Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa

“A beautifully designed lakeside spa in a truly jaw-dropping location. A fabulous thermal suite, show-stopping infinity pool and delicious food make this a must-visit in the Lake District.”  (Serene Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is situated in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley with pinch-me views to Derwentwater and the Catbells Mountain Range. The Spa, which opened in 2018, was designed to emulate its lakeside location with slate dry stone wall finishes, wooden bridges and walkways, and beautifully tendered terraced gardens. Inside, you’ll find 18 luxury spa bedrooms, six treatment rooms and a thermal suite, but it’s the 16-metre infinity edge vitality pool that steals the show – with possibly the best selfie spot in the whole Lake District.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

Park in the spa car park and look left to get your first glimpse of the spectacular spa building – all natural stone, timber finishes and floor-to-ceiling glass – which wouldn’t look out of place in the Swiss Alps. To the right, the view of Derwentwater and the Catbells Mountain Range will take your breath away. The natural materials and earthy palette continue throughout, creating a lovely sense that the spa belongs in its spectacular surroundings rather than competing with them. Take the steps up to the glass doors to reveal the spa’s reception – a calming space with an earthy natural palette and stone floors; check in for your spa day and browse the shelves of spa products.

Our spa host Hollie handed us soft grey robes and a towel (no slippers provided; bring your own or you can purchase a pair for £3.50 a pair) and showed us through to the well-equipped changing rooms where the natural-toned, textured tiles continue. Store your possessions in one of the code-operated lockers. You’ll find a well-lit vanity area with a trio of mirrors, hair dryers and grey stools to perch on; there are three cubicles in which to change; five rainforest showers containing Neal & Wolf body wash, shampoo and conditioner, plus three loos.

Head back through towards reception and a door on your right leads through to the spa facilities. Help yourself to extra towels from the shelf on your way in and fruit water; just inside, a stand offers a choice of Elemis and ishga products to try. You’ll find the thermal rooms lining the perimeter, and there’s a pleasing sense of progression through the thermal suite, with temperatures and experiences building as you move from one room to the next. Start at the laconium, with its star-studded ceiling, before moving onto the salt steam, aroma steam and concluding at (our favourite) the large herbal sauna. Scented with a rack of dried herbs on our visit, the top bench seats were deep enough for us to get horizontal without encroaching on the fellow sauna lovers below. Between each of the thermals you’ll find an experience shower – Forest Rinse, Tropical Rain and Thermal Sensation – and, in the centre, an ice fountain to cool off at.

Grab a drink from the Champagne Bar at the far end and get comfy on one of the cushioned loungers; a row of heated relaxation loungers look out through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Step through the glass doors and you’ll find the pièce de résistance: the 16-metre infinity-edge vitality pool (the one you see in all those Insta posts), complete with three swan-neck jets, underwater loungers and the most jaw-dropping lake-and-mountains views. There are plenty of grey loungers around the pool; hang your towels and robes on the well-placed hooks between bubbling sessions. If you can pull yourself away, the Finnish Sauna is deliciously hot, and the view from the giant picture window will leave you speechless. Cool off by pulling the open-air cold-drench bucket over your head – contrast therapy at its best.

When it’s time for your treatment, head to reception; plonk yourself on the comfy upholstered seating and wait for your therapist to call you.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried The Falls Deluxe Trio (50 minutes, £100).

My therapist, Naomi, collected me from the spa reception lobby and led me through to one of six treatment rooms – a spacious room complete with a shower. She talked me through the treatment – a back massage, mini Elemis facial and scalp massage – and we agreed the Elemis Pro Collagen product range would be used, before she left for me to disrobe and lie face down on the bed.

After checking I was comfortable, Naomi asked me to take a deep breath before beginning with a cleansing foot ritual, followed by a series of gentle pressures around my body. I knew I was in good hands before she even started the massage. Naomi started by drizzling warm oil over my back and warming up my muscles, gradually working deeper with her forearms and elbows to release the knots in my back and shoulders. She finished with some lovely stretching techniques before inviting me to turn onto my back for the facial.

