The beautiful Nordic-style spa at Fishmore Hall hotel was built off-site and dropped into place by a crane, writes Louise Taylor.
Elegant Fishmore Hall’s brand new spa was dropped into their pretty gardens by a crane, having been created off-site many miles away. But unusual though this Nordic-style structure is, there is nothing incongruous about it. It was created in a different century from the historic Hall but it looks perfectly at home in the rural Shropshire scene, making a great asset to this charming boutique hotel
Natural materials are everywhere - inside and out - and large windows mean that as you relax in the tranquil rest room you seem to be part of the very countryside in which the spa sits. Views from the relaxation room and the patio (with hot tub and hammock) include centuries old trees, handsome brown cattle and rolling hills.
Inside, alongside the hi-tech sauna and steam room there’s lots of pale wood, dove grey slates, beige, creams and duck egg blue. The treatment rooms are spacious and quiet, which I think is really important, but is a detail that’s often overlooked - but not here.
Fishmore Hall owner Laura Penman has deliberately chosen to keep her bespoke spa on the small side. She envisages the spa being enjoyed by hotel guests and some locals. She’s not going for the huge hen parties - but the Spa can be hired for private parties and corporate treats. Employees would certainly love the boss if she or he organised that as a treat!
Elemis is the chosen brand and my therapist Trina Burgoyne knows it inside out. I enjoyed a blissful full body massage (£65) with just the right amount of pressure. That lasted an hour and my skin felt soft and superbly moisturised. As usual when a treatment is good, I briefly nodded off.
A short break in the relaxation room (I was working so hard!) looking at the fields and hills before I hopped onto the large hammock to take in the fresh air. Then I returned to Trina for my Elemis Superfood Pro-Radiance Facial (£65 for an hour) and a soothing head massage. My complexion was plumped up and definitely had a glow about it.
Soon followed a lovely dinner in Forelles Brasserie. I then slept very soundly.
The Spa at Fishmore Hall, Fishmore Road, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3DP. Tel 01584 875148.
