Aqua Sana Forest Spa Whinfell Forest

“A wellness escape with an immersive thermal journey, nature-inspired experiences and lakeside accommodation for a comfortable forest retreat.” Serene Spy

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Aqua Sana Forest Spa sits in picturesque woodland on the edge of the Lake District. The drive in offers an early taste of the forest setting, with a red squirrel and ducks making an appearance along the way. On arrival, we pulled into a lay-by beside the barrier to check in with the security team, who handed us wristbands, a forest map and a ‘spa guest’ sign for the car windscreen. We then continued along the forest roads before parking outside the Lakeside Apartments and making our way across to the spa.

The spa entrance opens into a large, airy reception. Dark wooden shelves display products from comfort zone, VOYA, Elemis and the newly-launched Aqua Sana Forest Spa Collection; an area for manicures, pedicures and make-up sits towards the back.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

At reception, Deborah gave us a warm welcome and handed over an envelope containing our itinerary and vouchers for our evening meal. We scanned the QR code on the desk to complete our medical forms before picking up a robe from the wooden unit and heading into the changing rooms. Wooden lockers operate using the same wristband as your accommodation, making life easy, while two vanity units, each with three chairs and three hairdryers, provide space for post-spa preening. There are six showers stocked with Aqua Sana Forest Spa Collection Citrus Canopy body wash, shampoo and conditioner, plus two toilets and a private changing area.

Our spa break package included a welcome hot or soft drink, so we headed to Vitalé Café Bar for hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows – a great start to our spa day.

Heated floor tiles welcome you into the thermal suite, where a map on the wall helps you plan your journey. We began with a bubbly foot soak in Sole Therapy before working our way clockwise around the steam rooms: Aromatherapy Steam, Botanical Steam, Salt Steam and, finally, Blossom Steam. We also enjoyed the experience showers between rooms. Our favourite was Botanical Steam, with three different seating coves arranged around an Asian-inspired statue of a woman lit up in purple. We chatted here with another spa-goer who had been visiting Whinfell for the past 18 years – a lovely reminder of the spa’s enduring appeal. Water, cranberry juice and apples are available between experiences, along with cold compresses to help you cool down. The Zen Garden offers the opportunity to step outside and enjoy the fresh air.

There’s plenty more to explore beyond the steam rooms. The Cedar Sauna offers a traditional hit of heat, while the Herbal Sauna has chamomile, sage and rosemary suspended above the central stove, releasing their aromas as the temperature rises. After the heat, grab a handful of ice from the Ice Fountain for a refreshing contrast.

The Hydropool is a lovely spot to ease aching shoulders beneath the powerful swan-neck fountains. These operate on automatic timers, so once the cycle finishes, you can settle onto the tiled benches and enjoy a soothing soak in calmer water. Outside, the warm spa pool is surrounded by tall trees, with poolside loungers providing a place to stretch out between dips on warmer days.

When it’s time to slow down, Deep Relax is a popular spot, with four waterbeds offering the chance to catch up on those zzz’s. You may need to wait for a space, but it’s worth lingering for a while once a bed becomes available. Herbal Heat hosts sleep sessions throughout the day, offering another opportunity to rest and recharge.

For those keen to learn more about the products used in the spa, the Discovery area hosts demonstrations. You can give yourself a mini facial and learn about the benefits of the products – a useful introduction if you’re considering adding any new favourites to your skincare routine.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENTS

We tried a Comfort Zone Gua Sha Revitalising and Toning Massage (50 minutes, £99).

The treatment suite is accessed through Vitalé Café Bar. The waiting area is welcoming, with six armchairs and two two-seater sofas arranged around a cluster of plants. Tea and water are available while you wait, and the treatment rooms and post treatment relaxation room branch off from here.

My therapist, Emma, led me to one of the 15 treatment rooms and explained that the treatment was designed to reinvigorate the body, stimulate circulation and ease tension, using techniques inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, stainless-steel Gua Sha tools and thermal mud. She then left me to disrobe and settle onto the bed, lying face down.

After asking me to take a deep breath, Emma began working on the back of my body, uncovering one side at a time. She applied an exfoliating peel to my legs, back and arms before repeating the process on the other side, followed by a mask and slow, gliding movements with the Gua Sha tools. Hot mitts were used to remove the products before I turned over, with a towel placed modestly across my chest.

The same methodical approach continued on the front of my body, including the abdomen. The treatment finished with a facial cleanse, eye cream and moisturiser, followed by a refreshing spritz. One final deep breath brought the experience to a close.

Combining exfoliation, warming mitts and the distinctive Gua Sha tools, this was a more unusual take on a body treatment, focusing on both the skin and muscle tension.

Afterwards, I met my spa partner in the post-treatment relaxation room, sipping lemon and ginger tea after enjoying the same treatment from therapist Amy.

The result? Super-soft skin and a calm mind. Amy explained that the full benefits of the treatment can become more noticeable in the days that follow, giving us something to look forward to after our spa day.

FOOD FACTS

At Vitalé Café Bar, you can dine in your robe or stay in your clothes, with allocated booking times helping to keep things running smoothly. Our spa break package included a main course and a drink. We chose the Harissa Chicken Flatbread: freshly baked, lightly seasoned flatbread piled with spiced chicken, peppery rocket and olives. Our spa partner opted for the signature dish: Florentine Fish Cake with salad and crispy seasoned wedges; a glass of Prosecco made a welcome lunchtime treat.

Spa break guests also receive a £70 voucher towards dinner at any of the on-site restaurants, giving plenty of choice for an evening meal beyond the spa. We headed to Café Rouge, where dinner came with an unexpected twist: robots carried our meals across the restaurant, with staff on hand to lift the plates from their trays and serve them at our table - a new experience.

We tucked into melt-in-the-mouth sea bass with French beans, buttered baby potatoes and a  béarnaise sauce, while our spa partner chose Poulet Breton – garlic chicken in a mushroom and leek sauce served with herby mash. White wine accompanied our mains, with mango sorbet to finish.

SWEET STAY?

We stayed in a Lakeside apartment LA67, with wristband access making it easy to come and go between the accommodation and spa. The forest setting is carried through into the bathroom, where an image of tall trees runs along the bath and shower wall. Elemis amenities and a bubble spa bath add a little extra indulgence, perfect for continuing the spa feeling into the evening.

The apartment has everything needed for a comfortable stay, whether you’re visiting for one night or settling in for longer. Our room was set up as a twin, with crisp white linen and comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep. The kitchen comes equipped with a dishwasher and everyday essentials, including tea bags, coffee, milk and water. There’s a sofa for putting your feet up after a day in the spa, along with a dining table and a television for a quiet evening in.

Our favourite feature was the patio doors, which opened onto a table and chairs overlooking a stretch of lawn and the lake beyond. It was a lovely spot to pause with a morning cuppa or simply enjoy the peaceful waterside setting. The resident ducks provided plenty of entertainment.

WE LOVED…

The staff were friendly and welcoming, making us feel at ease from the moment we arrived.

The little touches in the thermal suite made all the difference, from cranberry juice and crisp green apples to refreshing cold compresses and discovery sessions.

The heated floor tiles added an extra layer of comfort, making it even more relaxing to unwind between thermal experiences without flip flops on.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Aqua Sana Forest Spa Whinfell Forest a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its immersive thermal journey, welcoming staff, well-maintained facilities and varied treatment menu.