To want a lounger when on a spa day

[1CantPickAName]

I am currently at a Bannatyne spa and there are only 8 poolside loungers, all taken, I went to reception to ask where am I supposed to sit if I’m here all day? The reply was “sorry, that’s all the loungers we have”? I am so annoyed, I just want to spend my day relaxing which includes reading a book or newspaper uninterrupted by my kids. There is a relaxation room with heated beds but it’s not bright enough to read in here and the beds get really warm after a while.
I’m here with 3 friends who don’t seem to mind. I haven’t told them how annoyed I am as I don’t want to put a downer on their day. If I was here alone I would have asked for a full refund and left immediately. As it is, I’m waiting in the relaxation lounge until my treatments in 45 minutes. I’m here until at least 4.30 as my friends’ treatments are this afternoon. Surely somewhere to sit is a basic requirement when at a spa. Obviously it is not a ‘day’ spa as advertised!

Also, I went to the cafe for a sandwich. Really awkward as I was the only one there in a robe. I waited 20 minutes for a blt which was two dry slices of bread, no butter, 2 bits of bacon, some iceberg lettuce and 2 cherry tomatoes cut in half, not even sliced!

What a waste of a day off!

[HelenaJustina]

OT but I’m still mourning the loss of the Covent Garden Sanctuary as well. That place was spa heaven!

[PCohle]

Yeah I've done a couple of groupon "spa days" and they always end up being a shit gym where you look like a total dick actually being in a robe and the pool is less relaxing spa and more municipal swimming pool.

I feel your pain OP.

[MyHairNeedsASnip]

I want a robe damnit! I just got back from one where there were no robes so I sat in the room like a sulky nob because all I wanted to do was sit in my robe like Hugh Heffner.

[MeowthThatsRight]

I didn’t know Covent Garden Sanctuary had shut down! When did that happen? I loved it there. We went on a works day trip there once and one of my colleagues fell off the swing in a rather dramatic way.

[cocomelon23]

Bannatynes is more of a gym though than a spa. At the one I go to there are only 3 loungers!

[Twickerhun]

Covent Garden Spa has shut??

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

When I went to a Bannatyne spa, with the same ishoo with loungers, we had inclusive treatments. And whilst I know these are mini-treatments, I would not expect a back massage, scalp massage and eye treatment all to be completed in 20 minutes.... I kid you not. Wouldn't go back, twas rubbish.

[clairemcnam]

Leave a review OP online spelling out the issues.

[EssexGurl]

Sorry but this has been my experience at every spa day Ive ever had - apart from the Sanctuary. Huge loss when that closed.

Last one I went on, we ended up in the hot tub outside in the rain as that was the only free spot! I would say 8 loungers would be a luxury at most spas.

So YANBU - but that is the nature of the beast, sadly.

[kingfisherblue33]

Essex, you clearly haven't been to any Champneys spas!

[clairemcnam]

Champneys are only in the South of England.

[ForalltheSaints]

This is the UK. We don’t do spas like the Germans and Dutch. We have Saunas with swimwear instead of just a large towel. Not enough loungers, kids allowed in, no expectation of minimal conversation.

Though the OP is reasonable to be annoyed.

[clairemcnam]

Yes a real spa would be adult only.

[anniehm]

It all depends upon how many spa days they have booked in, most people will be members there for the gym. We've done them at hotels and been the only people there, but also had noisy hen parties, no space and lounger hogging. Only the posh places (that don't do group ons) have lots of loungers!

[LIVIA999]

I got given a gift voucher to go to a Bannatyne spa. It was awful.
The food was like a hospital cafe and pool was horrid.
I pay to go to a local gym which is far more luxurious and costs significantly less per visit than a bannatyne spa day.

[anniehm]

Actually in Germany there were kids in the spa and it was no clothing allowed!

[Hollowvictory]

Hate champneys. Love center parcs.

[hopeishere]

Can you not sit in the relaxation room?

[arethereanyleftatall]

Hope is here- the op isn't at a spa. She's at a gym.

[TTQuestion]

YABVU for going on a spa day at all

[Boysnme]

Bannatynes by me only has two, it’s awful! If it makes you feel better I was at one yesterday which was full of kids, one in particular that would not stop screeching! At least I had a lounger though :-)

[1CantPickAName]

The day was saved by the lovely young lady who did my treatment. I had a full body hot lava shell massage and it was wonderful. Although there wasn’t a bar, the cafe had a license so we spent the afternoon in our robes, drinking wine on the cafe sofas, enjoying each other’s company. It was great.

Lunch was microwave curry and the wine was overpriced, oh well!

Yes, you definitely get what you pay for. It wasn’t a groupon booking, we booked direct, it was £54 each, so very cheap compared to ‘proper’ day spas.

I need to manage my expectations better next time

[whitesoxx]

Do they did have a "bar"! Phew.