The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

An elegant adults-only spa escape in the heart of the Lancashire countryside, where indulgent treatments, exceptional facilities and warm hospitality invite you to slow down and recharge (Serene Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village sits at the end of a long driveway within the wider holiday village. Surrounded by 100 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside, it offers a peaceful retreat overlooking a serene lake, complete with a charming fountain and resident ducks. Designed exclusively for adults, the spa hotel has its own dedicated entrance and reception, creating a calm and relaxing escape from the moment you arrive.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

Jan, our friendly spa host, greeted us in the reception area where light tones set a calming vibe. She passed us a towel and guided us to the changing rooms, which feature ample space, sleek grey tiled floors, and banks of wooden lockers in rich shades of light and dark brown. Guests can choose to change in one of three private cubicles, or, if you’re staying overnight, enjoy the luxury of slipping into robes within bedroom comfort.

The seven glass-sided showers were spotlessly clean during our visit, each thoughtfully stocked with Neal & Wolf 2-in-1 shampoo & body wash and conditioner. Guests can make use of the spin dryer for wet swimwear before freshening up at one of the eight elegant, marble-topped vanity stations, complete with GHD hairdryers and straighteners. Don't miss the chilled cleanser and toner, served with cotton pads on ice – a refreshing finishing touch.

The highlight of the spa is undoubtedly the Aqua Thermal Journey – an ever-evolving experience so expansive it even comes with a wall map to help you navigate. Begin in the aroma room before stepping into the mosaic-tiled aroma steam room to gently acclimatise to the warmth. Next, unwind in the hydropool, where timed massage jets and swan neck fountains soothe tired muscles, or follow the reflexology walkway to the beautiful mosaic-tiled Balinese salt inhalation room – one of this Spa Spy’s fave spaces.

Pause for a refreshing drink of water while relaxing on the infrared seating before continuing your journey through the saunarium or herbal sauna. Cool off between heat experiences with the monsoon showers, ice fountain or invigorating bucket drench.

Spend time reclining on a warm tiled tepidarium lounger with a magazine, or retreat to the Quiet Lounge, where curved loungers and cosy blankets create a peaceful haven.

Outside, the Zen Garden invites you to begin with a soothing footbath before sinking into the raised hot tub, finished in striking blue mosaic tiles and seating up to eight guests. Re-energise in the Cold Zone, maintained at a refreshing 10°C, before heading up to the Zen Terrace. Here you'll find another wonderfully warm mosaic hot tub, a slightly cooler spa pool for up to 12 guests, and a Himalayan salt sauna overlooking the gardens.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Brass Monkey Ice Barrels provide the ultimate challenge (for the brave).

Throughout the spa there are plenty of woven cushioned loungers and cosy egg chairs for relaxing, while water stations are conveniently located throughout. If you're feeling peckish, the bar serves smoothies, light refreshments and, of course, a glass of bubbly.

There are also plenty of spaces to unwind before and after treatments, alongside a well-equipped gym and a Rasul mud chamber.

TELL US ABOUT THE TREATMENTS

We experienced the ELEMIS Expert™ Absolute Face + Body Ritual (120 minutes, £180 per person), a fully bespoke treatment allowing guests to tailor their experience with a combination of body and facial therapies.

Based on my pre-treatment consultation my therapist, Emma, recommended the Cleansing Salt Scrub & Tension Ease Back Massage, followed by the ELEMIS Expert™ Touch Facial.

Before entering the treatment room, Emma took me to the Elemis Skin Lab where my skin was analysed using specialist technology to personalise the facial products to my skin's needs. She then led me into one of the treatment rooms, where a striking forest-inspired mural at the head of the treatment bed brought the outdoors in, creating an immediate sense of calm.

Settled face down onto the heated treatment bed, Emma began with warm mitts enveloping my feet before drizzling an Elemis frangipani oil over my skin in preparation for the invigorating salt and oil scrub. Working methodically across each side of my body, Emma buffed away dull skin, leaving it silky smooth before I stepped into the shower to rinse away the remaining grains.

