TAKE ME WITH YOU…
The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village sits at the end of a long driveway within a sprawling holiday complex. Surrounded by 100 acres of scenic Lancashire countryside, it offers a tranquil retreat with its serene lake, complete with a charming fountain and resident ducks. Designed exclusively for adults, the spa hotel provides a peaceful escape from urban hustle, featuring a dedicated entrance and reception for its guests.
SHALL WE SPA?
Millie, our charming spa host, greeted us in the reception area, where light tones set a calming atmosphere. She passed us a towel and guided us to the changing rooms, which feature ample space, sleek grey tiled floors, and banks of wooden lockers in rich shades of light and dark brown. Guests can choose to change in one of three private cubicles, or, if you’re staying overnight, enjoy the luxury of slipping into robes within bedroom comfort.
The seven glass-sided showers were pristine during our visit, each thoughtfully stocked with Neal & Wolf 2-in-1 shampoo & body wash, along with conditioner. Guests can make use of the spin dryer to dry their wet swimwear before freshening up at one of the eight elegant marble-topped vanity stations, complete with GHD hairdryers and straighteners. Try the cleanser and toner with cotton pads on ice.
The highlight of the spa is undoubtedly the Aqua Thermal Journey an ever-evolving experience so expansive it includes a wall map for easy navigation. Begin your journey in the aroma room
before stepping into the mosaic-tiled aroma steam room as you adjust to the warmth. Next, unwind in the hydro pool, with its timed massage jets and swan neck pipes, or follow the reflexology walkway to the stunning mosaic-tiled Balinese salt inhalation room — a standout favourite.
Take a break with some water on the infrared seating, then continue to explore the saunarium or herbal sauna, cooling off intermittently with monsoon showers, an ice fountain, or the cold bucket drench.
Spend some time reclining on a warm tiled tepidarium lounger with a magazine. Alternatively, find peace in the new Quiet Lounge where you can curl up on a rattan lounger beneath a warm blanket.
In the Zen Garden, begin by dipping your toes in one of the footbaths. From there, indulge in the raised outdoor hot tub, with its blue mosaic tiles and seating for eight. Re-energise in the new Cold Zone, maintained at a refreshing 10 degrees. You’ll find a Zen terrace on the next level, home to another delightfully hot mosaic hot tub, a slightly cooler new spa pool accommodating twelve, and a Himalayan salt sauna offering serene views of the Zen Garden. For the ultimate thrill, take on the new Brass Monkey Ice Baths — three minutes at a brisk 3 degrees was a truly exhilarating experience.
The spa offers an abundance of comfortable woven grey cushioned loungers and cosy egg chairs, perfect for unwinding. Stay refreshed with water coolers conveniently placed throughout or treat yourself to a smoothie or a glass of bubbly from the bar.
There are ample places to relax pre- and post-treatment, a nicely-equipped gym and a rasul mud chamber, too.
TREATMENT TALK
We tried an isgha Marine Back Treatment (£60 minutes, £82).
My therapist, Tallulah, met me in the treatment waiting area and guided me upstairs to a spacious treatment room where I sat on a chair in the corner whilst she explained the treatment. She then left the room so that I could de-robe and climb onto the heated treatment bed, lying face down.
Tallulah began the treatment by cleaning my feet with hot mitts; she then uncovered my back then began what she described to me as a ‘facial for the back’: ishga Active Cleansing Lotion, salt oil scrub and a seaweed clay mask that gently heated up.
Whilst the mask got to work, Tallulah continued massaged the back of my legs with an ishga Nurturing Body Oil containing rose geranium. Mask removed, Tallulah applied the oil upwards along my spine to my neck, shoulders and lower back. Sensing tension in my shoulders, she returned to this area and used her forearms to work the knots out.
The marine back treatment concluded with a slick of invigorating body lotion and spritz of uplifting aroma spray. After coming to, Tallulah showed me to the post treatment relaxation lounge where I met my spa partner on a lounger sipping tea, feeling deeply relaxed after the same Ishga treatment by therapist, Basia.
The Spa at Ribby Hall offers a range of massages, facials and holistic treatments as well as specialist treatments for men, mums-to-be and people being treated for cancer, alongside physiotherapy sessions.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
Tallulah is an experienced therapist that personalised my treatment to make my legs feel lighter, my knotty shoulders much softer and my skin deeply moisturised.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
You can take breakfast or lunch in your robe or enjoy a dressed dinner at the two AA Rosette The Orangery, a bright restaurant with lime and orange leather chairs and a glass orange chandelier hanging down from a skylight. All menus are fresh and tempting, with many foods locally sourced. There are good vegetarian options, and the chef caters for all dietary requirements, too.
Staying overnight, we enjoyed a delightful evening meal which began with a slice of warm focaccia served with whipped feta and a rich olive tapenade. For our starter, we savoured a crispy potato terrine paired with Guinness rarebit and tomato relish. Our main course was equally impressive: malt-roasted pork tenderloin accompanied by slow-cooked cheek, chorizo, and Granny Smith apple. The crowning glory was the dessert: a heavenly passionfruit crème brûlée served with a tangy mango, coconut, and banana ice cream.
GOT ALL DAY?
Book a Luxury Spa Dinner Break - with £35 dinner allocation and breakfast - and request to stay in a two-bedroom suite overlooking the lake. Add on a treatment or two and make the most of your two-hour session in the Aqua Thermal Journey.
SHORT ON TIME?
The Aqua Thermal Journey featuring its new experiences has everything you could wish for, be it hot or cold.
Good Spa Guide
28th April 2025
