Testimonials

“I feel much more relaxed doing the whole thing of dining, relaxing in the spa, having the treatments and having a lie in with the papers delivered. This is definitely the way forward and next time I am going to treat my Nan as she will love the listed gardens. I think next time I might stay for 5 days. Can you do that?!"

Georgie Okell, TV Presenter

"I was worried about not having my personal trainer here as I love working out, but I didn’t need to worry as the whole Lifehouse fitness team looked after me from start to finish. I tried classes such as Nordic Walking and Playtime which is a mix of fun exercises, that I wouldn’t have done before had it not been for the team who put me at ease. I also had personal training here and I now have exercises I can do at home. I feel fit, healthy and raring to go! I also loved my Tone Zone treatment which smoothed out my lower body and firmed it; I’m taking home the plaster cast! Thanks for making it fun, Lifehouse.”

Josie Gibson TV Personality and OK! Columnist and Showbiz reporter

“I can’t believe that you have this amazing spa hidden away here. What a beautiful part of the UK, and who would have known that this amazing resort of 12 acres of listed land and this beautiful spa would be here. I feel like I have discovered a secret. I will definitely be back! - I feel like this is the best facial and massage I have ever had in my life, it has really rejuvenated my skin and I feel rebalanced again. For someone like me who is always in shows and on the go, Lifehouse really helps you to unwind mentally as well as physically. Everywhere you look there is light in this place and my spirits feel lifted.” 

 Jodie Prenger Musical Theatre Actress, Radio Presenter and Loose Woman

"I thought the food here was fantastic! Just the right mix of healthy food if you wanted it and indulgent delights if you wanted this as well. The treatments and choice of pampering were fantastic at the spa. I love it that everyone says hello here, the staff are so friendly and you can tell they all love working here which rubs off onto the guests. The bedrooms are so lovely with the best views of the beautiful gardens. My bed was so comfy, I had the best sleep.”

Laura Hamilton TV Presenter

"I love the Oriental Bathing Experience! It’s like you are abroad in a Japanese spa. The whole mood, lighting, décor and treatment make you feel so relaxed and the sleep pod where you rest together is such a great idea for extra pampering. It is so picturesque with the beautiful grounds and inside is so tranquil. I think that even the most highly strung person could relax here. I am very chatty and lively but feel I could really unwind.”

Katie Piper TV Personality and Charity Ambassador

"We had a fantastic 24 hours just not long enough. I love the place and the Ethos. Great treatments, lovely staff and the restaurant was amazing! I am hoping to come back in July and do the three day Detox. I will spread the word and pass on details to the other Loose Women!"

Lynda Bellingham, Loose women presenter and actress

“Fantastic spa so relaxing , staff are very friendly and very helpful without being intrusive. Wonderful rooms especially the bed could have stayed in the bed for 2 whole days! Food is healthy and imaginative. The spa has a modern feel with lovely gardens"

Sue Moxley, Sun Beauty writer and David Van Day, formerly Bucks Fizz

“You don’t feel under pressure here. Or feel restricted food and drink wise. The food and wine were amazing and I felt like I was in a top restaurant fine dining!”

Zoe Tyler, Singer and TV presenter

"Lifehouse is great for a girly break, very contemporary and has loads to offer all under one roof.”

Emma Barton, West End star

“It is a great spa for friends, couples and singles as it is so welcoming and you have the minimalist design with lots of light pouring through, plus the lush gardens”

Maria Fowler, Only Way is Essex

“I loved Lifehouse – was such a relaxing stay”

Natalie Lowe. Strictly Come Dancing

“We absolutely loved Lifehouse, and this break was just what my mum and I needed my schedule has been incredibly hectic. It has this feeling of being abroad you forget your in England”

Kerry Katona 

“We really enjoyed our stay, I was very impressed by the food and the beautiful setting.  We were only there 24 hours but we were so relaxed we felt like we'd had a 2 week holiday.”

Matt Baker, Countryfile and One Show presenter

“Had the most relaxing and amazing stay at Lifehouse. The staff, facilities and food are all excellent. One of the best places I've stayed in the UK. I can't fault it. Looking forward to next time."

Scott Mills, Radio 1 DJ

“ We 100% would love to come back, and next time, it would be great to bring our mums as we know they would enjoy the experience as much as we have. Our parents do so much for us, bringing them to Lifehouse would be a great way to say thank you. I have been texting my friends over the weekend to tell them what an amazing place this is. I know that loads of my friends would love to come here.”

