Posts Tagged ‘creake abbey studios’
Tidal Therapies’ Thai Hot Compress Massage.
Thai Hot Compress Massage.
Tidal Therapies in North Norfolk is a complete wellbeing experience for body and soul that is going places. Originally based at Creake Abbey Studios, you can now enjoy the full range of delightful holistic and beauty treatments in Holt and at Potter & Dibble in Dersingham. No excuse not to indulge yourself now then…
One of Tidal Therapies’ ‘signature’ treatments is the Thai Hot Compress Massage. I visited the Tidal Therapies Centre in Holt, a discreet and peaceful little space next to Nicholsons just off the High Street, to see if said massage could relieve the unbelievable knots in my poor aching shoulders and whatnot (i.e. to see if it could work miracles).
Tidal Therapies Owner Linda Black, who set the business up almost 2 years ago after relocating from London to North Norfolk, describes the treatment thus:
“Hot Thai Compress Massage offers the application of warming and muscle easing heated compresses comprised of some 20 Thai Herbs including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and tamarind. The massage combines the benefits of dry body brushing, swedish and lymphatic drainage massage to provide the best possible relaxation and invigoration experience”.
After an initial consultation with Linda, I pretty much stripped off (dignity preserved with a towel) to lie face down on the bed and the dry brush was used across my body. A fan of dry brushing (great for getting the old circulation going) this felt wonderful, ridding the body of dead skin and stimulating the blood supply.
Meanwhile, the compresses – large-ish cloth ball-like objects with a handle that are packed with herbs, are being steam heated. This resulted in the most gorgeous fragrance filling the room – a virtue of the 40-odd Thai herbs in each compress. Once heated, the compresses are applied in deep strokes, which allows the heat to penetrate into both the muscles and the joints to aid relaxation. This was a very pleasant sensation and indeed extremely relaxing.
Compress used in Thai Hot Compress Massage.
Following thorough application of the compresses, Linda used Swedish massage techniques with pre-blended relaxing aromatherapy oils from Aroma Natural to assist the easing of any areas of knots and tension in the muscles. As I mentioned earlier, Linda had her work cut out, particularly around my left shoulder. But, diligent and professional, work she did, and those knots weren’t getting away lightly. By the end of the treatment I’d say the tension had improved by a good 90%, if not abated in its entirety.
Once the back and legs had been tackled it was time to turn over and the process was repeated on the front of my legs and arms.
All in all, the treatment lasts about an hour and afterwards one definitely feels thoroughly relaxed and pampered. I actually had trouble walking, I was so blissed out. I would probably give it a while before driving after this treatment! Alongside the relaxation one does feel an overall sense of ‘wellbeing’ and calm. Just what we all need from time to time in this hectic modern world. Thanks Linda!
Thai Hot Compress Massage – 60 mins – £50.
Tidal Therapies.
Creake Abbey, North Creake, NR21 9LF
Tel: 07854 001590
and
Suite 4, High Silver (next to Nicholsons), 35 High Street, Holt, NR25 6BN
Tel: 07773 252170
As if the host of wonderful shops, workshops, cafe and therapy room wasn’t enough to encourage you to visit Creake Abbey Studios this summer, there is now an added attraction that will be of particular interest to those nature-lovers among you.
A Date With Nature - Barn Owls
White Barn Owls are a regular visitor to one of the barns at Creake Abbey Studios in North Creake, so much so that this year, the RSPB installed a camera in one of the boxes they nest in. Just to demonstrate that while we may be able to observe these stunning wild creatures, we cannot control them, the owls consequently decided to nest in the other available box! When the time was right, the camera was moved, and now provides a live feed from the nesting box onto a television in the nearby exhibition trailer, where you can watch the birds.
What can you expect to see we hear you ask? Well, depending on the time of day, you can be privvy to the owls’ family life as they come and go and raise their young. You can also chat with the RSPB representatives about all things bird-related. If you visit in the evening, you might be able to spot Daddy Owl hunting across the nearby fields before returning to the nest box to feed his baby. Ringed so he can be tracked, Dad is a native to the locale – he was born down the road in South Creake!
