Eden Hall Day Spa

Eden Hall Day Spa is set in a gothic-style listed mansion dating back to 1875; think grand period drama with turrets, towers and walnut ceilings. The modern spa runs over two floors around a plant-filled courtyard.

There is a huge amount on offer including 12 different thermal experiences, a 25-metre pool, two large outdoor hot tubs, relaxation rooms, a large conservatory outdoor terrace and expansive gardens, 28 treatment rooms, a shop, a restaurant and a courtyard café.  It's a lively, sociable spa.

The spa reception area is bright and airy with two reception desks, comfortable sofas and double doors open on the green courtyard. You will be given a locker key, a map and a bar code slip which you can use to charge any purchases to your account. We took up the offer of a tour of the facilities.

The changing rooms are clean, spacious and well-equipped. Large wooden lockers line the walls, there are plenty of private changing spaces and the vanity area is spacious and well-lit with large mirrors and lots of hairdryers. The showers are stocked with Elemis shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

Inside my locker was a white fluffy robe and two towels. You can exchange wet towels for dry ones at reception; signs in the changing rooms remind you think of the environment before doing so. Eden Hall Spa does not provide flipflops, you’ll need to bring your own or buy a pair at reception.

The low-lit thermal suite has 12 different hot and cold zones.  At the centre are three large showers each with three shower heads; one tropical, one hot and one cool and just beyond is a large mosaic-seated foot spa with soothing water tumbling over the seats. The 60-degree saunarium is large enough for four or five people without feeling crowded and has comfortable curved mosaic seats.  The rose-infused steam room and herbal caldarium with lavender scents transport you to summer whatever the weather outside.

Beyond the thermal spa suite is the 25-metre Grecian-style saltwater vitality pool with two round hydrotherapy pools and swan-neck fountains. There are plenty of loungers around the pool to rest and read. Swim through the plastic curtain to the outdoor vitality pool:  a pleasant experience in the warm water whatever the weather.

Double doors lead out to two hot tubs surrounded by wooden decking and overlooking the gardens. There's a peaceful pond surrounded by trees, plants and flowers across the lavender-lined lawn.

Across the spa there are plenty of comfortably furnished relaxation areas with soft-cushioned sofas and chairs including the spacious conservatory and terrace with its own café and indulgent ice cream bar overlooking the gardens. The post-treatment conservatory summer room is equipped with comfortable beds and the silent, low-lit slumber room has cosy cocoon hammocks alongside plentiful beds.   Make time to visit the sheltered central courtyard with attractive flower beds, bountiful greenery, singing birds and plenty of sun loungers.    

I had the Eden Signature File and Paint Manicure (25 minutes, £29) and the Deluxe Jessica Pedicure and Massage (70 minutes, £54).

My therapist, Jade, helped me choose a nail polish and told me I could take the rest of the bottle home – a nice bonus. She took me through to the nail salon where I sat by the window in a comfortable chair while she removed my existing polished, tidied up my nails, applied a base coat, nail polish and speed dry drops.

For my pedicure and foot massage, I was taken to the pedicure room and seated in a large comfortable upright massage chair. Jessica, my therapist, removed the existing polish from my toenails and exfoliated the base of my feet. She then placed them in a foot spa. She dried my feet, massaged them with a silky foot lotion and placed them in heated foot mitts for 10 minutes. Once they were warm and soaked in moisturiser, Jessica performed a blissful foot massage. She tidied and painted my nails. My toenails were a work of art and my feel felt fresh and revived.

Eden Hall Day Spa offers a good range of massages, facials, wraps and scrubs, and manicures and pedicures. There are Jennifer Young treatments for those with sensitive skin or those living with or beyond cancer. Try the Thousand Flower Wrap for intense detoxification and reinvigoration or the Elemis SuperFood Pro-Radiance Facial to give your face a nutritional boost. There are specialist treatments for men and mums-to-be. 

There are four areas to buy refreshments at Eden Hall Day Spa, you can have breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea as well as cake and snacks at any time of the day. Most spa-goers will eat lunch in the main restaurant, the Taste of Eden, which is on the first floor. The wood-panelled room was once a chapel and is a dramatic backdrop to your meal. 

Everyone eats in their robes so we were very comfortable at our table overlooking the lawns and garden.  Most spa day packages include a three-course lunch which includes a help-yourself buffet of salads, fruit, artisan breads, and vegetables. We enjoyed the salad bar with its extensive choice of salads and freshly baked bread. The main courses are a good mix of vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes and include lamb tagine, quorn chilli con carne, beef and thyme meatballs, cod fillet and herb and garlic chicken.  My seared teriyaki salmon was perfectly cooked and very tasty. There is a choice of five puddings including cheese or fruit salad. 

Outside lunchtime there are two cafes to choose from; the 1875 Courtyard Café and the Conservatory Café serve an extensive range of smoothies, coffees and teas. The Conservatory Café also serves cakes and ice cream. Fancy a drink in the garden? Head to the outdoor Shepherd’s Hut which serves a range of hot and cold drinks.  

We loved

The stunning grounds: Especially the central courtyard, the gardens and the birds.  The sound of birdsong followed us everywhere.

The light and delicious food.

The range of experiences: There’s so much to enjoy it creates a fun and sociable atmosphere.

We didn’t love

The high footfall: At times the thermal areas can get busy.

Some of the areas around the pool are beginning to look a bit tired.

Social spa goers:  Eden Hall is spacious enough for groups of friends.

Active spa-goers: From yoga and mindfulness classes to Clubbercise, there's a class for everyone. You can enjoy the gym, archery, walking and cycling, too.

Once again we awarded Eden Hall Day Spa a Good Spa Guide rating of Five Bubbles.  The spa has a wonderful choice of indoor and outdoor spa experiences, a beautiful garden and courtyard, fantastic food and great service.   

Spirited Spy visited in August 2019 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.