Overview

Set in 380 acres of wide green open space with a glittering lake, you’ll find Y Spa. A recent addition the Waterfront Hotel & Restaurant – Y Spa has an indoor/outdoor wet and thermal spa with steam room and two saunas – one of which is a Kelo wood sauna make from one-hundred-year-old logs and reaching temperatures of 85 degrees. The crowning glory has to be the outdoor hydrotherapy pool, set in a redbrick courtyard garden terrace. A great range of Murad and Elemis spa treatments are on offer in one of the eleven treatment rooms.

Y Spa has its own bistro for refreshments and lunch. Fish tanks built into the walls give you something calming to gaze at as you sip on your smoothie or quaff a glass of the signature Bottega Gold Prosecco and gaze at the flickering fairy lights in the trees. Wyboston Lakes Resort has aligned its own sustainability goals around the United Nations Good Life Goals and their own cultural aspirations for a hopeful future for all.

Features

  • XXL robes available
  • 11 treatment rooms including two doubles
  • 2 manicure pedicure stations
  • 11-metre Hydrotherapy Pool
  • Accessible hoist for pool
  • Some Like it Hot! - Kelo Sauna
  • Softy - Moderate Sauna
  • Salty - Salt steam room
  • Steamy - Steam room
  • Mist Showers
  • Glacier Showers
  • Frost Wall
  • Experience showers
  • Spa garden sun deck

First Impressions

Wyboston Lakes is a hotel, golf course, conference space and spa sitting in a serene pocket of pretty countryside just off the London corridor between Cambridge and Milton Keynes. The 350 acres of rolling estate around Wyboston Lakes feels a world away from the nearby A1.

From the outside the modern lakeside hotel looks unassuming but the interior décor is stylish, light and airy, with clean lines and bold, contemporary artwork.

What's on offer?

You’ll find the adults only Y Spa opposite the reception area of the main hotel. Guests staying in the Woodland Conference area can either walk across the car park to the hotel or drive and park outside.

The spa reception is spacious with a warm, welcoming feel. Glass shelves of Elemis, NEOM and Murad products are available to browse, try and buy. Check in with one of the lovely ladies at reception or use one of two kiosks to receive a printed itinerary of your spa day. Our receptionist greeted us with a smile and handed us an electronic wristband key to operate our locker/ open doors in the spa, and a slip of paper with our locker number and treatment time/name printed on it.

We were then shown through to the large changing room, which is divided into three sections, each with its own seating area, private cubicles, and lockers containing a white robe and two towels. The vanity bar has comfy stools, lit magnifying mirrors and hairdryers - each bar is inscribed with inspirational affirmations such as ‘Forever Young’ (we wish). Lockers are adorned with vibrant nature scenes; eight shower cubicles are stocked with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.

You’ll find the impressive thermal facilities behind glass doors. We loved the gently heated sauna ‘Softy’, with its ergonomically curved seating and glass window overlooking the Spa Garden. ‘Steamy’ is a beautifully grotto-like steam room with copper-hued mosaic tiles and soft colour-changing lights. The salt-inhalation room, ‘Salty’, is hotter with contemporary white seating and enough salt in the air to banish pesky colds.

Try the mist and jets of the scented experience showers to cool down afterwards, or brave the ‘Chill Out’ ice wall; press your wrists to the wall for an instant temperature dip.

No visit to Y Spa is complete without spending some time in the Spa Garden – a delight whatever the weather. Step into the water from the inside to saunter straight into the large hydropool - with its large swan neck fountains and bubble chairs – or push the glass door open to walk around. The warm (almost hot) water is like stepping into a huge bath; we loved relaxing in the bubbles with the sun on our faces.

The area around the pool has been smartened up since our last visit with a larger deck accommodating several comfy grey sofas and rattan loungers, an attractive cedar wood fence, several living walls adorned with lights, and new stripy deckchairs in jaunty pinks, oranges and greys.

You’ll find the sauna chalet - ‘Some like it Hot’ – at the top end of the Spa Garden. Crafted from hundred-year-old Alpine wood, it looks and feels like a ski hut. We loved opening the door to find a pre-sauna area containing a shower and hooks for robes; a further door leads to the multi-level sauna which could easily seat 10.

We were delighted to find the small wooden spa bar open this time (summer months only); we admired the blue fairy lights and pretty bunting whilst ordering Prosecco to sip poolside.

At the other end is a secluded spot with super comfy rattan sofas gathered round the outdoor fireplace. A covered pagoda means you don’t even have to worry if it rains and there were plenty of teal fluffy blankets to keep you cosy.

Y Spa also has two indoor relaxation areas: the Chill Lounge and Time Out, both divided into three zones - one with comfortable beds facing a crackling fire; the other with 60’s-style relaxation pods to curl up on, and a third with waterbeds (some curtained-off) and soft lighting.

Those looking for a quick massage without the need to undress should try the spa’s new hydromassage bed which can be booked in advance using a QR code. Hop on, use the screen to determine which area of the body you want to work on (thighs please), which travel images you might want to admire (Amsterdam please) and which music you want to listen to (don't mind so long as it's soothing). .

Tell us about the treatments

We tried a Murad Method Facial (75 minutes, £92).

My therapist, Lauren, met me in the treatment lounge - with its long sofa, huge rocking chair and table stocked with magazines - and led me to one of 10 spacious treatment rooms with a shower in the corner.

Lauren then invited me to sit on a chair so that she could go through a medical form and explain the stages of the treatment, which involves the use of gloves to ensure all the products end up on my face rather than her hands. Lauren then left the room so that I could de-robe and get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face up.

Lauren began the treatment by pulling on my ankles so that she could stretch out my spine before asking me to take three deep breathes in and out. She then put pressure on my shoulders to release any remaining tension.

