LET it be known that when it comes to spa breaks, I'm a bit of an addict. From Paris to Hamburg to Mexico City, I've been lucky enough to experience some of the world's top pampering spots. So when I heard about The Spa Hotel in Lancashire, I was keen to find out more. A luxury spa that didn't require international travel or a big chunk of my holiday budget...show me the way.
The real show-stopper was the heated outdoor spa pool which has stunning views across acres of countryside
The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village opened in 2011 and has recently been named Best Spa in the North by readers of The Good Spa Guide. It's an adult-only destination (sorry, kids) and includes a four-star hotel and a two AA-rosette Brasserie. Best yet, it's only about an hour's drive from Manchester so it's well within reach for a day visit or short break.
We arrived on a Friday morning feeling more than a little frazzled after a hectic week. The spa is set within landscaped grounds and has the look of a multimillionaire's mansion – swish and secluded. Sometimes luxury comes with attitude but there was no snootiness here. The receptionist gave us a lovely welcome and checked us in without any fuss. My stress levels were decreasing already.
When we stepped into our gorgeous, spacious room, they dropped even further. It had a huge bed, a dream bathroom, and all the extras you expect in a four-star hotel plus some you don't, such as the complimentary chilled bubbles.
Resisting the urge to uncork, we headed down to The SPA Hotel’s Brasserie for a light lunch with a glass of champagne. The Brasserie lives up to its luxurious surroundings, offering first-class food and exceptional service. Later that day, we dined there on roast beef and sea bass – it was a delightful meal which underlined The Brasserie's credentials as a Michelin-recommended venue.
Before that though we worked up an appetite in the spa. The Spa Hotel's Aqua Thermal Journey is one of its star features so I wanted to try this first. The experience includes an aroma room, an aroma steam room, a saunarium, a Balinese salt inhalation room, a herbal sauna, an outdoor rustic sauna, a Roman pedidarium, a tepidarium, and a hydrotherapy pool.
As you move through each room, your body temperature slowly rises, detoxing your skin and relaxing your joints and muscles. At the end, you cool off in a monsoon shower: an enlivening experience that will leave you glowing.
The Aqua Thermal Journey was fantastic but the real show-stopper for me was the heated outdoor spa pool which has stunning views across acres of countryside. You could spend a day in there alone.
Treatment-wise, we went for the Elemis Face and Body Sensation – a duo experience for couples. Combining a massage with an anti-ageing facial, it was the best hour of my year so far. My therapist was a true professional and I entered the relaxation area feeling like a new person, all my stresses gently eased away.
So does Lancashire's finest compete with top spa destinations abroad? Easily. The facilities at The Spa Hotel measure up to, if not exceed, those of any spa I’ve stayed in. It offers a super-relaxing, sumptuous experience from start to end. By the time we were tucked up in the feather-down beds, we were floating on air.
Spa Breaks at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village start from £99 per person and include a two course dinner, luxury accommodation, breakfast and enjoyment of the unique aqua thermal and sensory journey.
To book a break simply call 0800 107 0336 and quote Manchester Confidential
Or learn more about The Spa Hotel.