Nicola McLean and Tom Williams, Reality TV

“The Oriental Bathing experience was absolutely amazing, no other spa experience will ever beat this, it was like a fantasy, you didn’t know what was going to happen next as there was something different at every stage.  I was so completely relaxed that I fell asleep afterwards.’
The Lifehouse experience was totally relaxing and rejuvenating. Lifehouse is so immaculate, everything is brand new which makes it feel extra special, I would like to come here on my honeymoon, it is really peaceful here and the scenery is amazing, I feel so chilled out and refreshed.’ 

Lydia and Arg, The Only Way is Essex

“Now I have been to Lifehouse, I will never want to go back to a hotel with a spa attached, as my time here has shown me what a proper spa weekend is all about. I love how you can spend the entire time in your robe and slippers, it’s just the perfect place for relaxation and it’s also been really fun.  I have had such a brilliant time that I don’t want to leave, I will cry when I have to go home, I wish I could live here!”

Zoe Salmon, TV presenter

“Lifehouse has been perfect as I still feel like I have had a mini holiday…totally relaxing and chilled out, it almost feels like being at home but in more luxurious surroundings and on a much grander scale. The staff have all been really friendly and instantly made me feel very welcome, I have really enjoyed myself.”

Konnie Huq, TV presenter

“My spa quest ended when my taxi drew up outside a dramatic white futuristic building which was to be my home for the weekend. The aptly named Lifehouse at Thorpe-le-Soken in Essex is no ordinary spa though. Dining in Water lilies restaurant was a laid-back affair - some guests had gone straight there from their treatments still in their dressing gowns....There wasn’t a limp lettuce leaf in sight! I confess I opted out of the boot camp session the next morning but made up for it by making an early-morning foray along Frinton beach, a 10 minute drive away. All too soon it was time to leave but to quote a certain TV show - for me, the only way is Essex when it comes to serious spa-ing”

Sunday Mirror, February 2011

 

“I took myself off for my Oriental bath thingy… Now I am not a huge fan of spa ‘rituals’ but, I have to say, this was rather nice. My therapist promised a ‘journey’ and by heck, we positively hurtled around the East… we went from Thailand (foot massage) to Bali (tsunami shower) to Malaysia (I forget what happened there) and oh…, I lost track for a bit and came to in Japan where I was left soaking in a pool with a crashing waterfall and a mug of Jasmine tea”

Diary of a Desperate Exmoor Woman, February 2011

 
"It has been so relaxing, I loved everything about my stay here, especially the food! There were so many new things for me to try that I have never tasted before, I didn’t know where to start. I would have to say this is the top spa I have ever been to. My room was lovely and so spacious and I couldn’t believe how big the tub was!"

Alexis Jordan

 
“The skater and former Blue Peter presenter (Zoe Salmon) spent a relaxing weekend at the Lifehouse Spa, in Thorpe, enjoying a rare break from her busy schedule”

Colchester Gazette, February 2011

 
“Get back on track with a four-day fitness, training and nutrition break in Essex”

Marie Claire, February 2011

 
“There’s nothing like a bit of relaxation to show your partner how much you care so why not take a weekend break to Lifehouse spa in Thorpe-le-Soken?”

East London Enquirer, February 2011

 
“Lifehouse is pretty special. Located in Essex, just an hour and 20 minutes by train from London, it’s poised to become a real destination for anyone who wants to look and feel better, and make the most out of their life”

Beautybible.com, January 2011

“Television presenter Konnie Huq, host of popular 2010 X Factor spin off-show the Xtra Factor, recharged her batteries at Thorpe’s Lifehouse spa!”

Colchester Gazette, January 2011

 
"A positive, personalised and powerful program. If you are tired of failing at diets, regimental excercise and rules set by others, spend a few days dedicated to yourself  and participate in the Weighting Game. A team of passionate and forward thinking people will lead you through a mindset change which is life affirming and will help you find your mojo again. Each participant is treated as a unique individual with their own needs. There are no expectations of conformity and you are never let to feel that you have fallen short of fitness and health expectations. This is an opportunity to create a new you in a great environment - take it!"

Business executive with a reclaimed mojo - Pepita Bianchi

"Please except this Thank-you for our wonderful break with you on monday 14th - 15th Febuary 2011. This was our first at a Spa and we throughly enjoyed it. Great Room (90). Friendly, happy staff also very helpful on directions. Beautiful Floaty treatment and top class Food. Will spread the news."

Chris & Jo Mungall

"As a confirmed spa bunny and not the fittest person on the planet, I had expected that the fitness parts of my stay at Lifehouse were to be endured rather than enjoyed. How wrong could I have been - a Circuit Boot camp with Andy and a One to One Nordic Walking lesson with Russell were the absolute highlight of my stay. They were both so knowledgeable, positive and enthusiastic that I left both sessions absolutely buzzing. I have had long term problems with my back which usually mean that exercise leaves me in pain. Despite the spilling of a great deal of sweat and my muscles being very clear that they have been rediscovered I am feeling revived rather than broken. I enjoyed the Playground so much that this morning I telephoned and took out membership!"

