Hoar Cross Hall

Set in 50 acres of Staffordshire countryside, Hoar Cross Hall is a Grade II-listed stately home turned hotel and spa. The interior is flamboyantly furnished with quirky modern art and sculptures which contrast with the original wooden panelling in the hotel and the white Romanesque architecture in the spa. The traditional, manicured gardens are picture-postcard pretty; ask for a garden view room if you're staying overnight.

The spa is spread across its own underground wing of the hotel.  It is vast with two pools, extensive thermal facilities, 23 treatment rooms, three relaxation areas, a spa restaurant, a shop and a gym. You’re given a handy map to help you find your way around. 

The spa reception is calm, light and spacious with plenty of staff on hand to help. Pick up your locker wrist band at the reception desk – we brought our robes and flip-flops from our hotel room, but day guests will find them in their lockers. Ahead is the circular Atrium Lounge with seats for relaxing beneath a round skylight.

The changing rooms are large with private changing cubicles and spacious, clean showers stocked with shampoo, conditioner and bodywash. There are two well-equipped vanity areas with hairdryers, mirrors and a dozen or more stools.

The facilities at Hoar Cross Hall spa are roughly divided into four areas with the thermal experiences situated near each of the two pools; the vitality pool and the hydrotherapy pool and two treatment areas situated slightly away from the pools. 

For lap swimming, head to the 26-metre saltwater vitality pool which is bathed in green mood lighting. Swim into the starlit "cave" at one end of the pool before bubbling away in one of two hot tubs at the other end.

The Aqua Massage and Aqua Detox thermal areas are situated next to this pool.  The Aqua Massage area is softly lit with blue tiles and Roman-style statues. Here you’ll find a cold plunge pool, a walk-through water jet chamber and a Kneipp foot bath. The Aqua Detox area includes showers and a sauna, saunarium, steam room, each of which comfortably seat six people.

Across the corridor is the warm hydrotherapy pool area.  The area feels tranquil, and the muted blue lighting reflecting off the water is hypnotic.   Luxuriate in the hot tub which seats four to six people

The Nordic Heat and Ice Suite is at one end of the hydrotherapy pool area, through a short and narrow corridor. The four different zones are designed to stimulate your senses. Inhale the heady scent of pine in the warm aroma room, then head to the steamy salt inhalation room and bask in the heat of the Aspen wood sauna. After, cool off with flaked ice in the ice temple or several water stations.

At the other end of the hydrotherapy pool and visible through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows is The Sanctum, a silent relaxation room with soft carpets, hanging pods and comfortable beds that can be curtained off. Soft lighting and muted cream and brown hues give this a very restful feeling.

The other silent space is the post-treatment Tranquillity Room near the treatment rooms. It’s a low-lit haven of warm water beds, calming ceiling lights and a flickering wall fire.  You may find it hard to leave…   

If you want to work out, there’s a well-equipped fitness area with two large studios, a spinning room, and a cardio and weights gym. At least eight classes a day are on offer, covering kettlebells to yoga.

I had the Elemis Wellbeing Full Body Massage (55 minutes, £69).

I was met in reception by my therapist, Rinnie, and taken to the tranquil treatment room. Rinnie asked me about any pre-existing health conditions and what pressure massage I would like. She gave me three oils to smell and I chose the citrus-based oil for a pick me up. Rinnie left the room while I disrobed and lay face-down on the treatment bed. She returned and began by massaging the back of my legs with long, strong strokes. She then moved onto my back and shoulders using softer strokes and more focused movements around my knots. I turned over and she massaged the front of my legs and my shoulders and neck. The pressure was perfect – it felt rhythmical, soothing and calming.  

At the end of the treatment Rinnie told me to drink plenty of water and to avoid strenuous exercise until the next day. She led me to the Tranquillity Room where I dozed on a soft, warm waterbed.   

My partner tried the Elemis Deluxe Back Massage (40 minutes, £51) and was delighted. He said the tension had been eased from his aching back.

Hoar Cross Hall's extensive spa menu includes a wide variety of treatments from Elemis including facials, massages, scrubs and wraps, manicures and pedicures, as well as treatments for men and mums-to-be.  Or try one of the interesting-sounding signature treatments, such as the Garden of England Rose Restore Massage.

Lunch is served at Hugo’s minimalist-style dining rooms a short walk from the spa entrance. The atmosphere is light-hearted and chatty, and you can comfortably eat in your robe and slippers. Enjoy a mix of food from a buffet and table service.  There is food to suit most dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

The starter is a help-yourself salad bar with a generous plate and a good choice of salad items including coleslaw, bean salad, green salad, ham, quiche, olives, tomato, prawns and salmon, plus freshly baked bread. Main courses include seared teryaki salmon, lamb tagine, tempura vegetables and grilled haloumi.  For dessert we tried a fruit salad with sweet and tangy mango sorbet, and a delicious mango and passionfruit cheesecake.    Fresh fruit salad and local cheeses were also available.

We loved

The amount on offer at Hoar Cross Hall: A day just isn't enough.

The relaxation rooms are true havens of peace and tranquillity.

The staff: The hotel and spa are large and spread out, but the team were always happy to point us in the right direction whenever we were lost.

Our room and bathroom were tastefully furnished with a lovely view over the rear garden and the field beyond. 

We didn’t love

The spa is all below ground level so there’s no opportunity to go outside to swim, relax or eat which is a shame on a sunny day.  

The locker wristbands can be temperamental!

Couples: The beautiful grounds make it a perfect romantic break.

Older family groups: There’s a lot to do in and around the spa for adults of all ages and persuasions.

Groups of friends: It’s calm and peaceful but has a fun and positive vibe that would work well for friends to catch up for a day or overnight.

We awarded Hoar Cross Hall Hotel and Spa a Good Spa Guide rating of Five Bubbles.  The service, facilities and food are excellent and there is plenty to do to keep you occupied for a whole day or weekend. 

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