Strolling along the pier front of Brighton, where the sea churns its crashing waves onto the pebbled beach and revellers scream their inhibitions away on the dazzlingly lit rides, I couldn’t help but feel an almighty sense of British pride.  The seaside; a quintessentially British holiday retreat that exudes charm and admiration, from the striped deck chairs and coloured beach huts to the hoard of fish and chip shops serving cockles and other assortments of fruits de mer.  Brighton is certainly no different, playing homage to many a family holiday whilst managing to maintain its historical elegance.  So it is on this note where I turn my attention to the glorious, and aptly named, The Grand Brighton Hotel, a marvel in both structural splendour and historical significance.  Being a favourite amongst celebrities and the upper class gentry since the nineteenth century, it has served as host to many important people including Lady Margaret Thatcher, throughout its reign along the Brighton seafront, making this iconic building so much more than a hotel. 
 
The Grand sits majestically on the promenade in prime location to enjoy the town’s offerings.  Having never been to Brighton before; and desperately wanting to escape from the pummelling rain that had predictably decided to fall upon my arrival, I asked a taxi driver which direction to (hastily) walk in.  His reply “you can’t miss it” was no extension of the truth.  Lumbered with bags, despite only staying for one night, I was thankful to see an opulent white palace starting to come into focus ahead and needed no further confirmation that this was my room for the night.  Tiered so high like a wedding cake, it boasts importance and grandeur, without a single delusion to be had.  At the door, I almost didn’t feel worthy of this sheer excellence until I was greeted by a variety of people adorned with welcoming smiles and gestures of gracious hospitality, making me feel far less conscious about my dampened messy hair and casual attire. 
 
The hotel’s lobby is an impressive sight with Victorian inspired rugs, sweeping staircases and ornate chandeliers twinkling above the marble columns.  As I had just endured blistering winds and a springtime shower, I was delighted that my sea-view room was ready and that a bellboy was to bring my bag up on my behalf; a show of impeccable service.  My suite, located on the fifth floor, looked out onto the English Channel through imposing French windows that lined the entire back wall, bringing in enough natural light that I didn’t have to look for the light switch.  Although immaculate and pristine, the room was not as ostentatious as one might expect, thus, bringing a little bit of normality back into the luxurious Victorian haven I had entered. 
 
The Spa
 
The Grand has recently completed a refurbishment and with it has come a brand new spa courtesy of Susan Harmsworth, the founder of ESPA and all round Spa Guru.  Believing that mentalities have altered regarding spas in recent years, Susan has built her empire on adapting to social changes and individual expectations of what a spa should do.  Generations ago, spas were exclusively for a wealthy clientele, but we see in today’s society a demand for pampering from across all spectrums of life and both genders.  Yet it’s here that Susan’s ESPA treatments go far beyond the realms of pampering and into the world of science and health.  The Grand Brighton Hotel’s beautiful new spa is a brilliant representation for what she is trying to achieve; combining the calming and relaxing atmosphere of a traditional spa but ensuring that the individual’s needs are at the heart of every treatment. 
 
Equipped with my towelled robe and slippers, I was escorted into the waiting room, however any essence of a clinical doctor or dentist’s waiting room was completely absent.  Instead was a room full of velvet sofas, swinging hammock chairs, curtained-off single beds and a silk adorned double bed.  The choice whether to sit or lie was further multiplied by decisions as to on what and where.  I opted for the curtained-off beds along the far wall, relaxing to the tranquil sounds of waterfalls that reminded me of the Orient. 
After being greeted by my masseuse and taken through to the treatment room, I was given an educational briefing about the massage and even got to choose my desired oils through a scent test, selecting the smell of sharp lemons that meant my body was craving to be awoken (well I had been on a coach for six dreary hours.) The massage itself was wonderful, especially when I heard the crunching and unknotting of tension built up from sitting uncomfortably on public transport.  Not only did we engage in the regular chinwag you’d expect between masseuse and client but I was also informed of helpful advice regarding my body and why certain areas are prone to tension, making the experience all the more intimate and personal.  It is safe to say that my only disappointment occurred when it all ended and I had to reluctantly slip back into the dressing gown. 
 
Fortunately, this luxury spa is not exclusive to the hotel and they welcome local guests to enjoy the extensive range of treatments and amenities on offer.  ESPA is not a brand that bases its success on high turnover; your health and happiness are focal to their priorities and they make sure that every visit is relevant to your individual problem areas, specifically working on them over a period of time to restore the natural balance back into your body.  Whether you have ageing or sun damaged skin, stress related tension or simply want to help prevent the consequences of said issues then ESPA at The Grand Brighton Hotel should be your first and only point of call; chemical free products, highly trained and knowledgeable staff and of course, the wonderful views and fresh salty air of the Great British Seaside. 
 
Highlighted packages include: The Great Escape – a two-night bed and breakfast stay, with dinner on the first night.  Plus choose one treatment from either; radiant facial, relaxing back massage, express manicure or pedicure.  From £129.50 per person (based on 2 people sharing)*
 
Stay with me – a one-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay.  Plus choose one treatment from either; a personalised facial treatment, aromatherapy massage or hot stone massage.  From £95 per person (based on 2 people sharing)*.
 
Love Me. Pamper Me– One night dinner, bed and breakfast.  Plus choose one treatment from either; The ESPA hero treatment or express facial with either luxury manicure or pedicure.  From £122.50 per person (based on 2 people sharing)*
 
Break Away With Me– One night dinner, bed and breakfast.  Plus choose one treatment from either; radiant facial, relaxing back massage, express manicure or pedicure.  From £92.50 per person (based on 2 people)*
 
For booking details and more information please visit www.devere-hotels.co.uk/the-grand

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