There is a slightly sad (and grim) aside to this story that serves to illustrate the delicate balance of nature, including these majestic birds. Originally, there were 5 chicks this year but it has been a poor vole season apparently and there was not enough food to go around. So one chick ate the other four (we warned you it was grim). This remaining (presumably strongest/largest) chick is the only one still to remain.
The event runs 7 days a week from 5 June until 29 August 2010, from 11am until dusk. It is totally free to visit.
View ADWN barn owl (PDF) for further information about the Date With Nature at Creake Abbey Studios or visit www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/
Barn Owls - Hunters Not Haunters!
Although we’ve visited Creake Abbey Studios in North Creake, between Fakenham and Burnham Market, several times, an invite to their Open Day yesterday (with promised drink and nibbles) was a great excuse to reacquaint ourselves with this fantastic hub of lovely things to buy, eat and enjoy…
A pleasant May day at Creake Abbey Studios.
Begun in 2003, in a valley adjacent to the stunning ruins of Creake Abbey, the Studios offers a delightful environment for local artists, craftspeople and like-minded businesses to showcase their talents. It is also a pretty appealing place if you like a spot of retail therapy.
The ruins of Creake Abbey.
It’s fresh but sunny, there are a few folk milling about. Let’s take a stroll around…
First we arrive at Good Taste. Owned by Gae Stubbings, this is an emporium of gorgeous goods imported directly from the South of France. You’ll find all sorts of Provencal delights here, from soaps to food items. Trés bon.
French delights at Good Taste.
Next is Potter & Dibble. A ‘little shop selling pretty & practical things for the garden’. Owner Angela Le Strange Meakin makes about 30% of the items in her shop. A further 30% is produced by local craftspeople. The rest is selected because it is divine.
Potter & Dibble at Creake Abbey Studios.
Inside the shop lives a dog called ‘Goose’. Apparently he doubles as the Sales & Marketing Director for Creake Abbey Studios. Not hard to see why he’d be good at getting people in…
Goose The Dog at Potter & Dibble.
Bells And Whistles is a specialist children’s boutique that offers beautiful clothing, gifts and toys, often with a traditional twist. Some truly lovely items for the Little People in your life.
Bells & Whistles at Creake Abbey Studios.
If all this shopping has left you feeling a bit bushed, pop into Tidal Therapies – Creake Abbey Studios own ‘Complementary Therapy and Wellness Centre’ that specialises in delivering ‘the spirit of wellbeing and relaxation’. Lovely. That’ll do for us.
Tidal Therapies at Creake Abbey Studios.
Offering refreshment in the form of seasonal light lunches and homemade cakes is The Abbey Cafe. Run by Kevin and Deborah Steward, whose team also operates the Sandringham Visitors centre, this is a homely, friendly stop off, and a cosy bolthole during the winter months.
Mouthwatering cupcakes at The Abbey Cafe.
Tel Turnbull, an artist who works with clay and wood, arrived in February of this year. Tel has been involved with numerous TV & films and offers lessons on all aspects of pottery making.
Tel Turnbull's Pottery Studio.
Circus Designs has been at Creake Abbey Studios since the beginning and stocks hand made jewellery, art and gorgeous interiors items.
Circus Designs at Creake Abbey Studios.
For other desirable items of furniture and objets d’art, look no further than Annie Lambert’s Home Decor. An inspiring feast for anyone looking to beautify their living space.
Annie Lambert Home Decor at Creake Abbey Studios.
Along with the studios themselves, Creake Abbey Studios is home to a rather good Farmer’s Market on the first Saturday of each month, and plays host to numerous other events throughout the year.
In summary, whether your interest is general browsing or shopping, seeking that unique piece of art for your home or simply enjoying a lovely day out in Norfolk, a visit to Creake Abbey Studios should tick all your boxes. Abbey days…
Some of the friendly Creake Abbey Studios folk.
Creake Abbey Studios, North Creake, Norfolk, NR21 9LF. Tel: 07801 418907.
Open Tues-Sun 11am-4.30pm (5pm in summer) & Bank Holiday Mondays.
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