Returning to the treatment bed, the experience flowed seamlessly into a deeply soothing back massage. Emma instinctively focused on areas of tension, incorporating cooling Cryo globes across my shoulders to ease tight muscles before nourishing my arms and legs with moisturiser.

Turning over, the facial began. Emma gently cleansed my eyes and lips, followed by a luxurious rose cleansing balm and foaming cleanser. A Tri Acid Peel left my complexion feeling refreshed before a wonderfully relaxing hand and arm, face and decollete massage accompanied the application of eye gels under the Ultimate Peel Off Mask.

Emma carefully selected a number of Pro Collagen finishing products to conclude the treatment, leaving my skin glowing, hydrated and noticeably brighter.

Afterwards, I retreated to the dark relaxation room for a blissful post-treatment snooze before helping myself to a peppermint tea in the relaxation lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the peaceful Zen Garden and terrace.

The results were immediately noticeable: my skin felt soft and hydrated, my complexion looked brighter, and the tension had melted away, leaving both body and mind feeling completely renewed.

FOOD FACTS

Spa guests can enjoy breakfast or lunch in the comfort of their robes or dress for dinner in The Orangery, the hotel's bright and elegant two AA Rosette restaurant. Flooded with natural light, the space features vibrant lime and orange leather chairs, while a striking glass chandelier cascades from the central skylight. During warmer months, the terrace overlooking the lake is a wonderful spot to enjoy a drink beneath the Laurent-Perrier parasols. Menus celebrate fresh, locally sourced produce, with plenty of vegetarian choices and thoughtful options for all dietary requirements.

For lunch, we tucked into a delicious two-course meal. To start: Korean fried chicken coated in a finger licking sticky hot honey glaze, finished with sesame and a squeeze of lime. For the main course, a beautifully presented teriyaki glazed salmon rice bowl combining creamy avocado, cucumber, spring onion, toasted seeds, sriracha mayonnaise and fresh lime for a light yet satisfying dish.

Spa package guests staying overnight receive a £35 per person dining allocation, which we used towards dinner back at The Orangery. Our friendly waiter, Myles, welcomed us with warm rosemary focaccia served alongside whipped feta and chimichurri. We followed with a vine tomato and whipped feta tart, accompanied by olive tapenade, tomato fondue and another generous spoonful of chimichurri. For the main course, the beautifully cooked spiced rump and belly of spring lamb was paired with sheep's cheese and charred spring onion fritters, basil, courgette and apricot.

On Myles' recommendation, we finished with the summer berry tart, served with lemon cream and honeycomb, alongside a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

For those celebrating a special occasion, The Orangery also offers an indulgent tasting menu, showcasing the kitchen's seasonal dishes in a carefully curated dining experience.

SWEET STAY?

Overnight guests benefit from plenty of complimentary parking on both sides of the spa hotel, making arrival simple and stress-free.

We stayed in a spacious ground-floor two-bedroom suite (1012), decorated in calming neutral hues. A long entrance hallway led to two generously sized bedrooms, each with its own contemporary en-suite bathroom, stocked with Neal & Wolf toiletries.

At the end of the hallway, the suite opened into a bright and comfortable lounge with a large corner sofa, dining table and a thoughtfully appointed refreshment station. A white orchid added an elegant finishing touch, while complimentary still and sparkling water, tea, coffee, biscuits and fresh milk in the fridge were all welcome additions.

WE LOVED

Our two-bed suite offered the perfect balance of comfort and privacy.

The food: from relaxed robe-friendly dining at lunchtime to the beautifully presented dishes served in The Orangery in the evening.

The treatment: a truly personalised two-hour ELEMIS experience that left us feeling completely restored.

WHICH BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubble for its extensive thermal journey, personalised treatments, excellent dining and warm, attentive service, creating an indulgent countryside escape in the heart of Lancashire.