Naomi began the Elemis facial with a double cleanse, first using the deliciously rich Cleansing Balm, followed by the foaming Energising Marine Cleanser. Next came the Glow Boost Exfoliator to banish my dull skin, warm mitts gently removed the residue. Soothing Apricot Toner followed, leaving a lovely cooling, calming sensation, before Naomi massaged Rose Oil into my face and décolletage.

A generous layer of Marine Mask was applied, containing Elemis’ signature padina pavonica algae alongside moringa and argan tree oils to deliver intense moisture and leave skin looking smoother and more radiant. While the mask worked its magic, Naomi moved on to the final part of the treatment – an expertly performed scalp massage.

Once the mask had been removed, she finished with a spritz of Marine Moisture Essence, a little Eye Cream and a layer of Marine Cream, leaving my skin feeling beautifully nourished.

After slowly coming to, Naomi led me through to the relaxation room, where I was handed a small wooden tray with apple sorbet and water. Here I met our spa partner and settled onto one of five comfy chaise loungers lining the curved wall, snuggled beneath a furry blanket and watching the flickering fire. You might prefer to be upright in one of the wingback chairs beside the floor-to-ceiling glass, or head through the door onto a balcony with – you guessed it – more of those peaceful vistas. Help yourself to water, herbal tea or a shiny red apple.

The result? A wonderfully relaxing treatment that left my muscles looser, my skin glowing and me feeling completely blissed out.

FOOD FACTS

Spa guests can dine en robe at the contemporary pan-Asian restaurant Mizu – a large, light and airy space located over the bridge beside the spa building. The two-course lunch menu features a tempting selection of Japanese, Malaysian, Korean and Thai-inspired dishes. If all that spa-ing has worked up an appetite, you can add a third course for a tenner.

We stuck to two courses, starting with the Chef’s Sushi Selection, followed by the Fire Cracker Salmon. Our spa partner opted for the Korean Crispy Fried Chicken Burger and chocolate lava cake - a colourful, flavour-packed feast that disappeared rather quickly.

Our evening meal was part of our overnight spa break, which included a £40pp allocation towards food, with any extras settled separately. Dinner was served in the Falls Brasserie in the main hotel. With tempting options including 22oz Chateaubriand for two, Lodore Burger and Cumbrian Lamb Rack, choosing wasn’t easy. We eventually followed the waitress’s recommendation of Baked Cheese Soufflé to start, while our spa partner chose the Seared Sea Scallops. For mains, we devoured the 10oz Ribeye Steak with blue cheese sauce, our spa partner tucked into the 10oz salt-aged Pork Tomahawk with peach bourbon glaze. Both came with fat chips and whole-roasted garlic, all enjoyed alongside a bottle of Primitivo.

With belts loosened, we ordered a Passion Fruit Soufflé and, for our spa partner, the Bitter Orange Chocolate Brownie – the perfect indulgent finale to a very enjoyable meal.

SWEET STAY?

Our cosy double room, 209, was on the second floor, reached either by the stairs or the original tiny lift – complete with its old-fashioned gate shutter, of course. Newly refurbished in a modern, understated style, the room had a large window overlooking the river, spa’s vitality pool and gardens, making it rather lovely to wake up to. Inside, there was a comfy bed dressed in crisp white linen, a chair for relaxing and all the modern amenities you’d expect for a comfortable stay.

Lodore Falls is also dog friendly and we were next door to a particularly cute and well-behaved furry guest – proof that you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend at home when escaping to the Lakes.

WE LOVED

The food: Mizu’s pan-Asian menu is just the ticket for a spa day – light, delicate and packed with flavour. We loved every mouthful.

The spa’s Champagne Bar: Lauren was a superstar on our visit, floating around the spa taking orders, chatting to guests and making sure everyone was happy and nobody was left thirsty.

The location: sip champagne from the infinity-edge pool while soaking up the jaw-dropping views across Derwentwater and the Catbells – we challenge anyone not to feel their shoulders drop here.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Falls Spa at Lodore Falls a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its stunning lakeside setting, impressive thermal suite, fabulous treatments and excellent dining.