The Retreat - Exeter

Simon Jacques

Went for my first spa treatment experience and my first massage for many years. It turned out to be a fantastic experience. The spa area, steam rooms and hot tubs were all beautifully appointed and very clean. We were fortunate to have the spa all to ourselves for the best part of a couple of hours. The hot stone massage was incredible. Really relaxing and expertly done. The staff throughout were wonderfully welcoming, professional and knowledgeable. I shall be back!

Alex McNicoll

I had my reservations because of some of the other reviews, but I needn't have worried. I've been to lots of spas and this one is up there with the best of them. Everything was clean, the facial I had was amazing (thank you, Amber), all the facilities were operational (the filter grill came off one of the jacuzzi but this easily fixed) and I enjoyed them all, the staff were really friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. The changing rooms were fully equipped with shampoo etc and very clean. The generous glass of fizz I was given was flat but they were very happy to get me another without a quibble. I was told that management had changed recently, so that might explain why my experience was so different from previous reviews. I will definitely be returning.

Becki

My two best friends and I visited Exeter to celebrate a 40th birthday, and I had booked The Retreat five months in advance for the “Bubbles and Bliss” experience on Saturday, January 11th, wanting to be well-prepared. However, when I tried to confirm the booking a week before, there was no record of it. After forwarding my confirmation emails, I was informed that the two staff members who had handled my booking had since left. Naturally, I was disappointed, but after speaking with Winnie, she offered us a Sunday morning booking at a discounted price as an apology.

I rearranged our plans, and we attended on Sunday. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was calming and inviting. A friendly staff member greeted us, showed us where to change, and explained the schedule. The spa itself was lovely—intimate and cosy, with two hot tubs, comfortable chairs, a rain shower, sauna, and steam room. It was the perfect setting for unwinding with my best friends.

I also had a back massage, which was exceptional. Though it lasted 25 minutes, it felt much longer due to how thorough and skillful the therapist was (I’ll add her name once I recall it!). Afterward, the three of us enjoyed a glass of delicious prosecco in the spa, relaxing in comfy seats while still in our robes.

When it came time to pay, I was pleasantly surprised to find the price had been reduced even further as an additional apology for the mix-up. We had such a wonderful experience at The Retreat, and I want to extend a special thanks to Winnie.

The only suggestion I’d make is to add hooks in the spa area for towels and robes. Other than that, everything was perfect!

Jennifer Stone

Had a spa day for my birthday with friends, didn't know what to expect. Not as nice as hoped, young staff weren't overly welcoming. Lockers didn't lock apart from a couple, the massage I had was what you might say frantic, certainty not relaxing. No flip flops to wear so walked around barefoot. The spa area was nice and relaxing with 2 jacuzzi's and plenty of chill out chairs and beds. But all in all it needs some improvements with facilities and staff, disappointed.

Stephanie

?AVOID?

I bought a voucher for my mother last year for Christmas and she didn’t end up using it until now.

I booked an appointment for her and she was first asked to pay £15 more, as they changed their menu and they didn’t have aromatherapy massage anymore, they have a different one which cost more. I appreciate they changed, but it’s not our fault, we shouldn’t have to pay the difference.

The lady at the reception was racist, my mother offered the older lady to go in front of her and the receptionist offered the lady some water while waiting but she didn’t offer my mother water. At the end of the session, the lady who did the massage asked my mother if she would like some water, the receptionist said there were no more glasses to which the lady went and grabbed a bottle of water from to my mother. This was definitely racist behaviour towards my mother.

Amanda Kohn

Much needed gift from my son. Absolutely lovely. The staff were extremely professional and pleasant. My massage with Natalia was fantastic. I am enjoying my glass of Fizz in the lounge area and feel totally relaxed ?

Rhiannon Pooley

My partner and I came in to use the spa on a Friday afternoon, and we had such a lovely time. The spa was tranquil with lots of nice amenities such as hot tubs and steam room. On Saturday morning, we had massages which were excellent and we left feeling very relaxed. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would visit again. The team were all friendly, professional, and attentive. Thank you so much, it added such a lovely experience to our stay.

Yvonne Addington

Visit spa yesterday after a second booking as first Afternoon spa treatment and tea had been lost? When I arrived I was told again I didn't have a booking However I paid my money £30 to use spa facilities because the weren't busy? There was no drinking water facilities in the spa? I press service bell it was not answered? I got in the shower to find the shower and hair shampoo bottles empty floors were very slippy with something slimmy? We did report the faults to the staff?