TAKE ME WITH YOU…
Set in acres of formal gardens, and surrounded by the Derbyshire countryside, Ringwood Hall occupies a rather peaceful location. As the name suggests, The Garden Secret Spa is a hidden gem tucked behind the main hotel, surrounded by flowerbeds and trees.
SHALL WE SPA?
We were warmly welcomed by the spa host and shown through to the Glasshouse Brasserie where staff offered us a refreshing banana smoothie shot which we sipped whilst completing consultation forms.
Eager to begin, we headed straight for the changing rooms which are large, light and spacious, with banks of code-operated lockers lining one wall and a comfortable leather bench in front by which to change. We found a fluffy beige robe, towel and flip-flops inside our locker. Two grey-tiled showers are stocked with Natural Spa Factory fig & vanilla shampoo, conditioner and body wash; you’ll also find two toilets, and a dressing table with two hairdryers.
Prepare to be wowed by the striking design of the spa’s thermal area: in the centre you’ll find a large, kidney-shaped hydropool with shimmering tiles and rattan loungers with plump grey cushions placed in front of a faux living wall. A black mirror above reflects the neon lights and the movement of the water. The pool has two massage chairs at one end, benches along one side and Jacuzzi-style seating at the other.
We started our thermal journey at the two self-filling footbaths. Next, we moved on to the blossom steam room - with its blue tiles and seating for four. You’ll find the Himalayan salt sauna - set to a gentle 45 degrees and also seating four – next door; windows overlook a pretty terrace and green trees.
Our favourite thermal experience was the large herbal sauna which has charming views of the gardens. Cool off in between heat experiences under the experience showers or by grabbing handfuls of ice from the ice fountain.
There are plenty of places to relax at The Garden Secret Spa with two relaxation rooms: one light and one dark, both located on the upper floor. The former also has a foliage wall at one end, a cherry blossom tree at the other (we have yet to establish if this is real) and six loungers with blankets and colourful armchairs between. There's an outdoor relaxation area, too; sit back and listen to bird song.
The Garden Secret Spa also has a mani/pedi suite, a Rasul and a VIP couples' suite with its own Jacuzzi baths and a sauna.
TREATMENT TALK
We tried a Pevonia Fire and Ice Detox Facial (60 minutes, £85).
My therapist, Megan, met me in the light pre-treatment relaxation room and led me down the corridor to a dimly lit treatment room and asked me to take a seat in the corner to discuss the treatment. Megan then left the room so I could disrobe and get comfortable on the treatment bed lying on my back.
Megan began the treatment by gently sweeping cotton pads over my eyes and lips to remove any make-up before deeply cleaning the rest of my face and neck with a gel cleanser.
A fizzing foam exfoliation was then used as preparation for a brightening green apple mask – once this was massaged in, Megan placed a cool sheet over the top. Megan then reached for some warming globe tools, held one in each hand and moved them around my face in a methodical motion; the warmth promptly sent me to sleep. I woke with a start when Megan repeated the process using cold globe tools.
Megan then used her magic hands to work deep into the muscles around my shoulders, neck and face before leading into a dreamy scalp massage.
The treatment concluded with finishing products, a dot of eye gel, a dollop of moisturiser and a spritz of scent in the air.
The Garden Secret Spa offers a range of body treatments by Lola's Apothecary, facials
by Pevonia, Jennifer Young treatments for those living with, or beyond, cancer and a range of manicures and pedicures.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
The contrasting temperatures in this facial are thought to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, deep cleanse and repair, I had some breakouts that almost immediately disappeared; days later my normally oily skin felt more even and completely detoxified.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
You can eat lunch in your robe in the hotel’s Coach House restaurant with its very own spa dining area - a long rustic wooden table seating eight. The two-course lunch menu includes a range of sandwiches, appetisers such as homemade soup of the day and ham hock terrine, as well as Ringwood Classics - think the ‘Markham 1809’ burger, fish and chips and plenty of options for spa goers with allergies.
We enjoyed our duck spring rolls to start but our pan-fried salmon and Gnocchi, with dill, lemon, white cream sauce and watercress for mains was incredibly delicious. Our spa partner went with the cream of wild mushroom appetiser and devoured the chicken supreme as a main.
Some spa packages include afternoon tea.
GOT ALL DAY?
Do a couple of circuits of the steam room, saunas and hydrotherapy pool before enjoying a treatment and a two-course lunch or afternoon tea. On more clement days, end your spa experience on the outdoor relaxation area, with its fire pits and cosy loungers.
SHORT ON TIME?
Head straight for the treatments, they don’t disappoint.
Serene Spy
13th February 2025
Spy Likes:
Attentive friendly staff, personalised treatments, imaginative spa food menu and spas that look after their therapists’ wellbeing too.
Spy Dislikes:
Changing rooms and showers that aren't spotless, tatty towels and robes and having to get dressed for lunch.