The multi-faceted, tailored facial began with a thorough cleanse and tone followed by an AHA Glycolic Exfoliator which Lauren massaged into my face and neck. A handy device was then used to direct steam onto my face to open the pores. Lauren then turned the light on thoroughly inspected my skin to see what it might benefit from: a Vitamin C Radiant peel and a Hydration Mask were deemed appropriate.

While the peel sunk in, Lauren massaged my arms and hands; as the mask worked away, she worked on my knotty shoulders, managing the impossible task of loosening them without me wincing. In between Lauren spent a good amount of time massaging my face and jawline.

Sun cream, lip balm, moisturiser and eye cream ended this epic facial, which left my face feeling as soft as a baby’s bum for several days afterwards. Lauren then asked me to sit up so that she could place a hot towel over my shoulders to prevent any post-massage aches – super thoughtful.

Lauren then fetched some water and guided me back to the treatment lounge where I found my spa partner relaxing after her Elemis Pro Glow Renewal (75mins, £92); her young skin looking even more youthful.

Y Spa offers a variety of facials, massages, wraps, scrubs, manicures and pedicures from Neom, Murad and Elemis. The spa specialises in Made for Life Wellness treatments for those living with cancer. There is also a good selection of treatments for men, mums-to-be and couples who wish to have a treatment together. 

Food Facts

Lunch can be enjoyed in your robe in the refurbished Spa Bistro with its geometric patterned floor, faux white Eames chairs and long fish tank embedded into the wall. The spa has ditched the buffet in favour of a set Mediterranean mezze with individual menus for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan guests.

On the menu: chicken skewers, Tabbouleh, Focaccia bread, humous, feta cheese, Tzatziki and flat bread and a dessert of the day. A selection of hot and cold drinks is on offer for guests, including teas, Paddy & Scott’s coffees and a good range of wine.

Our three-course dinner that evening was served in the utterly gorgeous Gravel Pit Brasserie and Bar, with its lake views through bi-fold doors, industrial-style bar, cosy booths and outdoor terrace with pontoon overlooking a central fountain.

A new chef has paired things down to concentrate on classics such as steaks, burgers and fish dishes, together with some imaginative starters and delectable desserts.

Our goat’s cheese salad with Prosciutto, strawberries with balsamic glaze was a great pre-cursor to a main course of roast chicken with thyme and garlic, fondant potatoes and mushrooms. My spa partner loved her pretty-as-a-picture salmon to begin with, followed by her sirloin steak with blue cheese sauce, French fries and vine tomatoes.

Dessert was a rich rhubarb cheesecake and a medley of rum and raisin and vanilla ice-cream. A large glass of crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc proved to be the perfect accompaniment to a noteworthy meal.

If you can keep your eyes off the lake, look out for the restaurant’s own Bella Bot, a digital food delivery robot that has a winking cat face. A shape of things to come?

We loved / we didn't love

We loved

The Spa Garden - with its huge hydro-pool, ski chalet-style Kelo sauna, stripy deckchairs and cosy area with fire pit - is a delight whatever the weather.

Our treatment: Lauren is a talented, knowledgeable therapist who tailored our facial to achieve great results.

The Gravel Pit restaurant was a real highlight of our stay with its lake views, chic design and fab food.


We didn’t love

The changing rooms could do with some extras such as a spin dryer for wet cossies and hangers in the lockers.

Who do you think would like it?

Business guests: new for this year is Sandpiper Bay, a conference area overlooking the lake with a row of pastel-hued beach huts for break-out sessions, deckchairs on the grass and a Tiki bar shaped like a car.

Golfers: Wyboston Lakes Resort has an 18-hole golf course within its grounds with lake views from most holes.

Eco-lovers: Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes is making great eco strides with zero visible plastic and a five-year road map to carbon neutral gold. The team planted 7,500 new trees last year alone.  

What bubble rating did you give this spa?

We awarded Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its well-designed Spa Garden; spacious, well thought-out thermal facilities; and results-driven treatments.

Stylish Spy visited in May 2023 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.

Spa location

Anyone who wants to indulge in the perfect combination of good food and great spa-ing. Keen spa goers who want to be tempted by a new treatment.

Wyboston,Bedfordshire,MK44 3AL

0333 7007 667

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Awards

Extra Info

Dining

You’ll find light snacks, Paddy & Scott’s coffee, and something a little stronger in the newly refurbished Spa Bistro. There is also a drinks station within arm’s reach of the outdoor hydrotherapy pool.

Spa lunch takes place in the Spa Bistro too and you will be served a selection of yummy mezze bites. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian mezze platters available, just let the spa team know when booking your spa package.

Why not stay for tea and truly indulge at The Gravel Pit Brasserie & Bar. Glass frontage makes sure that all diners get a view of the lake.

Accommodation

Stay in one of the 103 comfortably furnished ensuite bedrooms. Deluxe rooms come with a selection of toiletries, smart TVs, Paddy & Scott’s coffee, a fridge, mineral water, cosy bathrobes, free Wi-Fi and more.

Opening Hours

Every day apart from Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Travel and Parking

The spa is located on 380-acres between Cambridge and Milton Keynes, easily accessible by train and car and less than an hour away from London. The location is only a 10 minute taxi drive away from St Neots station which is on the Great Northern line. There are ample free spaces, right outside the door, including designated disabled parking bays and electric charging points.

Accessibility

There are disabled bays right outside the front door, along with ramps where needed and aids for entering and exiting the pool. Please make the spa staff aware beforehand if you would need assistance for anything in the spa. They promise to make every effort to meet any person's needs and will not shy away from extra effort to deliver hospitality.

Treatment menu

View the treatment menu

Products

  • Elemis
  • Murad
  • Neom
  • Made for Life Organics
  • Mii Nails

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