My friend picked me up at Chichester station and we located the nearest shopping centre (Whiteley) for an emergency forgotten bikini (her not me!) before continuing our short journey to the Solent Hotel which was actually just five minutes away.
Tucked just off the M27, the Solent Hotel’s large car park doesn’t scream ‘boutique’, but once parked up, the lobby is bright and airy, dotted with contemporary art, homely wood panelling and contrasting comfy chairs..
Although we didn’t linger long here – we were keen to explore the rest of the hotel, and headed to our twin room for a quick change and trotted back down to the grounds to enjoy the sun loungers dotting the grass. First impression of the room was it was generously proportioned, smartly appointed – and while not particularly cutting-edge, clean, comfy and well-equipped. Nicely sized single beds with plump pillows and premium linens, along with Spa-ready robes and a bath and quality bathroom products. The little extras – fresh milk in a chilled hallway station, and a jug so you could keep hydrated with icy water made a big difference (and were a comment on the hotel’s sustainable credentials).
However, sharing a bottle of rose in the sun, was all that was on the agenda for the afternoon,, and was a blissful start to a girl’s weekend. We were blessed with glorious weather and the suntrap lawns made for the perfect pre-treatment catch up spot.
When it was time for treatments – Reflexology (me) and a head-neck-shoulder massage (my friend) we moseyed over to the serene Spa to fill out our questionnaires and enjoy the sublime and relaxing chill out zone. Already in the mood, I was primed for a fifty minute foot massage, which I knew, if I was lucky, would make me nod off. After about five minutes of my therapist getting to grips with my foot chakras, I was gone! It wasn’t just a foot massage; it was a full-body release through my feet. The sensation was deeply calming, almost meditative – easing tension not just in my calves and ankles but right through to my shoulders and scalp. By the end, I felt lighter, more balanced, and surprisingly energised – although I can’t recall anything apart from pure bliss! My friend agreed that her massage was equally sublime as we reconveined at the swanky new private cabanas, where you can lounge to your heart’s content.
Next we took some time to explore the Spa. Having just undergone a six-figure renovation, it has transformed the wellness space into a coastal-inspired haven. The indoor pool is long enough to get your lengths in – whilst the salt room, sauna and hot tub offer alternatives to switch up your wellness circuit. I was particularly mesmerised with the storm shower which was the ideal antidote to cool down between experiences. Kids are welcome, but it didn’t seem overcrowded as we shared the space with cucumber water sipping singles, couples and a discreet gaggle of therapists who collected their clients with calm professionalism.
Feeling completely relaxed also meant we had worked up an appetite, so we headed to FYR, the hotel’s open-plan grill restaurant which spread out to the terrace for al fresco dining. A popular option with guests, we had plenty of time to peruse the menu before ordering – which ranged from charred kebabs to steaks to fresh seafood and salads, and eventually settled on a mix of dishes – Popcorn sweetcorn, Caesar salad with salmon and succulent lamb kebabs with extra sweet potato fries were the ideal sunny nighttime snacks. The service was warm and friendly, making us feel like long-lost friends rather than just guests and we were able to linger without feeling rushed – exactly the kind of evening you hope for on a girlie getaway, which was complete with lots of giggles! With breakfast starting at 6.45 on weekdays we were up bright and early and enjoyed dipping into the buffet and ordering a la carte.
Between the flawless reflexology, the serene spa facilities, and the spoilt-for-choice dinner menu, Solent Hotel & Spa delivered a weekend that felt both luxe and completely approachable. If you’re looking to recharge with your best friend, this is a spot that truly spoils you—in all the right ways.
Book your stay at the Solent Hotel here