“A grand Jacobean mansion with a thermal playground to match – one night here only scratches the surface”
First Impressions
A stately drive winds through the Staffordshire countryside to Hoar Cross Hall, an imposing 19th-century Jacobean mansion set in 43 acres of manicured gardens, woodland trails and historic grounds. Inside the Grade II-listed hall, original features such as handsome wood panelling remain, while the spa occupies its own wing. The hall now sits within the Hiddenwell collection, and the move from heritage façade to sleek, modern spa entrance is quite something; you know you’re in for a treat before you’ve crossed the threshold. Parking is complimentary, and overnight guests, day spa visitors and members all share the spa.
What’s on Offer?
The short answer? Almost everything. Two pools, a sprawling thermal journey, a terrace that would make a Scandi spa blush, a hair and nail parlour, a spa boutique and a two-storey gym. Keep hold of the fold-out map – and if you do get lost, friendly staff are never far away.
James met us at the car and whisked our luggage away (it was waiting in our room later), while Ruby checked us in with maps and the day’s class programme. Inside, a signature scent of fig and vanilla hangs in the air, the lighting is soft and moody, and a glass of fizz – or an alcohol-free alternative – arrives in your hand. Help yourself to an apple from the tree-shaped fruit bowl. Lori then led us on a tour of the estate; her enthusiasm for the recent investment was infectious. Beyond the light, spacious spa reception, the circular Atrium Lounge sits beneath a round skylight.
Before you go any further, check out the light board in spa reception, which pairs your star sign with spa rituals. Cancerians, apparently, should make a beeline for the saltwater pool, heated water beds and an Elemis full body massage. Who are we to argue?
The changing rooms are spacious and beautifully kept, with separate areas for members, day guests and overnight guests. Smart wristbands open the lockers (and a locker locator helps those of us who forget our number). There are private cubicles, full-length mirrors, full-size Voya shampoo, conditioner and body wash, plus two vanity areas with ghd hairdryers and straighteners. Cotton wool, cleanser and toner wait in the ladies' area; you’ll also find a costume dryer and a water station to refill your bottle. Robes are brand new, white and fluffy with green trim. Slippers aren’t provided for sustainability reasons, so pack your own flip-flops.
Now for the main event. The newly renovated Elemental Experience thermal journey reopened shortly before our visit, and it’s exceptional – think of it as a theme park for spa-lovers. Work your way round the Infrared Corner, crystal steam chamber, Himalayan salt sauna and Rain Room, then cool off in Nordic Ice, at the ice fountain or under the experience showers.
Downstairs, the 26-metre saltwater vitality pool glows under green mood lighting; swim into the starlit cave at one end, then bubble away in a hot tub at the other. Catch Valeria's daily Water Meditation, where you drift on water hammocks. Across a little bridge, the blue-tiled Aqua Massage area, watched over by Roman-style statues, has a cold plunge pool, a walk-through water-jet chamber and a Kneipp foot bath. There’s also a softly lit hydrotherapy pool with its own hot tub, plus heated loungers and water beds for when you’ve had your fill.
Head outside to the spa terrace, which comes into its own on a sunny day. Three large rectangular hydropools sit at around 38°C, cold plunge tubs at a bracing 2–3°C, and loungers with plump mattresses shelter under green and white scalloped umbrellas. First-come-first-served cabanas, a fire pit, a green oak bar and lounge, and a light-filled relaxation room can be found at the back. Scan a QR code to order drinks from your lounger, and grab a blanket when the temperature dips.
Don’t miss the 2pm Aufguss ritual in the panoramic sauna. Sauna Master Alison combined essential oils, ice bombs, acoustic sound and rhythmic towel work to dazzling effect – and sent us off with a little bag of lavender each. Unforgettable.
Need a lie-down? The brand-new Sound Sanctuary opened just two weeks before our visit; it’s bright and beautifully furnished, with a bespoke acoustic soundscape and lighting made for reading. The post-treatment Snooze Room is a low-lit haven of warm water beds and a flickering wall fire, while The Sanctum – a silent space with hanging pods and curtained beds – hosts Voya-powered Sleep Sessions on a first-come-first-served basis. Weighted blankets and gentle sensory cues did their job: we both nodded off and woke to find our host had quietly slipped away. Bookworms will love the Reading Retreat, a cosy, floral nook with QR codes for unlimited reading, and a hydration station serves flavoured iced water.
