Rebekka O’Grady returns for a pampering at not only one of the best spas in Lancashire, but the world
When you think of a luxury spa destination, exotic places such as the Maldives, Bali and Dubai will most likely spring to mind. Well if I told you that Burnley is on that list, would you be surprised? If you pay a visit to the town’s Woodland Spa, it’s clear to see why it was named global winner of Luxury Day Spa of the Year 2017 in the World Luxury Spa awards for a third year running.
One of my favourite spas to frequent, each time you visit you are greeted with a warm smile; it feels almost like a home from home. Pop on a fluffy robe and slippers, sit pool side with a magazine or enjoy a glass of wine next to the fire pit – you can easily lose yourself for a few hours and not be disturbed.
I was booked in for a Thermal Experience spa day (from £48). The thermal facilities at the spa are second to none, and the range of heat and ice experiences including the large hydrotherapy pool, variety of steam rooms and experience showers I have found to be unrivalled in comparison to many other establishments.
After a few hours of relaxation, I headed out to indulge in a spot of lunch in the outdoor area. There are two options for dining while at the Woodland Spa, you can either take a seat upstairs at Bertram’s – which has stunning views out across the rolling Lancashire countryside – or enjoy a selection of tapas in the Terrace Bar and lounge, which was launched as part of the outdoor expansion last year.
If you pre-book your lunch while on a Thermal Experience, you can indulge in two tapas dishes plus a cocktail for £18 – very ‘ladies that lunch’. The portion sizes are generous; Thai salmon and cod fishcakes and sweet potato bravas with halloumi satisfied the appetite I had worked up from swimming in the outdoor infinity pool.
The serenity pool was the perfect place to head to next, the warm low-lit relaxation room providing the ideal sanctuary of relaxation before my treatment, a Glow Power Boost Decleor facial (£49). My therapist, Jessica, took me through to one of the treatment rooms and talked me through how the mask can wake up even the most tired of complexions in a short time.
The next 30 minutes was pure bliss, with the various Decleor products working their wonders on my dehydrated skin. One of my favourite products used, the Hydrogel mask, is definitely on my Christmas list along with the best selling Neroli serum, both of which left my face plump and radiant.
Sadly, it was time to leave my haven of tranquillity and return to reality. However I know the next time I need a spot of luxury, I don’t need to purchase an expensive plane ticket to the other side of the world. A trip to Burnley will do the trick. w
The Woodland Spa, Royle Lane, Burnley, BB12 0RT
Tel: 01282 471 913,
