Serene Spy tries a Temple Spa Best of Both treatment

Take me with you…

The Stanley House Hotel and Spa is set in verdant countryside in the Lancashire Ribble Valley. The pale stone manor house and glass-and-brick spa extension sit beautifully side-by-side; head to the relaxation room to see the green fields and gentle hills in all their glory.

Shall we spa?

The spa occupies a modern building in the courtyard of the main hotel. The reception area is bright and airy, with dark woods, neutrals and browns. A manicure and pedicure area next to reception has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the rolling hills.

The changing room has two banks of large lockers and four individual changing spaces, each with showers equipped with Temple Spa shampoo, conditioner and body wash; a vanity table and plenty of space to change. Lockers contain robes, towels and flip-flops. You’ll find the bathrooms beyond.

The spa lounge showcases the same earthy beiges, brown and blues as the rest of the spa. Help yourself to tea, coffee, water and fruit; grab a magazine to read or – if weather permits – pop out onto the outdoor terrace to feel the sun on your face.

You’ll find the light and bright thermal bathing area downstairs. Start your journey in the warm herbal sauna with its gentle, dry heat and sweet scent, before moving onto the aroma steam room, with its dark grey surrounds and central quartz stone. The darkened salt steam room – with recessed seating - would comfortably accommodate four to six people at a time; the larger, very hot Finnish sauna accommodates eight on traditional pine seating. Try and withstand the heat - the views through the full windows are simply stunning. Two experience showers and an ice fountain provide cooling relief.

The attractive hydro-pool has two powerful swan pipes, a long bubbly airbed and a stand-up whirlpool for massaging your legs. Full-height glass afford lakeside views. Relax on one of four heated tepidarium beds afterwards, taking time to gaze up at the twinkling ceiling lights.

Treatment talk

We tried a Temple Spa Best of Both treatment (60 minutes, £95).

My therapist, Keoni, met me at the spa lounge and led me to one of six spacious treatment rooms with dark wooden flooring and brown leather reclining chair. Whilst explaining the treatment and enquiring about my skincare routine, Keoni washed my feet in a bowl of warm water before leaving the room so that I could get comfortable on the heated treatment bed, lying face down.

After taking three deep breaths to inhale a citrusy scent, Keoni began the treatment with body stretches which instantly put me at ease. Keoni then uncovered my lower legs and feet so that she could apply a cooling lotion using long strokes.

Next up: a back massage using a Temple Spa Drift Away warm oil which Keoni drizzled down my spine and smoothed over my back and arms. Keoni then adopted firm strokes to massage my back and shoulders, paying particular attention to the mid-section of my back which I’d mentioned was giving me jip.

Keoni ended the massage with a layer of Stress Not CBD balm, which she spread across my back and shoulders to bring anti-inflammatory relief to any post-massage muscle aches and pains.

Keoni then asked me to turn over for the facial, adjusting the electric bed for comfort. With my head and knees slightly raised, she prepared my skin for an active oxygen enzyme peel with a double cleanse – tiny bubbles popped on my skin giving a slight tingle. While this worked, Keoni treated my scalp to a firm massage.

Keoni removed the residue peel with warm mitts, closed my pores with a toner and then added serum, moisturiser, dots of eye gel and a slick of lip balm.

How did it measure up?

After four weeks of ongoing back pain, I expected to feel some relief but Keoni’s personalised treatment – and the addition of CBD balm – lasted several days, making it a very memorable treatment.

Spot of lunch?



If you visit The Spa at Stanley House for the day, you have a choice of eating in the spa lounge in your robe - and tucking into a selection of sandwiches, salads and desserts - or getting dressed and heading across to the main hotel. 

We popped across to the hotel's Mr Fred's restaurant with its bright, airy conservatory and views of the beautifully manicured courtyard. On the menu: British classics such as fish and chips and burgers, as well as afternoon tea.

We tucked into a very large Margarita pizza with sun blushed tomatoes and fresh basil, followed by a dark chocolate ganache served with a tangy orange sorbet.

Got all day?

Enjoy a full circuit in the thermal area - numbers are limited so you’ll have most of the facilities to yourself – before enjoying a treatment followed by some time in the relaxation lounge with its Ribble Valley views. End the day with a light bite in the spa lounge or a hot lunch at Mr Fred’s.

Short on time?

Make a beeline for the hydro-pool with its swan pipes and bubble seats.