Eden Hall Day Spa

Eden Hall Day Spa is set in a gothic-style listed mansion dating back to 1875 – think turrets, towers and walnut-wood ceilings. Set over two floors, the spa is sympathetic to the style of the property, with a clean, crisp aesthetic. The brand new £4m Spa Garden brings a little piece of the Med to the Midlands.

The spa’s parent company, Baron's Eden, is a founding member of the Sustainable Spa Association and is proudly working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Spa goers enter by walking over a floor of glass covering an old well.

The stone floored spa reception area is bright and airy with two reception desks and comfortable sofas. A door leads to the changing rooms which are huge with private changing spaces and clusters of wooden lockers signposted for ease; if you forget your locker number pop your wristband against the machine for a very handy reminder. The vanity area is spacious and well lit with large mirrors and lots of hairdryers; showers are stocked with Voya Lime & Mandarin shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

You’ll find a white robe and a towel inside your locker; head back to reception for more towels. To preserve the environment, Eden Hall Spa makes a point of not providing flip-flops – remember to bring your own or you can buy a pair from the spa boutique. The same goes for water bottles, with filling stations located around the spa.

From reception, double doors open up to the new Spa Garden. Set against the backdrop of the Victorian building - all red-brick chimneys and turrets - expect total Mediterranean vibes: sandstone tiles, pale-wood planters lined with lavender and rosemary, and beautiful wooden curved seating. Japanese Maple, Olive and Birch trees help to create an axial design with plenty of chill-out space.

At the centre, the Outdoor Hydrotherapy Pool with its crystal-clear water, stainless steel steps and infinity edge that flows onto the pebbles below. Heated to an average of 39.C, the underwater jets feature 16 benches, four standing therapy stations and air loungers with headrests to soothe aching muscles and joints; there’s also two water cannons to pummel stressed out shoulders.

Ten olive and white striped loungers line one side of the pool; a wooden pagoda with vaulted ceiling, strung with lights can be found at one end. Two sofas, with grey geometric print cushions, and four curved wooden chairs surround an outdoor fit pit, while chilled tunes play in the background. Spa butlers mill around offering an array cocktails, wine or beer, just tap your wristband on the machine and pay when you leave.

You’ll also find a large outdoor sauna and, opposite, the dimly-lit Rest and Relax Room with eight adjustable beds, sheer curtains and rustic timber finishes.

Inside, the low-lit thermal suite has 12 different thermal experiences to try, including a rose-infused steam room, a herbal caldarium, a salt inhalation room and a sanarium. At the centre you’ll find large walk-through showers which you can set to tropical, hot, or cool; just beyond is a large mosaic-seated foot spa with soothing water tumbling over the seats to soothe shoulders.

Lap swimmers should make a beeline for the spa’s 25-metre Grecian-style saltwater vitality pool with its two round hydro pools and swan-neck fountains. You’ll find plenty of loungers around the pool to rest and read or swim through the plastic curtain to the outdoor vitality pool - a pleasant experience whatever the weather.

Here, double doors lead out to two hot tubs surrounded by wooden decking and overlooking the gardens - a gentle walk will lead to a peaceful pond surrounded by trees, plants and flowers. You’ll find plenty of loungers dotted around out here, including some doubles; it’s a great place to find a peaceful corner to escape to.

The Slumber Lounge - with its suspended dome chairs and reclining day beds set in a softly lit space - provides an escape from the brightness and buzz of the spa. There’s also a fitness studio tucked behind the main pool with its own reception desk.

We tried the Warming Muscle Massage (60 minutes, £95).

My therapist, Sara-Jayne collected me from the Spa Boutique and led me to one of the 25 treatment rooms – a continuation of the pale wood and calming greys with lights twinkling above the bed. After explaining the treatment, she left me to pull on my rather dazzling paper knickers and lie face up on the heated bed.

Sara-Jayne covered my eyes and poured hot oil along one side of my body, gliding the soothingly hot lava shells along my muscles from my legs to my arms, working out any knots she encountered. She did the same on the other side before working on the sides of my neck – which felt incredible.

Turning onto my front, Sara-Jayne continued on the backs of my arms and legs before focusing on my lower back – easing a troublesome knot on my right side.

The treatment left me feeling totally relaxed. Sara-Jayne advised me to stay hydrated, handed me a cup of water and led me to the sun-drenched relaxation room to get cosy on a heated leather lounger.

Eden Hall has partnered with Voya for their commitment to sustainability as well as Elemis and Grown Alchemist. The menu includes a range of facials, massages and beauty treatments, as well as treatments for men, mums-to-be and those recovering from - or living with - cancer.

Most spa-goers 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 provides a dramatic backdrop to any meal. You may also enjoy the Conservatory - with its sun terrace - which serves breakfast, light snacks and afternoon tea. There’s also a quaint Shepherd’s Hut outside serving hot and cold drinks.  

We dined in our robes in the brand new sun-lit botanical brasserie, The Vinery, located at the heart of the Spa Garden. Embracing the outdoor-in concept, expect a mix of garden benches and bistro-style dining all with panoramic views. On sunny days dine outside on the terrace; blankets and patio heaters are on hand for cooler evenings.

The menu features a selection of small and large plates, plus pizza and a good selection of cakes. We opted for the Eden burger, served with sweet potato fries; my spa partner tucked into the hearty Philadelphia steak sandwich.

We loved

The new Spa Garden is simply beautiful - bubble away in hydro pool and soak in the stunning surrounds.

The good range of thermal facilities designed to improve circulation and remove toxins - they are also great fun to explore.

The building: offers an exceptional backdrop for a spa day; the entrance certainly has the wow factor.

We didn’t love

The high footfall: all the loungers around the new hydro pool had towels draped on them so we were unable to get horizontal pool-side on our visit.

The post-treatment relaxation room is very bright – if you wish to snooze, ask to be taken to the Slumber Lounge or the new Rest and Relax Room in the Spa Garden.

Couples: this spa has couples written all over it; we saw lots kicking back together in the new hydro pool. Date night, sorted. 

Social spa-goers: Eden Hall is spacious enough to cater for groups of friends or a special occasion. Both the old and new spa gardens are great spots for hanging out.

The eco-conscious: Eden Hall has a strong focus on sustainability and wish to be carbon neutral by 2030, from the homegrown honey to the sustainable heating in the hydropool.

We awarded Eden Hall Day Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of Five Bubbles for its beautifully designed spa garden, fun thermal experiences and imaginative treatment menu.

Scarlet Spy visited in August 2023 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.