Spa at Ramside

“A large-scale spa with a private Infinity Pool, stand-out treatments and staff that make you feel looked after from the moment you arrive (until the moment you leave).” Sporty Spy

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Ramside Hall is a substantial resort near Durham incorporating a hotel, a spa, a gym, a golf course and a clubhouse. The scale of the place is apparent as soon as you approach.

Parking is spread across the site with spaces close to each facility - day spa-goers can park up right outside the spa itself, which occupies its own building; the design taking cues from the original Hall and hotel, with an impressive, glass-fronted entrance allowing light to flood in.

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

Spa reception has a modern feel to it with a bar to one side, spa products on display and a separate desk for checking in. We were welcomed by Brooke who offered us a coffee and handing us a spa bag containing a robe, a towel and a personalised itinerary of our spa day, including instructions for the lockers and timings for lunch.

The changing rooms are large — Ramside also carries a significant gym membership — but well designed with toilet cubicles, drying facilities for swimwear, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and powerful hairdryers. Six enclosed shower cubicles offer both a waterfall and a separate hand shower, as well as full-sized shampoo, conditioner and body wash. A small, hot sauna can be found within the changing area, too.

The main pool area is open and light, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the grounds. Despite its decent size, the 25-metre pool never felt busy on our visit, making it perfect for a few saintly lengths. At the top end of the pool you’ll find a sauna with a gentle heat, a steam room and a wider thermal suite with a Frigidarium cold pool, a Himalayan Salt Steam Room (complete with pieces of Himalayan salt), a further sauna overlooking the outdoors and a large hydrotherapy pool with a good range of jets targeting different parts of the body. 

Comfortable relaxation areas and cocoon-style loungers are dotted throughout. Help yourself to fresh water - fruit-infused or otherwise; helpful staff were a constant, visible presence on our visit.

The spa spills nicely outside, too, with a Jacuzzi, plenty of sun-beds, several enclosed wicker cocoon seats for privacy, and a covered alfresco dining area. Plants and trees stop the area from feeling overlooked.

If the whole spa feels too busy (or you're celebrating an occasion), book a session in the Infinity Pool, a separate, private, bookable space for up to ten guests, reached via a sweeping staircase past the well-equipped gym. It has its own white L-shaped leather seating, a drinks menu (cocktails and mocktails included), and warm hydrotherapy water (sitting at a toasty 36–37°C) looking straight out over an infinity edge towards trees and the golf course. This facility gave us thirty minutes of complete privacy on a busy spa day.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

We tried the VOYA Mindful Dreams Ritual (90 minutes, £155).

My therapist, Abigail, led me to a dimly-lit treatment room with a beautiful feature wall and a shower in the corner. Taking a seat, Abigail asked me what I would like her to focus on; I suggested a tension-busting massage after recent bouts of running, cycling and gym training.

The ritual opened with three deep breaths, then moved into a full-body exfoliation using lavender and rosemary, with particular attention paid to tired legs and feet. The massage that followed incorporated rose quartz and Balinese-inspired movements to encourage (and ease) tightness out of muscles. Falling asleep partway through was proof - if any were needed - that a targeted massage can also be relaxing. Singing bowls and chimes signified the end of the treatment.

After coming slowly to, Abigail then led me to the Sleep Sanctuary where she offered me a chamomile tea and left me to doze off once more.

FOOD FACTS

Fusion, the Asian-inspired restaurant within the spa, has a surprisingly extensive menu for lunch service, with around ten starters, twelve mains, four desserts, a separate Asian-themed sandwich section and a good range of sides.

A dark room with atmospheric lighting, and a mix of formal dining chairs, high-back wing chairs and Chesterfield couches, the space combines casual dining with a more formal affair, guests both fully clothed and en-robed on our visit. Sunny day? Choose a seat on the enclosed alfresco dining area just outside.

We started lunch with the crispy baby squid with lime and wasabi mayonnaise - beautifully presented with a fantastic accompanying dressing - followed by a gluten-free Pad Thai with chicken, tiger prawns, shrimp, bean sprouts, spring onions, rice noodles and toasted peanuts; a generous, well-balanced dish. A chilled glass of Bianco Casca da Almaretta from Sicily and a bottle of sparkling water rounded the meal off nicely.

WE LOVED…

The variety of facilities on offer: from the 25-metre pool and hydrotherapy pool to the saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge and outdoor facilities, there is a huge amount to experience at The Spa at Ramside Hall.

The Sleep Sanctuary allowed us to continue our treatment Zen in comfort (and with a cup of chamomile tea).

Fusion - the spa’s own restaurant - not only affords robed dining but offers an impressive amount of choice for the healthy - and the hungry - alike.

WHAT RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Spa at Ramside Hall a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its friendly staff, effective treatments, good spa lunch and range of facilities on offer, both inside and out.