So spa so good

"A wonderful day of total pampering and relaxation - should be a compulsory part of antenatal care!"

I am: Jo, age 24, 28 weeks pregnant, from Beaconsfield, Bucks

I went to: The Runnymede Hotel & Spa, Egham nr Windsor

I had: the Maternal Moments Package which includes full use of all spa facilities for a day and a light lunch

My day: I decided to take my Mum along to the spa day to keep me company and give her a special treat. We were greeted in the morning to a very warm welcome, got ourselves kitted out with robes and slippers and went off to our first treatments.

The spa was beautiful, a lovely atmosphere to totally chill out in. The swimming pool and relaxation area were gorgeous. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to swim as after my first treatment I didn't want to wash off all the lovely oils, lotions and potions that had been rubbed into my body. I would recommend arriving early and making the most of the pool.

I started off with an Espa Prenatal Treatment, Sarah the therapist was lovely and very well informed on pregnancy and all that goes with it. I had a wonderful back and shoulder massage followed by a mud body wrap and scalp massage - totally relaxing - I think I nodded off. Even if I did look like I'd taken up mud wrestling, after a warm power shower and more moisturising my skin felt as soft as a babies bum! I met up with Mum for a light lunch which was included, you could also help yourself to fruit and salad and all soft drinks, tea/coffee etc, the food was very tasty. Whilst Mum made use of the sauna, jacuzzi and steam room which unfortunately I couldn't use, I made my way to my Cele Heeled Pedicure and Mini Facial. Needless to say I came out of there with the softest tootsies and lovely glowing skin. Laura the therapist was so friendly and helpful and we had a good old gossip.

We met a lovely couple of ladies in the changing rooms, both Mums, they started filling me in on all the details about labour, birth and all the comes after that - it was certainly an eye opener and absolutely hilarious! It's amazing the new connection I now have with so many other women who have experienced what I am going through now and you end up discussing in great depth the most intimate of details - I definitely feel now that I'm part of a very special club. When leaving the manageress handed me a carry a bag full of goodies to take home. A lovely big bottle of Espa body oil (great for stretch marks apparently) and a Clarins goodie bag for both Mum and me.

The Maternal Moment Day was just what I needed and at just the right time too, when my bump is starting to become heavy and the tiredness of the third trimester is beginning to kick in. Every mum to be deserves a treat like this and I can't recommend it enough!

Treatments: Espa Prenatal Treatment (my favourite!) which includes a back and shoulder massage followed by a mud body wrap and scalp massage, Cele Heeled Pedicure and mini Facial

Cost: £155

Verdict: A wonderful day of total pampering and relaxation - should be a compulsory part of antenatal care!

The spa test: 5/5

Find out more: Runnymede Hotel & Spa, Windsor Road, Egham,Surrey TW20 OAG

Telephone: 01784 436 171

Website: www.runnymedehotel.co.uk