TAKE ME WITH YOU…
Situated in the historic county of Durham - reputed to have been Henry VIII’s hunting lodge (portraits of his many wives line a corridor wall) – you’ll find the Manor House Hotel & Spa. Beautiful stone walls, original wood beams and sloping roofs come as standard.
You’ll find the spa in a building adjoining the hotel. Enter through the grey archway and check-in at reception. Up a flight of stairs you’ll find the changing rooms, indoor pool, thermal facilities, relaxation room and four treatments rooms. Those wishing to work up a sweat can begin their cardio on the second set of stairs leading up to the gym.
SHALL WE SPA?
The spa reception is large with arched floor-to-ceiling windows, more of those characterful beams and a wooden check-in desk with four hanging pendent lights above. A tempting display of Temple Spa products fills one wall. We received a warm welcome and were invited to take a seat to fill out consultation forms; our robe and towel bundle (bring your own flip-flops) were neatly folded on the chair.
You’ll find the ladies changing rooms
up the stairs from reception on the left. The neutral décor is modern with a wall of wooden lockers – operated by a key (or, in the case of male guests, a padlock) - and a white leather seating area by which to change. Even the larger lockers are quite small so travel lightly. The vanity area has a trio of white leather stalls and a large silver mirror, as well as hairdryers and straighteners; Temple Spa products are on hand for post-spa preening. You’ll find two private changing cubicles, two loos and two rainforest showers complete with Temple spa shampoo, conditioner and body wash, too. With no costume spinner, you’ll have to take your wet cossie home in a plastic bag.
Exit the changing rooms and take a left to reach the heated 14-metre swimming pool with its full-width screen at one end displaying a rotating sequence of beaches, sunsets and crackling fires. At the other end, you’ll find a bubbly Jacuzzi, a sauna for four and a super-hot steam room
with eight white moulded seats. Cool off in the large shower in the centre. Make sure you bring your flip flops as the floors can get rather wet and slippery.
Next rest up in the conservatory relaxation room on one of the several grey rattan loungers or upright chairs. On sunny days, a door from here leads to some outdoor seating.
At the end of the pool, you’ll find a door to the heavenly-scented pre- and post-treatment room; this calm space has pale wood floors, white walls and four comfy armchairs.
TREATMENT TALK
We tried a Manor House Spa Ritual as part of the half day R&R package (£89, 50 minutes).
Our therapists, Rachel and Nicole, met us in the relaxation area and led us to low-lit treatment rooms decked out in neutral shades with bronze touches. Once inside, Rachel talked me through the treatment, asked about my areas of concern and left the room so that I could get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face down.
The treatment began with a lovely foot ritual followed by dry body brushing each side of my body, from my legs to my back; this felt surprisingly stimulating. Rachel then used a warm oil to massage my back, adopting long smooth strokes before using her elbows and forearms to go in deeper.
The facial began with a double cleanse; Rachel then swept a double sonic wave cleansing brush across my face and decollete to remove dead skin cells. This left my skin feeling ultra clean.
Next came a creamy Temple Spa Breakfast Smoothie exfoliator/mask which happens to be my go-to product at home; while this did two jobs (cleaning and hydrating), Rachel lifted and tightened my skin via a facial massage, paying special attention to the smile lines around my eyes.
A generous layer of Double Cream Hydrating Moisturiser and some eye and lip cream finished the treatment. Rachel then took me back to the relaxation room and suggested I drink plenty of water. My spa partner returned from his treatment looking very relaxed.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
The massage was restful and the facial element very effective. The Temple Spa products also felt good on my skin (they smelt divine, too).
SPOT OF LUNCH?
Our spa package included a two-course lunch in the light-flooded, orangery-style Manor restaurant; a mix of teal velvet and brown leather studded chairs, wood flooring and one wall of French doors overlooking the private garden.
Our spa partner chose a juicy beefburger with coleslaw and fries, while we opted for an ‘allergen free’ dish of grilled chicken breast with coleslaw.
If you are staying overnight there is a range of dishes on the evening menu including grilled salmon, lamb rump and roast squash stuffed with cous-cous. We treated ourselves to proper fish and chips; super fresh fish with huge skin-on chips. Be warned: the portions here are generous.
GOT ALL DAY?
Start your day in the sparkly pool, warm up in the steam and sauna and then take a snooze in the conservatory. After lunch in the hotel restaurant – where you can eat in your robe – enjoy a treatment followed by some time in the post-treatment area.
SHORT ON TIME?
Make the most of a heavenly Temple Spa massage by warming your muscles up in the steam room first.
Sybaritic Spy
22nd January 2025
Spy Likes:
Warm treatment beds; fragrant steam rooms; therapists who listen to what you say; unexpected treats such as back massages that start with hot towels on your feet.
Spy Dislikes:
Small towels; crowded changing rooms; black mould in the showers; therapists who sniff; anyone who doesn't take my lavender allergy seriously - until I'm actually sick on them!
