;s been dunked in an oil vat, but smell way nicer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1127" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0186-1.jpg" alt="Muddy editor having spa treatment " class="wp-image-66003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0186-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0186-1-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0186-1-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/IMG_0186-1-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



One of the BEST treatments I’ve ever had, and I&#8217;ve had the joy of trying out some of the best spas in the county. Chloe is a real find, and the amount of products used is super-generous, so you you sure get your money&#8217;s worth. You come out with new-born baby skin on cloud ninety-nine, and make-up slides on like a dream afterwards. Plus, there&#8217;s no need to rush off afterwards as you can veg on a lounger, and stare at a mag with a complimentary herb tea in hand.



Good for: a pre-party/wedding or beach holiday sloughing; exfoliating before a professional fake tan and freedom from patchiness; the best present you could gift a friend who&#8217;s need of perking up; combining with their <a href="https://www.tlh.co.uk/aztec-leisure/aztec-spa/treatments-and-prices/hands-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Express OPI</a> mani and pedi too for a party-ready finish; body-shy types thanks to the low lighting.



Not for: under 18s, or if you&#8217;re pregnant; going straight out afterwards due to the scarecrow vibes! People who prefer a minimal, medical vibe to their spa time.&nbsp;



The damage: Get in quick and you can claim a <a href="https://www.tlh.co.uk/aztec-leisure/aztec-spa/offers-and-promotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brilliant offer</a> (until 31 May) &#8211; £60 instead of £80 for 60 mins and £82.50 for 90 mins (was £110).&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.tlh.co.uk/aztec-leisure/aztec-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aztec Spa</a>, &nbsp;Falkland Road, Torquay TQ2 5JJ. Call 01803 400190 or book online here.

Summer skin, this way! Muddy road tests Get Up & Glow at Aztec Spa

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