‘A calming countryside reset’: Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, Stone

Just a fifteen-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent station sits Moddershall Oaks, a luxury country retreat set on 72 acres of private Staffordshire countryside. 

Having gained traction on social media for its show-stopping indoor and outdoor facilities (with the vitality pool being the main attraction), the family-run former farmhouse has become a popular destination for spa seekers of all ages, from couples looking to live lavishly for the weekend to old friends catching up over afternoon tea and a dip in the hydrotherapy pool.

Set on a 72-acre woodland backdrop with its own private lake, the 4-star spot is the perfect location for weddings, private events, or just a place to unwind with a book and enjoy a spot of well-earned self care in the form of a spa-day/-stay.

My partner Dave and I arrived on a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon, being welcomed with open arms (and a complimentary elderflower mocktail each in the spa cafe) before having the option of a guided tour and being shown to our room for the night. 

We’d been invited to spend the evening in one of Moddershall Oaks’ 5-star boutique spa suites; one of ten modern and stylish rooms with its own patio and french doors to access it with. 

Along with all the modern amenities you’d expect from an award-winning stay, including GHD straighteners, complimentary Noble Isle toiletries and a well-stocked minibar of high-end treats (help yourself for an additional cost), this spacious room was kitted out with underfloor heating and air conditioning, a rainfall shower, its own lounge area, large flat screen smart TV, and a bed so wide it needed three pillows across (six in total) to fill the space comfortably - there’s certainly no need for duvet hogging here. 

Once settled in and changed into our swimwear and ultra-fluffy grey robe, we took a wander around the facilities, popping our heads into the onsite wellness centre MADE.

Here, spa guests can make use of the state-of-the-art gym and cycle cave and enjoy discounted offers on pay-as-you-go classes or personal training sessions. There's a healthy vegan cafe to help you refuel after those heavy workouts, plus, if you visit the spa and love training at MADE so much that you can’t wait to come back, there’s membership options available, too. 

We were here to lower our heart rates rather than raise them, though, so decided to make a beeline straight for the spa, starting with the indoor facilities which include the warm and bubbly hydrotherapy pool, surrounded by heated loungers where we basked for a bit like desert lizards on rocks when our skin had started to prune. 

Alongside sits a 10-metre swimming pool, experience showers, steam room with high humidity steam infused with eucalyptus milk to leave your body feeling silky smooth, and even a pair of reflexology footbaths - you really are encouraged to unwind from head to toe here. There’s also a mud rasul treatment room which can be pre-booked for an additional charge.

With the weather outside being too good to pass up, we traded relaxing indoors for soaking up the rare British sunshine and gave the outdoor facilities a try instead. Heated to a toasty 36-38 degrees, the outdoor vitality pool is a cosy temperature all year round, even in the depths of winter. We took full advantage of poolside service (available throughout the day) and ordered a pair of iced caramel lattes to sip on as we took in the views of the beautiful countryside grounds. 

I’m not sure if it was the caffeine or the sugar that had us feeling brave, but we then decided to alternate between hot and cold therapy, baking in the kelo sauna for five minutes at a time before standing under the drench bucket; the icy cool water leaving us gasping for breath and jolting us back to life. 

Also included in our stay package was a 30-minute slot in the jacuzzi. Unlike the highly popular outdoor vitality pool, there’s no need to worry about this area getting too busy as it's only available to those staying in the on-site accommodation and is booked in private slots throughout the day, making it ideal for couples or small groups celebrating a special occasion. 

There’s a very handy service button at the side of the pool so you can request drinks without even needing to leave the water. Dave had barely even gotten in before giving this a whirl - in moments, a member of the team arrived ready to take our order and, moments after that, they returned with our mocktail and a beer. Talk about living lavishly. 

Guests looking to really push the boat out can upgrade to a 45-minute slot with the ‘double bubbles’ package which includes Prosecco, brownies and strawberries.

After a long afternoon of unwinding in the spa, it was time to head back to our suite and get ready for a two-course dinner at The Oak House restaurant, also included in the stay package. 

Since undergoing a full refurbishment in 2021, the bright and airy restaurant has modern decor and floor-to-ceiling glass bifolding doors leading out onto the grounds, providing a beautiful, family-friendly setting for any time of day. Here, a seasonal menu is served made from the finest local produce, with the restaurant and its rooftop bar overlooking the private lake. 

I went down the seafood route, opting for the calamari to start and beer battered fish and chips for my main, while Dave chose the duck liver pate followed by topside beef with all the trimmings. All of which was well presented and enjoyable.

Full and satisfied, we headed upstairs to the Balcony Bar to soak in the last of the mid-spring sun with a couple of drinks before retiring to our room for the evening. Throughout the summer months, guests can enjoy acoustic sets from local artists, further adding to the chill vibes you get when you're up here. 

We awoke the next morning after a restful night’s sleep, the sun already beaming down on the lawn outside, and made our way back over to The Oak House restaurant where breakfast would be served. 

In the mornings, the atmosphere here is far more relaxed with acoustic sets being swapped for tranquil playlists and the sound of birdsong sweeping its way through the air from the surrounding woodland areas. 

A ‘help yourself’-style continental buffet is laid out at the front of the restaurant, including an array of sweet and savoury delights including croissants and yogurt with fresh berry toppings and juices, with cooked breakfast and hot drinks orders being taken from the comfort of your table.

We decided to change it up a bit, Dave ditching his typical Full English breakfast order for Eggs Benedict instead while I indulged in fluffy French toast with Biscoff and caramelised bananas. Both hearty portions, both setting us up for the day in the best of ways.

Before bidding Moddershall Oaks adieu, I had one last thing on my agenda - probably the thing I’d been looking forward to most; a‘Hot Stone Shrug’ massage. 

This blissful 25-minute treatment, carried out by one of the spa's warm and welcoming in-house therapists, was just the ticket for letting all that tension from daily stresses and worries melt away. I walked out of the therapy room with my head held high, totally relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever the week was about to throw at me. 

Those looking to get the most out of their stay can enjoy spa access until 16:30 on the day of departure (check out is at 11:00, so make sure you gather your things and vacate your room in plenty of time). 

Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, Stone, Stoke-on-Trent ST15 8WF

Follow Harley Young on X @Harley__Young

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