Elsewhere, The Parlour houses a hair salon plus manicure and pedicure stations, and the Spa Boutique offers an LED Glow and Go ritual (10 minutes, £15). Active types can head to the two-storey fitness area, with studios, a spin room, cardio and weights gyms and a Peloton area; around 90 classes a week range from yoga and sound healing to meditation and guided walks. The grounds offer e-bikes (highly recommended), woodland walks, archery, axe throwing and tennis, with padel courts on the way.
Accessibility is well considered, with step-free routes, lifts, pool hoists and accessible treatment rooms.
Tell Us About the Treatments
We tried the Japanese Head Spa (60 minutes, £95).
With 43 treatment rooms and a vast menu of Elemis, Voya, Grown Alchemist and Moroccanoil treatments – from facials and massages to holistic rituals, pre-natal and men’s treatments – choosing is the hardest part.
My therapist, Deborah, met me in the treatment waiting room and led me to the scalp suite, complete with a hood steamer, UV steriliser and treatment bed. She talked me through her tools – stimulation brushes, bamboo scrub brushes and a jade eye mask – before beginning with a soft face brush to ease me into relaxation.
Deborah covered my eyes with the weighted jade eye mask and double-shampooed my hair with Moroccanoil, gently scrubbing my scalp with a single-use bamboo brush (which I took home afterwards) and ground argan shell. An intense hydrating mask followed; the hood steamer was set for six minutes, during which Deborah massaged each arm in turn. A soothing chest and shoulder massage followed, before a spritz of Moroccanoil hair perfume and an assisted sit-up.
The result? A deeply cleansed scalp and a wonderfully clear head. A blow-dry in The Parlour afterwards was the cherry on the cake and lasted for days.
My spa partner enjoyed an Elemis Expert Touch Renew Facial (60 minutes, £90) with therapist Nikki, which wove in a restorative head, neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage. It was so relaxing that she fell asleep – a first for her in any spa treatment
Food Facts
Spa guests can dine en robe at Hugo’s, a short stroll from the spa entrance, where neutral country décor is brightened with vibrant florals; the mood: relaxed and chatty. A personalised card and chocolates waited on our table – a lovely touch for anyone celebrating. Lunch is three courses: we started with tandoori chicken thigh and lamb tagine; our vegetarian spa partner chose tomato and red pepper soup and gnocchi. Two Biscoff cheesecakes to hit the sweet spot.
Overnight guests dine in the 2 AA Rosette Ballroom, a candlelit room with original parquet floors, an ornate 'wedding cake' ceiling and listed William Morris wallpaper. iPad menus clearly show allergens and dietary information. We both began with honey and truffle goat’s cheese (delicious). For mains: slow cooked beef with mash, red onion and gravy; our spa partner asked our server, Dan, whether the chef could prepare something off-menu: a very tasty cheese, tomato and basil pasta appeared. Cheese and biscuits and a sticky toffee pudding with ice cream rounded things off nicely.
Breakfast at Henry’s caters well for everyone: we tucked into the full Feel Good breakfast while our spa partner enjoyed the vegan option. Afternoon tea is served in the historic Library, and look out for a new Mediterranean restaurant, launching later this year.
Sweet Stay?
The hall has 104 rooms and suites, some with their own hot tubs and terraces. We stayed in Milady Constance (Room 440), a nod to the estate’s history. Turquoise walls, a matching sofa and bright orange cushions give it a bold, stately-home feel, while the bathroom is painted a rich green.
The bed, dressed in high-thread-count linen, was incredibly comfy - and there’s a pillow menu for optimal comfort. Full-size and mini Voya products match those in the spa, and you’ll find a ghd hairdryer, Nespresso machine, a variety of herbal teas, fresh milk in glass bottles, a smart TV and a welcome card and gift. A meditation card offers a session for bedtime on one side and morning on the other. We returned from dinner to a fresh robe on the bed and a trial-size Voya pillow spray. Gentle nudges to reuse towels and leave spare toiletries add a nod to sustainability.
We Loved
The Elemental Experience and spa terrace: a world-class thermal journey, ice-cold plunges, steaming hot tubs and space to spread out. Book two nights if you can – one only scratches the surface.
The wellness rituals: Alison’s multi-sensory Aufguss, Valeria’s water hammock meditation and a Voya Sleep Session that sent us both to sleep.
Our bedroom: stylish, comfortable and full of thoughtful touches, from the pillow menu to the turndown service.
Which Bubble Rating Did You Award This Spa?
Once again, we awarded Hoar Cross Hall our highest Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubble Luxury for its exceptional thermal facilities, inspired wellness programme, skilled therapists and attentive service.
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