A Deep Dive Review of Otium Spa Egham

Feather Charm

1 day ago

7 min read

Hello Everyone!

I think it’s time I started doing Deep Dive reviews, don’t you? So, starting off this Deep Dive, I’ll be talking about a spa facility I recently went to, with my parents. Now, I was supposed to go with my sister and mom, for my mom’s birthday, but I was unlucky and fell ill, so I wasn’t able to attend. However, because I was ill, the lovely receptionists at the spa gave my mom her refund, and a chance to go again, since my attendance was a non-factor. In the end, she booked the same thing, a couple of weeks later, so that both my dad and I could essentially celebrate her birthday with her, even if it was belated.

Now, I know I should just enjoy the experience, but I also wanted to let you guys know about what this facility offers, and whether you should give it a try or not. I mean, every public space has its ups and downs. This one’s no different. So, let’s take a look at the Otium Spa, at Egham Orbit.

The Location, The Space

First of all, this spa is just outside of London, in a dinky little town called Egham. It’s actually where Royal Holloway University is located (I know, my sister went to that university). Anyway, if you’re in the West London area, or close to the Heathrow area, you’ll want to take this 20-minute trip out to Egham, if you want to give this space a go. Now, mind you, the spa is only part of the services that are offered at this space. In fact, Egham Orbit is an activity and leisure centre, offering not just the spa, but a gym, swimming pool and sports classes that are appropriate for all ages. You can take your kids here for swimming lessons, or book a yoga class for yourself, or even use the indoor and outdoor courts for your tennis, pickleball or badminton games.

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It's a large and modern building, and when you first step through the doors, you might not expect it to have a spa facility. Although, I will say, it is clean and easily accessible. There’s even a car park, for those who aren’t local. However, if you’re travelling by public transport, the nearest train station is Egham Station, and it’s about 12 minutes away, by foot. Unfortunately, there isn’t a bus stop close to the centre, but at least you get a bit of a workout before you enter.

The Spa

Now, the spa itself is upstairs, and you’re going to need to book either your treatments or access to the spa and pool, before you go. You also will need to check in, at both the centres main reception desk, and the spa's one, so they know you're there. Besides that, they offer spa packages that range from £28 to £82.50 per person, depending on what amenities you want to use. If you’re after just a couple of hours, in their hydrotherapy room, with access to the steam room and sauna, then you’re going to go for the £28 package. Mind you, this does not include slippers, robes or towels, those are an extra £6.50. If you don’t want to pay that extra cost, you’ll need to bring your own. If, however, you do want to include a massage treatment or a facial, or even a manicure or pedicure, then you’re looking at prices from £69 per person, and instead of just 2 hours in the hydrotherapy room, you get 4 hours instead.

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Now, say for example, you do want to indulge in a treatment, alongside your spa package, but it’s not listed on the ones that they have on the website (i.e. it’s not listed in the £69 or the £82.50 packages), you’re better off, paying for the £28 spa package and then choosing a separate treatment. Be aware, however, they have set times for the £28 package, and you’re going to need to book your treatment around the time you’re there, if you want the full experience. Now, the prices for these treatments start from around £30 depending on what you’re after. If, say for example, you want a massage, the cheapest will go for £48, and that’s a full body scrub. However, if you’re after a manicure, those will start from £32. So, you are spoiled for choice.

My Experience/s

So, the recent experience I had with my parents was my first time using their spa facilities. However, it wasn’t my first time visiting. I did have a massage at Otium Spa, a number of years ago, when I had a little more money to spare, and I was able to book a discounted treatment on Treatwell (again, I highly recommend this app if you’re looking for good local treatments near you). The massage I had, I believe was a hot stones massage that lasted about 30 minutes (it was one of the cheaper massages, because I couldn’t really afford any of the more expensive ones). Anyway, from what I could remember, the massage was good, and I wanted to come back, because it was relaxing. I may rebook the massage, just to remind myself of what it felt like, and I may update my report on their treatment.

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Anyway, the experience I had recently, in their spa facility is what I’m going to talk about here. First off, I impressed by the loungers they had in their hydrotherapy pool, and no, I don’t just mean the loungers that are set to the side, for your personal items, I’m talking about the ones in the pool. Honestly, I would have been happy to just spend the entire 2 hours we had there, on those loungers. In fact, my mom had told me that my sister literally parked herself in one of them and fell asleep. I was tempted to do the same, myself.

Now, their steam room and sauna rooms are, like every other spa: Amazing. They really helped sweat things out and clear your pores and nose, especially the steam room. Both rooms were adequately hot, and I highly recommend using them in the colder months. If you’ve lived through the summer heatwaves, here in the UK, these rooms are similar in temperature, but so much better because they’re supposed to be. Plus, the menthol or the eucalyptus in the steam room just really adds to the aromatherapy aspect to it, and I don’t know if you’re like me, but I also love the fragrant wood smell in saunas, they really add to the whole warm and cosy vibes in these rooms.

Lastly, they had a rain shower at the end of the room, and you could choose between the “summer warm” option or the “winter chill” option, which I think is a unique way to label your hot and cold shower temperatures. It’s different. However, there was only one rain shower, so if you’re moving from one facility to another, and there are a couple of people who want to use it as well, you’re going to need to wait, since there aren’t other showers to use (unless you go back to the changing room and use those).

Accessibility

For the most part, access to the spa and changing rooms are easy, there are elevators everywhere, so you can get from one place to the other, but if you’re not great with walking, it might be a tight squeeze, especially if you’re getting from the changing rooms to the hydrotherapy room. The hallway and the stairs are a little bit small. So, if you’ve got a heavy scooter, it might be a little difficult to squeeze through. Not only that, but the first thing the staff give you is a key fob, for the changing rooms. Unless you have someone with you, to help push the door open, it might be difficult for you, to access.

However, the staff there are friendly, and if you ask, I’m sure they’ll be happy to help. After all, the space isn’t too busy, especially if you book a session during the week (it might get busier during the weekend). Other than the change in floors, between the changing room and the hydrotherapy room, everything is on the second floor (first floor, for my American friends), so it’s easy to get around.

My Overall Experience Rating At Otium Spa Egham?

Honestly, this space is very cool, I like the sleek and modern look to it, and I really did like the pool loungers (the ones in the pool). The only downside to my experience is that one side of the pool had some issues with their loungers, as the jets only lasted for a short amount of time. I think there might have been a fault, but the other side of the pool was working fine. Regardless, I’m glad I went, and I may make it a regular occurrence (once I have the money).

I suggest, if you’re looking for a budget spa, to unwind and relax, I highly recommend this one. It’s not too crowded, it’s quiet (there are signs everywhere to remind you to remain quiet), and you get complimentary teas in the relaxation lounge. What’s not to like about the space? Of course, it’s no luxury resort, so you don’t get an overnight stay, but for a few hours, outside of the city, I’d say this is a good space to relax. You’ll feel so much better after soaking in the hydrotherapy pool or sweating it out in the sauna. Honestly, if you just want a quick moment to de-stress, this is a good place to do it.

Well, that’s it from me today. I’m going to go and see if I can book another treatment at this spa. While I go do that, please don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, share and follow me, here on Feather’s Charm, on my YouTube channel, on my Twitch channel, on my other social media accounts (Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok), and on Patreon. Your support really does help me make more content like this, for you guys.