Easy self-care ideas from The Spa at Bedford Lodge

As the festive season approaches, calendars quickly fill with shopping trips, wedding planning, celebrations, and family gatherings - often leaving little time for rest and rejuvenation. At Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, the team believes that self-care is essential, especially at this busy time of year. Even small restorative moments can make a big difference in how people experience the joy and magic of the season.

Carla Belmonte, Spa Manager at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, shares her top self-care recommendations to help guests feel calm, centred, and resilient throughout the holidays:

1. Prioritise Nutrition and Immunity
The colder months and festive indulgences can take a toll on the body. Carla encourages guests to focus on nutrition that supports wellbeing and immunity. “Looking after your body from the inside helps you feel more energised, alert, and ready to enjoy the festive season,” says Carla.

•    Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens can help ward off seasonal colds or aid recovery if you feel under the weather.
•    Hydration is key, sip water throughout the day, and consider herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint for soothing warmth.
•    Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre keep energy steady during busy days.

2. Warm Up and Restore with a Spa Escape
For those seeking deeper relaxation, Carla recommends the Warm Up to Winter Spa Day (£125pp) a seasonal blend of comfort and candlelit tranquillity designed to melt away tension. “Warmth and stillness are essential in winter,” Carla notes. “These experiences offer guests a chance to slow down, restore their energy, and embrace a natural glow.”

What’s included:
•    5-hour spa day with access to luxurious facilities
•    30-minute Candle Massage using warm oil from a lit massage candle
•    A rich, velvety hot chocolate to complete the experience

For an added layer of indulgence, December’s Comfort & Glow ESPA Treatment (£95 for December - normally £125) can be booked as a standalone 60-minute ritual featuring a soothing back ritual with hot towels and ESPA Restorative Oil, a nurturing full-body massage, a gentle facial cleanse, exfoliation, hydrating mask, and a slow scalp massage.

3. Create Moments of Calm at Home
Even short periods of mindful rest can make a noticeable difference, Carla says, “Simple, consistent moments of stillness help reset the mind and body, especially during the busy festive season,” 

•    Mindful breathing or meditation for five minutes a day
•    Evening baths with calming oils or salts
•    Digital detox periods, switching off devices for quiet, reflective time

4. Nurture Skin and Body
Cold air, central heating, and festive routines can leave skin feeling dry and tired. Small habits can help maintain radiance and comfort throughout winter, Carla recommends:

•    Applying a hydrating moisturiser daily
•    Using body balms or facial oils to replenish moisture
•    Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week to maintain a healthy glow

5. Plan a Post-Holiday Treat
The festive season can be joyful but exhausting. Carla advises booking a restorative experience for the New Year to reset and begin January feeling revitalised. “Having something to look forward to brings its own sense of delight,” she notes. “It’s a simple way to support wellbeing beyond the festivities!”

To find out more about The Spa at Bedford Lodge, visit www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk