The Sanctuary at Saltmoore

"With the beach minutes away, the North York Moors on the doorstep and an impressive programme of outdoor experiences, The Sanctuary at Saltmoore is a contemporary coastal retreat offering more than a traditional spa break.” (Summer Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Whether arriving across the North York Moors or following the coastline into Sandsend, the journey to Saltmoore is part of the appeal; the surrounding landscape immediately sets the tone for a stay centred around nature and wellbeing.

Set within an 80-acre estate just outside Whitby, the hotel combines contemporary interiors with extensive grounds leading towards the beach. Alongside the adults-only Sanctuary spa, there's a choice of dining options including the Brasserie and the Beach House with its pizzeria and café, making the estate equally suited to couples seeking a quieter break and families staying closer to the coast.

Parking is complimentary, with electric vehicle charging available; guests requiring assistance can arrange collection from the car park by golf buggy.

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

Check-in takes place in the Wellness Café, where tea, coffee or water is offered while consultation forms are completed. On this visit, the warm weather meant completing the paperwork on the café's terrace before being shown through to the facilities.

The spa continues the clean, contemporary design found throughout the hotel: white shaker-style panelling, deep green accents and plenty of natural light create a calm environment without feeling clinical. We loved the dark-green and white striped pool towels.

Guests wishing to treat themselves can head to the retail area where a tempting array of products from Germaine de Capuccini and Wildsmith – the spas favoured product houses – can be tried and purchased.

Changing facilities are mixed (guests are told in advance) and arranged as individual lockable rooms rather than traditional communal spaces, each containing a shower equipped with Wildsmith shampoo, conditioner and shower gel; a WC; a sink; and changing area. Half-height lockers, operated by a four-digit code, contain a pool towel, a robe and flip-flops. At the end of the corridor, a separate vanity area is equipped with GHD hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs, as well as cotton wool and cleanser.

The main spa centres around an indoor swimming pool, with floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking mature planting and a stream running through the estate. Despite several guests using the pool throughout the morning, it never felt crowded.

Other facilities include a glass-fronted Himalayan salt sauna comfortable for six guests and heated to a toasty 88°C (our favourite thanks to the pool views), a steam room scented with essential oils, a jacuzzi and a Brass Monkey ice bath (for the brave). Eight double loungers – which can be reserved in advance - are stylishly dressed with stripy towels; flip-flops, robes and extra towels are available on request. QR codes on each table allow drinks to be ordered directly to the poolside, while spa hosts replenish towels and check on guests. Outside, a terrace lined with loungers provides an alternative place to relax overlooking the gardens.

Following treatments, guests are directed to a separate relaxation room containing just two loungers with blankets, creating a noticeably quieter environment away from the pool.

The spa also has a modern gym with an air-conditioned area for Yoga.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried the Radiant Glow Facial by Germaine de Capuccini (60 minutes, £135).

My therapist, Sandy, led me to a dimly-lit treatment room with a very comfortable treatment bed finished with a blanket; shaker-style cupboards helped keep the room neat and clutter-free, and everything was spotlessly clean and tidy.

Following a consultation covering allergies, skin sensitivity and treatment expectations, Sandy explained each stage before leaving the room so that I could settle down on the treatment bed, lying face up.

The facial began with a double cleanse followed by an exfoliation using a pre-selected scrub which I chose for its promise to work deeper into the skin. Following exfoliation, a Vitamin C serum was applied before the treatment moved into one of its standout elements: an extended head and scalp massage using oils.

Another memorable feature was a series of neck stretches which, rather than feeling like an added extra, were carefully delivered, noticeably releasing tension from my neck and shoulders.

The facial concluded with a Vitamin C mask - while this worked its magic, Sandy continued the massage. Finishing products included dots of eye cream and a slick of lip balm.

Afterwards, Sandy escorted me to the relaxation room where herbal tea, a handwritten aftercare card and product samples had been prepared. She also talked through the products used during the facial and explained how they could be incorporated into a home skincare routine.

The immediate results were exactly as described: brighter skin with a noticeable glow, alongside significantly reduced tension through the neck.

FOOD FACTS

Guests can lunch en-robe in the Wellness Café where a healthy menu of wellness bowls, sandwiches and smoothies sits next to more substantial dishes like fish and chips and burgers. Our kale, kiwi and cucumber smoothie proved particularly refreshing after a morning in the spa; we followed this with a delicious vegetarian club sandwich with added salmon. 

We enjoyed dinner that evening in the Brasserie, a bright, window-lit dining room overlooking the grounds. The extensive menu here ranges from lighter vegetable-led dishes to grilled meats and seafood. Vegetarian and vegan dishes sit comfortably alongside the meat and fish options, while allergens are clearly identified throughout the menu. The wine list is luxuriously extensive, too, and there’s a good selection of cocktails.

We began our meal with the Salthouse focaccia and coastal cheddar croquettes before choosing the perfectly-grilled monkfish tail served with watercress, fries, a side of Caesar salad and a glass of chilled Minuty rosé. Dessert options (sadly we were too full) range from classics (think sticky toffee pudding and crème brûlée) to more playful choices like pistachio and raspberry ripple ice cream or Yorkshire strawberry trifle.

SWEET STAY?

Room 112 is centred around a four-poster king-size bed, with a freestanding bath positioned as the room's focal point. The bathroom was particularly well equipped, featuring a walk-in drench shower, double basins and generous quantities of full-size Wildsmith toiletries, complemented by Olverum bath salts and bath oil.

Thoughtful touches included homemade white chocolate rye cookies baked by the hotel chef, fresh apples, Yorkshire Tea, herbal infusions, bottled water and a coffee percolator.

A large sofa at the foot of the bed created a comfortable seating area, making the room somewhere to spend quality time rather than simply sleeping.

WE LOVED

The wider wellness focus: the spa is only part of the experience here: guided walks, yoga, Pilates, breathwork, sound baths and cold-water dipping extend the wellness programme well beyond the treatment rooms.

The treatment: Sandy delivered a facial that felt carefully tailored throughout, with neck stretches and scalp massage.

The setting: with Sandsend Beach a fifteen-minute walk away - and the North York Moors immediately beyond the estate - it's easy to spend as much time outdoors as in the spa.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Sanctuary at Saltmoore a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its high-quality spa facilities, well-developed wellness programme, quality treatments, delicious food and fabulous setting.