THE PERFECT ESCAPE
As the nights draw in, what better way to cheer yourself up than with an indulgent escape to some of the north’s most sumptuous spa experiences.
Here we take a look at six of our favourite destinations where you can truly switch off and recharge your batteries in comfort and style.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House
If you’ve not ventured out to this little gem of a hotel, then may we suggest you get it on your to-do-list. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a modern country house hotel pimped up with a dash of bling to provide the most indulgent break imaginable.
Tucked away within a wonderfully peaceful countryside setting on the outskirts of Windermere, you couldn’t ask for a more idyllic location for a relaxing spa escape. Just one mile away from the main boutique hotel sits the Gilpin Lake House, a serene sanctuary nestled amid 100 acres of grounds with a private lake and the Jetty Spa. Designed with couples in mind the Swedish themed spa treatment room sits raised three metres into the tree canopy and comes complete with floor-to-ceiling windows which offer stunning views over the lake.
Throw in hot tubs, saunas, a swimming pool and Michelin-starred dining and you’ll never want to leave this oasis of child-free tranquillity.
thegilpin.co.uk
T: 01539 488818
Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa
As one of the largest spas in the country, it’s little wonder Rockliffe Hall has become a must-visit destination for those seeking a relaxing escape in style.
Nestled within 375 acres on the banks of the River Tees, just outside the village of Hurworth, County Durham, this multi-award-winning spa is perfectly placed for those looking to relax and unwind, or enjoy the North East coastline, stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales or the North Yorkshire Moors. With one of the most indulgent spa experiences imaginable, guests can kick-back and lose themselves with a choice of incredible treatments or simply relax in the Spa Garden that offers panoramic views from its glass fronted sauna, heated relaxation loungers and infinity pool.
rockliffehall.com
T: 01325 72999
The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa
No trip to the beautiful market town of Helmsley should be complete without visiting The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa. With cosy woodburning fires inside and jacuzzi, heated pool and twinkling lights outdoors, this is a place that oozes tranquillity and comfort at every turn and we highly recommend booking a treatment in the well-equipped aromatherapy room before heading over to the Spa-tisserie for some light nourishment or better still The Feversham’s Weathervane restaurant where you’ll find locally sourced or foraged produce cooked by their AA Rosette award chefs.
fevershamarmshotel.com
T: 01439 770766
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa
When it comes to combining a stay in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with a spa experience, then things don’t get much better than a visit to the breathtaking Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa.
Set inside a luxuriously converted barn, the spa boasts a tempting pool and a range of facilities to help you truly unwind and throughout autumn, the hotel will continue to run their secret spa experience where guests can enjoy all the spa facilties in the comfort and warmth of their own bell tent.
Guests can dine at The Devonshire Arms Brasserie for a relaxed meal or the hotel’s renowned 4-AA-Rosette-awarded Burlington restaurant for a luxurious treat.
thedevonshirearms.co.uk/spa
T: 01756 718100
The Coniston Hotel, Country Estate & Spa
Set amidst the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, a trip to the Nàdarra Spa at Coniston Hotel is guaranteed to lift the mood and spirit of all who visit.
Located on the outskirts of Skipton, the spa features two infinity pools with stunning views across the 1,400-acre estate and beyond and a lake view terrace with relaxed seating, fire pits and a covered outdoor bar. Inside there is another pool, saunas, aromatherapy steam room, indoor bubble pool and ice fountain and a luxury couples suite including double spa bath and mud rasul.
After a revitalising spa experience, guests can dine at the Huntsman’s Lodge while enjoying a range of dishes from brunch and lunch through to afternoon tea and dinner while fine dining lovers are in for a mouthwatering treat at the 2AA Rosette awarded Macleods Restaurant.
theconistonhotel.com/spa
T: 01756 748080
Rudding Park Hotel
A long-time favourite of beyond, is the multi-award-winning Rudding Park where the ultimate spa experience awaits guests. Located in the traditional spa town of Harrogate it boasts state-of-the-art facilities, all beautifully designed to optimise relaxation and create the ultimate tranquil environment. Complete with a roof-top bar it offers guests an endless array of luxurious treatments including a hydrotherapy infinity pool, a panoramic sauna and herbal bath steam room to ease those aches and pains away
As no spa day would be complete without a bite to eat after all that exertion, be sure to check out the hotel’s Horto restaurant which proudly serves up ‘wellbeing in every bite’ in their contemporary diner.
ruddingpark.co.uk/spa
T: 01423 844822
The Grand Hotel and Spa
After a day wandering the cobbles of York, no trip to this magical city would be complete without a well-earned pamper session at The Grand Hotel & Spa.
Set in the hotel’s atmospheric former vaults, The Spa at The Grand is a secluded and tranquil escape right in the centre of York.
With skilled therapists offering an abundance of indulgent treatments to work away every knot, tension, and flaw, this is the ultimate place to head for some quality ‘you’ time.
Treatments include soothing body wraps and holistic massages and a selection of beauty therapies including manicures and pedicures. Throw in a swimming pool, whirlpool, steam room, Nordic dry sauna and a state-of-the-art gym and this is one spa that you’ll never tire of.
With a range of spa packages perfect for those looking to stay or dine at The Grand, as well as pre-wedding pamper options for bridal parties and groomsmen, this is a must-stop hotel and spa on your next York trip.
