Serene Spy tries Aromatherapy Associates Forest Therapy

TAKE ME WITH YOU…

Set in a 200-acre estate near Richmond, North Yorkshire, the main stone-built house of Middleton Lodge has just 16 bedrooms and is available for exclusive hire. Guests can also stay in one of 30 rooms in the restored Dairy, Coach House, Wall Garden or one of two self-catering cottages named Farmhouse and Hope House.

The aptly named Forest Spa - purposely built within the wooded area of the estate - aims to connect guests to nature. Park up amongst the trees and follow the path to the main reception area. From there you can walk to your room, or straight to the spa.

SHALL WE SPA?

We were warmly welcomed by a spa host at the desk in the pool house and shown through to the lounge. Here, staff offered us a refreshing rhubarb and apple juice shot which we sipped whilst completing consultation forms and admiring the décor: white walls, heigh ceilings, exposed wooden beams and fold-back doors allowing the sun to stream in. A large wood burning stove in the centre keeps things cosy, even with the doors open. A wooden seat softened with a sheepskin rug surrounds the stove, and several lovely huge cream sofas with cushions invite you to snuggle up. Small tables and chairs are positioned by the windows so you can have lunch overlooking the pool. Against the stone wall at the far end is a nail bar.

Eager to begin, we headed straight to one of the four well-equipped individual changing rooms each with its own shower (with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner), loo and vanity basin with Noble Isle Rhubarb hand wash and hand lotion. Each room has a hairdryer and a well-lit mirror. You’ll find 16 half-height wooden lockers just outside the changing rooms, requiring you to fold your clothes and carry them to the lockers which lock with a physical key (no remembering of codes here). Reception staff do offer to take larger coats and hang them separately. If you want an extra towel, grab it from the display here.

We started our journey in the courtyard surrounded by trees (you really are in the middle of a forest) with a few leisurely lengths the 15-metre outdoor pool which was a pleasant 30 degrees on our visit. We dried off on one of the eight poolside loungers in the spring sunshine. Next, we moved on to the delightfully warmer outdoor hot tub -which seats six to eight and has a comfy cushioned seating area next to it that also has space for six.

You’ll find the sauna, steam room, cold plunge and showers in a separate thermal spa building across the courtyard. Help yourself to ice cold, fruit infused water.

There are wood burning stoves in both spa buildings (fuelled using logs from the estate) as well as comfortable sofas to tempt you to curl up and relax. Wherever you are, spa butlers will pop up and take orders for drinks and snacks.

When it’s time for your treatment, your therapist will show you to one of five treatment huts; take the stepping stones path through the wildflower meadow - home to medicinal herbs, grass, foxgloves, daisies, and poppies.. Two additional huts are set up for bathing, with free standing tin bathtubs and log burning stoves; the other four are dedicated treatment rooms.

The relaxation room has wide padded window seats on two sides and soft throws to keep toasty post treatment.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried the Aromatherapy Associates Forest Therapy (60minutes, £95) and a Voya Seaweed Bathing Experience (45minutes, £60).

My therapist, Sharnelle, met me in the pool house lounge and led me outside to a treatment hut. Asking me to take a seat in the corner, she discussed the treatment whilst washing my feet. Sharnelle then left the room so I could disrobe and get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face down.

Sharnelle commenced the treatment by placing a bowl on the floor under the face hole and asking me to focus on my breathing. The combination of Sharnelle’s soothing voice and the aromatherapy blend created instant calm.

Sharnelle then uncovered one half of my body and massaged it from my ankle up my leg to my back and then over my shoulder and down my arm in one fluid motion. She then performed long, deep strokes on each area separately before repeating the process on the other side.

Turning over, Sharnelle placed a stone on my stomach, uncovered both legs and massaged them simultaneously. Warm healing mud was then painted on the soles of my feet and palms of my hands.

Sharnelle’s magic hands concluded the treatment with a dreamy scalp massage. She then stepped out of the room and allowed me to come to, before leading me to the relaxation room where my spa partner was waiting. Over a cup of ginger and cinnamon tea, some frozen grapes and an energy ball, we compared treatments: the Voya Organic Mama Massage was just what our spa partner needed.

To end the spa day, we tried a Voya Seaweed Bathing Hut Experience. Amy had drawn the bath in one of the bathing huts, so it was ready on arrival. Before departing so that I could sink in and relax, Amy explained the healing and nourishing benefits of seaweed.

I spent half an hour soaking in the warm water, zoning out to guided meditation sounds. After playing with the seaweed between my fingers it was time to dry off, apply a body lotion and head back to the relaxation room to snuggle under a blanket and sip another herbal tea: this one hibiscus lemon and ginger.

The treatment menu at the Forest Spa highlights Voya products created from organic seaweed, as well as botanical essences from Aromatherapy Associates, and includes a range of facials, massages, scrubs and wraps. Guests can also book in for manicures and pedicures.

HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?

The treatments and experiences at Forest Spa create a wonderful connection with nature. I left the spa feeling grounded and calm.

SPOT OF LUNCH?

You can lunch en-robe in the spa, taking a seat by the window overlooking the pool. We both opted for the hummus, garlic flatbread, harissa and cucumber salad with whipped feta to start, followed by chalk stream trout and new potatoes. Both dishes were light and incredibly delicious.

Evening guests can dine in either the Coach House or Forge, where a delicate six or ten course tasting experience has been created. We settled down in the former with homemade focaccia bread whilst browsing the menu. This hungry Spa Spy enjoyed the garden chilli spiced lamb cutlet with mint yogurt to start before devouring the Waterford Farm chargrilled sirloin steak with confit tomato and triple cooked chips. Our spa partner chose the burrata to start followed by Harperley Farm lamb ragu with homemade tagliatelle. We ended our meal with one indulgent pain au chocolate bread & butter pudding – and two spoons.

GOT ALL DAY?

After enjoying time in the spa, stroll around the grounds - the walled garden is not to be missed (it was redesigned by renowned landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith and is home to The Fig House, which can also be hired for gatherings and private events).

If you’re staying overnight, book one of the dairy rooms. We loved it’s charming design, taking some notes on ideas to adopt at home.

SHORT ON TIME?

Head straight for the treatments, they don’t disappoint.