A region rich in history, contemporary culture, breath-taking landscapes and ruggedly beautiful coastline, the North East of England also punches above its weight when it comes to spa possibilities too.
Newcastle and Durham have set the bar high for stylish city living, while the area also offers the ultimate escape to England’s least populated county, Northumberland. Famed for its undeveloped landscape and protected moorlands, its national park -- the northernmost in the UK -- offers 400 square miles of woodland, hiking tracks and squeaky clean rivers.
If being pampered and pummelled while surrounded by nature’s bountiful beauty is your thing, chose a spa in the North East and you will not be disappointed.
Perched on a dramatic clifftop, this calming and peaceful spa draws inspiration from ancient healing and wellness rituals originating in the Far East. The 20-metre indoor pool takes centre stage: give your shoulders a pummelling under the powerful swan pipe. Enjoy the Indian steam room, the salt sauna, the Asian herbal saunarium, hammam and Jacuzzi. Outside are two bubbly hot tubs and a hydrotherapy infinity pool. Holistic therapies and luxurious Temple Spa treatments will bring back balance.
A serene oasis in the heart of the rugged Northumberland landscape, this is the perfect spot to experiment with advanced new hair and beauty treatments for that special birthday, anniversary celebration or wedding. On a spa day you can enjoy the glimmering 11.5 metre pool with its swan pipes and bubble station, the tiled whirlpool and sauna and Jessica manicures and pedicures and Natura Bisse products. The Mediterranean Float luxe facial and body treatment is a firm favourite.
Home to one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools as well as a state-of-the-art thermal suite, your every beauty wish will be fulfilled at Spa at Ramside in one of their 14 beautifully appointed treatment rooms. Natura Bisse and ESPA products will create lasting results in the hands of the highly skilled spa team.
This 17th Century coaching inn in rolling Teesdale countryside has a chic and quirky motoring-themed spa – a nod to its ancient role as a stopping station. Step inside for a full bodywork MOT: there’s an invigorating ‘car wash’ shower, shepherd’s hut sauna, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, salt relaxation room and steam room. For special occasions or anniversaries, why not book the private rooftop Cabriolet.
Set in a magnificent 18th century country estate on the banks of the River Tees, prepare to be wowed by the hot and cold experiences in the thermal spa and pools which will elevate your circulation and pep up your immune system. Make time to relax in the spa garden afterwards, which adds a tranquil and natural dimension to your indulgent spa experience escape.
Housed in a former boathouse and perched on the edge of a picturesque lake, Wynyard Hall’s award-winning Lakeside Spa enjoys panoramic views across still waters and lush parkland. With just 10 guests permitted at any one time, there’s ample room to relax and soothe away your stresses lounging in the outdoor hot tubs and herbal sauna before balancing the heat by crushing ice from the ice fountain onto your skin.
This rural spa retreat, set in the haven of the Durham Dales, offers a hedonistic escape via its five sumptuous treatment rooms. Following a pamper with products including Elemental Herbology – based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles – guests can chill out with a swim in the 15 metre pool, laze in the hydrotherapy pool and then experience the sauna, steam room and drench-style shower before winding up with a herbal tisane by the log burning stove in the cosy spa lounge.
Surrounded by 1,000 acres of Northumberland countryside, this majestic Edwardian mansion houses an impressive spa. Nine treatment rooms – including a luxe dual suite – offer a wide variety of rituals, full body massages and facials with Elemis skincare products. More active spa goers can enjoy the gym and 20-metre pool. Opt for a signature spa ritual or perhaps the pampering Luxury Elemis Experience, topped with a sauna, steam and afternoon tea for a special spa treat.
A short hop from the spectacular beaches of Longsands and Whitley Bay lies this vibrantly designed and unpretentious hotel spa – part of the Village Hotel chain – spa facilities include a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, gym and stylish relaxation room. Whether you’re in search of a little me-time or for some sprucing before a ‘night on the toon’, the Village Spa treatment menu covers luxurious ESPA wellness treatments, CACI face lifts, holistic wellness as well as beauty therapies.
This stunning 17th century Jacobean manor house is surrounded by landscaped gardens and magical woodland. The Retreat is an impressive leisure complex and spa in the grounds, with a Roman-style mosaic tiled swimming pool, raised spa pool, heat facilities and a gym. Order lunch in The Lounge, or kick back and relax in the stylish relaxation room after a Discovery Facial or Aromatherapy Back, Neck and Scalp Massage.
Maften is a stately home with a traditional-meets-boutique hotel vibe. It’s a place for a romantic weekend, knocking about on the championship golf course, throwing a wedding or simply indulging yourself in their stylish Aqua Vita Spa. Swim in the 16-metre pool, bubble away in the Jacuzzi, then head to the aroma steam room and sauna before cooling off in the monsoon shower. Feeling brave? Try the ice bucket shower. After your Elemis treatment, have a healthy lunch and smoothie in the Juice Bar. The Fitness Studio has a gym with Skill Line equipment and range of fitness classes.
Overlooking the River Wear in the heart of Durham’s vibrant city centre, nuspa is an oasis of wellbeing. Swim in the modern pool, steam or heat up in the sauna, then bubble away in the Jacuzzi before heading to one of the three treatment rooms. Nuspa offers Dermalogica treatments and hot stone, Swedish or aromatherapy massages. With its clean contemporary lines and close proximity to the city’s beating heart, it’s perfect for urbanites and shoppers needing a little r&r.
The Spa Spy
15th May 2020
Spy Likes:
Intuitive masseurs, inspired or outlandish treatments and design, posh products and celeb spotting.
Spy Dislikes:
Anyone po-faced (guests and therapists) or stupid, boring design and treatments.
