Mini Spa+ at High Hill Farm – review

I recently enjoyed a Mini Spa+ at High Hill Farm so thought I’d share an honest review.

With a fortnight off stretching ahead, there was only one thing for it: a little bit of solo indulgence. A spa morning felt less like a luxury and more like a necessity.

After doing something similar last year, this time it felt right to try somewhere new.

High Hill Farm had been firmly placed on the radar thanks to a glowing recommendation (the kind you trust instantly), and after a quick browse of their website, it didn’t take much convincing.

The Mini Spa+ package ticked every box — three hours of access to the spa facilities and a massage.

Sold. Afternoon tea was swiftly added too, because… why not?

First impressions

Just 40 minutes after the school run, the countryside started to open up and the calm began to creep in.

High Hill Farm is exactly what it promises — a family-run working farm with a peaceful, tucked-away spa and a handful of beautiful places to stay.

It feels personal straight away, not polished to the point of losing its charm.

Arriving early (a rare and frankly triumphant moment), there was time for a quick croissant in the car and a few pages of a book before heading in.

A ring of the ring doorbell and, moments later, a warm welcome from Jill set the tone for the entire visit.

There’s something instantly reassuring about being shown around by someone who clearly cares about the place. It really is a family affair.

Robe, towel, slippers — all provided — and a quick tour later, it was time to unwind.

The spa experience

The morning began with a massage — and what a way to start.

The treatment room was warm and inviting, with a heated bed and overhead lamp adding that extra layer of comfort.

Jill took the time to assess where the tension was (answer: everywhere) and delivered one of the best massages I’ve ever had.

Proper knot-busting, with attention to hips and back that felt genuinely tailored rather than routine. (And yes, an unexpected skincare extraction moment that was both horrifying and oddly satisfying.)

Post-treatment, it was time to explore:

• Infrared sauna — an intriguing first try and surprisingly soothing
• Steam room — intense, in the best possible way
• Pool — quiet, calm, and perfect for a float and reset
• White light therapy — a real highlight

The white light therapy, in particular, felt like a hidden gem. If only I had discovered this back in January — it would have been a game changer during those darker, sluggish days.

Twenty minutes with a book and a hot chocolate felt quietly restorative in a way that’s hard to explain but easy to appreciate.

Time moved differently here. No rushing, no clock-watching — just drifting from one space to another, reading, resting, warming up, cooling down.

Afternoon tea (of course)

At some point between sauna sessions and chapters of a book, I decided to tuck into the afternoon tea I forgot I had pre ordered which was chilling in the fridge with my name quite literally on it.

A generous spread of sweet and savoury treats, far more than one person could reasonably tackle after a morning of doing very little.

A strategic decision was made: enjoy some now, save the rest for later. (Steve benefited from that choice later at home.)

The little details

There’s a quiet thoughtfulness running through everything at High Hill Farm.

From the relaxed pace to the personal welcome, it feels less like a commercial spa and more like being invited into someone’s well-kept secret.

There’s also a selection of Dermalogica products available to try, which made for a nice little extra moment of indulgence post-swim — sampling skincare with zero pressure to buy, just curiosity and a bit of time.

Even the gym got a brief look-in… purely observational, of course.

Final thoughts

Three hours somehow felt both generous and fleeting — the sure sign of time well spent.

Everything about the Mini Spa+ experience felt calm, considered, and genuinely restorative.

Jill (and her sister) couldn’t have been more welcoming, and that personal, family-run feel really sets this place apart.

It’s the kind of spa where you feel looked after without it ever feeling overdone.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, though, it might have to be an overnight stay — because leaving felt like the only downside.

I highly recommend High Hill Farm for anyone in need of a proper reset.