Take some time out. Dip your toes into a spa garden, have a facial or just enjoy some ‘me time’. We round up three of our fave spas.
Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth on Tees
Unwinding in the infinity pool, which overlooks the rolling fields, the speakers kicking out Balearic chilled tunes, you’ll absolutely feel like you’re abroad.
Rockliffe Hall’s Spa Garden is an additional £30 per person for a two-hour session, which is way cheaper than a return flight to Ibiza, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away on holiday.
The spa itself has some new features, after a recent refurbishment, and there’s a new igloo, infrared sauna, experience showers and a salt inhalation system has been added to the caldarium (steam room).
No trip to Rockliffe spa is complete without a treatment and a 45-minute facial will leave you zoned out and your skin completely rehydrated. For spa days and offers visit rockliffehall.com/spa
Eat: Eat in The Brasserie (above the spa) and enjoy delicious dishes such as salmon and smoked haddock fishcake, fish and chips (make sure you’re hungry, the cod is huge!), or fillet of pork with English vegetables, horseradish mash and Rockliffe beetroot relish.
Aaron Craig is executive chef and uses ingredients grown on the estate. Make sure you order a gin from the Gin Trolley too, which features local heroes from the North East, Yorkshire, Manchester and Scotland.
Harrogate Turkish Baths, Harrogate
Although Turkish Baths were common in Victorian times, only seven remain which date back to the 19th century. Harrogate’s Turkish Baths feature Moorish design with Islamic arches and screens, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors (laid by the very best Italian experts).
A two-hour session, which takes you thought three different heated rooms, before dunking yourself into a freezing cold plunge pool – is between £19 and £32 depending on the day. The heating, cooling and cleansing journey promotes relaxation and a clear mind. turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk
Eat: After the baths, head to The Ivy, on Parliament Street, order a glass of fizz and tuck into dishes such as crispy duck salad and marinated yellowfin tuna marinated with a citrus ponzu dressing and wasabi mayonnaise with chilli and coriander. Prices start from £5.75 for starters and £12.75 for mains. theivyharrogate.com
Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa, Carville, Durham
Just a few hours in a spa can make all the difference to your mood. Ramside’s half day package includes four hours spa use, so guests can chill out in one of the five pools – including an outdoor infinity pool – relaxation rooms and thermal suites.
A half day, at £65, also includes breakfast, lunch or fusion afternoon tea in the Asian-inspired restaurant. ramsidespa.co.uk
Eat: The bento boxes at Fusion restaurant, which is set within the spa, are £21.50 and diner can select four dishes to include in them, including bang bang chicken salad, tempura king prawns, Thai fish cakes, traditional red or green curry and teriyaki salmon salad. All come with steamed jasmine rice.
