Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 78)

Editor Sarah Reeve receives a warm welcome at the Solent Hotel & Spa SPA-TASTIC I f you’re looking for some pre- or post-wedding R&R, Hampshire’s Solent Hotel & Spa in Fareham is a year-round winner. Whatever the weather outside, you can be sure to feel sunny inside with great food and all you need to relax and unwind. I arrived for a weekend getaway frazzled after a busy week at work and felt instantly revived by the cheery décor and friendly service. Easily accessible, it’s the ideal base to discover all the area has to offer with Southampton and Portsmouth nearby, as well as coastal and countryside attractions, not to mention Peppa Pig World on the doorstep. Not that exploring was on my agenda though, I was there for some serious downtime and as soon as I arrived in my spacious room and collapsed on the super-comfy bed, the feelgood factor started to kick in. Tempting as it was to doze off, the spa beckoned and there was time before dinner for a quick dip to ease myself into chilled weekend mode. As a family-friendly hotel there’s a good-size pool with space for the little ones to splash about and for swimming lengths to work up an appetite. You can retreat to the adults-only sauna and steam room, there’s a spa pool as well and an outdoor courtyard with loungers where you can soak up the sun in the summer. If you just want to zen out and enjoy some indulgent me-time, I can highly recommend the spa. A haven of tranquility, I enjoyed a wonderful Caudalie Divine Scrub treatment which left me feeling thoroughly rejuvenated and my skin silky smooth. For active types, there’s also a gym, with all the equipment you need for an endorphin boost. Refreshed and ready for dinner, I headed off to the hotel’s Terrace Restaurant & Bar. The light and airy space has a fresh coastal- chic feel, great for relaxed dining. There are cosy nooks and booths for a romantic dinner for two, as well as large tables if you’re out with a crowd and an outdoor terrace for when the weather’s fine. With locally sourced and seasonal produce on the menu, I went for fish for my starter and main and wasn’t disappointed. The food was delicious and included a chef ’s table groaning with fresh seafood, cured meats and salads, with a great choice of wines too. The service was unhurried and helpful, adding to the comfortable, chilled atmosphere; perfect for lingering without having to worry about driving home either – bliss! Visit solenthotel.co.uk for further details. Also check out... The hotel has a range of great wedding facilities. What’s more, brides getting married at the hotel can chill out in the Glam Room on the wedding morning and get ready with their best girls; glass of fizz in hand and a team of beauty experts at the ready. 110