Utopia Spa - Dartford

Elena M.

Conclusion (upfront):
⭐ 2 stars. Rowhill Grange has a convenient location, friendly therapists, and plenty of parking. But the facilities feel run-down, the treatment flow was disorganised, and the treatments themselves were disappointing. This is more a management issue than staff fault. For a quick countryside pool visit – maybe. For a proper spa experience – not recommended.

Why:
• Booking: Smooth website, but no reminders or communication after confirmation – not ideal when booking expensive half-day packages.
• Facilities: Outdated and neglected – broken showers, cracked tiles, small saunas, steam generator under the bench (!) making it unsafe. Male/female separation in dry saunas makes it awkward for couples.
• Details: Water provided only in tiny cardboard triangle cups – impractical and uncomfortable.
• Treatment organisation: My three treatments were scheduled in an odd order (massage → scrub → facial), with breaks in the waiting area between each. Therapists changed, delays happened, once I was even mixed up with another guest. Mid-massage, cold air conditioning blew directly onto my wet hair – the therapist had to stop and ask reception how to turn it off.
• Treatment quality: Sadly, underwhelming. Massage table covered with sheets that didn’t look fresh. Pressure requested as firm, but delivered as soft. Body scrub felt superficial and flat. Staff were kind and attentive, but technically weak.

Lola R.

Went for a suprise birthday spa day. My husband informed them prior that we will arrive after the recommended start time. Despite this as soon as we arrived we were suddenly told our treatments would be in 15 mins and we would have no time for a tour or to put our things away. It would have made sense to give us later treatment times knowing this.

The massage was really good and the masseuse very friendly. Unfortunately the service on arrival was not great. The desk was empty for up to 10 mins. When someone did come they did not even acknowledge us. When we informed them we were here for the spa day they said someone would be with you soon - no smile and not pleasant.

After 10 mins suddenly there were about 8 staff members and still no acknowledgment until one lady finally did.

The facilities were nice and the afternoon tea lovely. If you take the staff and system out of the equation it was a lovely day!

Kiki D.

Very disappointing experience. Came here for a spa day. The premises were dirty (tables not wiped properly, the floor near the bar and reception was quite sticky for some reason, etc). It could do with a bit of a renovation as some of the walls were swollen due to humidity.

Staff at both receptions seemed like they couldn’t care less for spa customers and service at the restaurant was a bit slow. In general knowing where you needed to go was a challenge. The place could do with some signs displaying where the pool, the restaurant and the gym are or as someone else has said the staff could show you around upon arrival.

They ask for a 5 pound deposit per person upon arrival so make sure you have credit cards or your wallet with you.

Finally, upon arrival we asked whether we could be in the same room for our treatment and they said it is possible without mentioning it would be an upgrade or any extra charges. We had to ask again before our treatment. The staff at the treatment room didn’t know anything about it and said they would check with someone. We got the same room in the end but were asked as we were exiting to pay 5pounds/person for the supposed upgrade. Our package had about 10pounds credit each and when we asked whether they could take it from our credit they said it had to be pre-booked. There was/is no such option online and we did ask upon arrival for it, so not sure what we could have done differently.

Overall a pretty bad experience both in terms of transparency in communication, the service quality and cleanliness.

Nicki P.

Sadly not a good experience. There was a limited choice of food on menu and out of smoked salmon starter. Chose pate instead but didn’t like taste so reverted to pumpkin soup which was nice. Service very slow and wrong meal ordered for me so had to wait again. Had venison sausages but mash and gravy very gloopy so couldn’t eat it. The others had the mushroom flat bread which was bland and unappealing. The place was generally not very warm throughout and treatment rooms cold so I couldn’t relax. Even though I brought it to the attention of therapist who offered to turn the bed up to full this didn’t really help. Having said that I did have a nice facial. Three of us were very cold and but enjoyed treatment although this ruined it for me. The other member of party said her therapist was huffing and puffing so she too couldn’t relax. I did mention to receptionist when we came out but she did not really seem to take on board our comments or say she would pass on the complaint. Jacuzzi not working properly. Overall ver poor. 😢

Karimah K.

Unfortunately I was incredibly disappointed. I do not believe the establishment has been updated in years. We had bed bugs and a dusty room. May I also add it was in a separate building and time had frozen in 1980. Felt like the 1950s segregation. The room was definitely overpriced and as for the menu I hardly think that was value for money. The spa was very dirty and rundown we has to use the men's changing room for some strange reason? I also found the lack ventilation quite difficult to breathe and felt unwell after a couple hours. It clearly needs modernising and cleaned throughout. The place lacked music and air conditioning. Admittedly the hydro pool was the best thing about the place and the steam room was nice even if a tad worse for wear. All in all I wouldn't recommend staying here. There are nicer establishments for less money, overall the grounds are nice and the staff are polite however it may have been a nice place a decade ago.

Michael H. H.

Very disappointing, got a couples massage. The door was opening and closing with someone coming in out during which meant cold air coming in and being disturbed.
The steam room has no steam and is just a cold mess.
The men’s sauna is directly facing the urinals which is off putting.
The hot tub is very small.
The hydrothermal pool was freezing cold for no reason. I asked to check if that was how it was meant to be and they said no it should be warm. Waste of time and money.

Emily M.

Went for spa day here, all of the staff were so friendly, welcoming and really helpful to us. The spa itself is quite small, just one small hot tub, one hydro pool and a small swimming pool, not many loungers to use either. Personally thought that the hydro pool could have been a bit hotter as it was slightly on the cooler side to be able to stay in for a while. Had a facial as treatment which was nice and relaxing. Only 3 options to choose from for lunch, would have been nice to have some other options available, as quite limited. Bath robes and towels are provided but have to pay extra if you want flip flops so would advise bringing your own. No individual changing cubicles available in the women's changing rooms, would be good to have at least one private cubical for changing I think. It is a nice spa, but personally think there are better ones around for the price that you pay.

Valerie A.

Beautiful place - my main gripe was that it would have been nice to have been shown around the facilities on arrival, as I was given my keyband for a locker and had no idea where the lockers were. When I discovered Ladies Changing facilities, I didn't have a clue which locker was mine, as no number on keyband and a lot of lockers. Went back up to reception to ask for towel and robe and was told they were in the locker. I asked which locker and was told 3 or 4. How was I to know this and why wasn't she sure which one? A lot of young girls were hanging around the reception area, looking pretty, but very unhelpful. Complimentary water and dried fruit was a lovely idea. Very clean. Loved the relaxation lounge with access to the pool area. Afternoon tea was delicious, although I was disturbed while eating by 2 members of staff on 2 different occasions asking to see my spaseekers voucher (after being at the spa for 3½ hours). A little bit embarrassing!