Emma P

 
"The course has been excellent, Pete's enthusiasm, encouragement and passion were tireless and his individual help and advice to everyone was great.  His knowledge about nutrition, attitudes, the way to change habits etc is endless and helps you to find the ways to become leaner,fitter and healther in a most constructive way.  He is also going to continue to support us via blogging on his website.  The course is set up with workshops, exercise and spa treatments and works very well.  I personally had never had any treatments before and was very apprehensive, but these were carried out with complete understanding and explained fully before commencement to help to relax you and enjoy the experience.  This I did and would not hesitate to have further treatments believing in the fact that I am in good hands with people who really enjoy the work that they do. The exercise classes were fun and very enjoyable. If you don't like exercise come and try these classes, they will change your whole attitude to exercise. The gym is called 'The Playground' and that's just what it is.  Every member of the fitness team only ask you do as much as you can and have fun. The whole ethos is to move the body in the way the body is designed so the exercises use your own body weight rather than machines to produce the results. The facilities are first class, the food is exquisite but most of all every member of staff has been friendly, helpful and polite. I have made new friends on the course who I will be keeping in touch with, some by blogging on Pete's website and some by telephone.  What a great way to meet new people with like minded goals.  I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to lose weight and keep it off for good. Thank you to everyone at Lifehouse."

Linda G

"Sue has an amazing knowledge in her field of work. She delivers the seminars with great ease and understanding. It was an amazing experience to listen and absorb her wisdom and advice. I’m so glad to have met Sue at a time when I needed to make changes and to take on board her advice to allow me to lead a fuller and healthier lifestyle"

Mrs Sarah Polding

 
"I am loving boot camp, it has had a huge impact on my life, I feel energised and so much better about myself, so thank you so much. Your boot camps are fantastic and you run them so well. You are motivational and really make each individual believe they can achieve anything they want. The best outcome for me so far is that I have lost 7lb in the 3 weeks since I started"

Louise Balfour, Wellness Member

"I have seen Pete do extraordinary things. People whom I would have said had no chance have changed their views about themselves, changed their behaviour and become more positive".

Amanda Ursell, The Sunday Times, Style Magazine

 
"Sue is so interesting and knowledgeable. She keeps your attention all the time. We have started to make changes to our diets as Sue has suggested and we are already noticing the difference that simple changes can make. Well done Sue and keep up the good work!"

Caroline & Bob Sherriffs

 
"Russell has done so much for me over the past year. He has transformed my life in so many ways. I have never enjoyed my exercise like I do now and boot camp is the ultimate enjoyment. The fun and the team spirit is fantastic, and Russell inspires us all to want to achieve more. I am now somewhat fitter and just want to keep striving for more. My confidence is improving and my negativity is slowly turning to greater positivity. I am now begining to enjoy life for the first time. It is a wonderful feeling."

Linda Gildersleeves - Wellness Member

 
"...a real expert..."

Zest Magazine

 
"A glowing example and clearly practises what she preaches"

Sue Traynor

"Russell always takes the time to show the group the exercises first, and it does help me with my confidence.  I have never enjoyed exercise so much.  I am now doing things that I would never have dreamed of being able to achieve.  My fitness has improved and I feel great. Thanks a million."

Anne Wood

"Pete Cohen's ability to help people transcend their unwanted habits, fears and phobias is amazing."

Doctor Hilary Jones

 
"Having watched from the sideline for a few weeks, I thought it was time to take the plunge myself. When you think of boot camp the thought of blood, sweat and tears springs to mind with no end to the relentless punishment, tiredness and exhaustion. This on its own is not a pretty thought but when you mix this in with fun, laughter and teamwork you end up somewhere close to Russell’s boot camps. Exercise with Russell and the group is full of excitement, encouragement and achievement, I could feel myself becoming fitter and stronger as each session progressed and I can now happily say that boot camp is a must in my life and no other appointment stands it its way."

Daniel Land

 
"Fantastic Spa and inspiring surroundings. This brand new Spa is amazing. Brilliant architecture set in beautiful listed gardens, it is an artist's dream escape. Visually stunning and totally relaxing. The welcome was very warm, the treatments and choice of products only added to the feeling of being thoroughly indulged. Mario's deep tissue massage was the best I have ever experienced. The food was lovely and suited me, the fussiest of eaters. Already I am planning a return trip and working on a painting based on the lakeside scene from the Mulberry Wing.The place stimulates all senses, I had not expected to be able to watch herons and Spa simultaneously! A truly wonderful experience."

Hilary Macdonald

 
Read unbiased opinions about Lifehouse on TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/