Tucked away from the rush of the city, the serene Woodland Spa is the ideal place to unwind
A retreat from the grey weather outside, the Woodland Spa provided a calming haven. Set in 100 acres of woodland scenery, the Burnley-based luxury destination represents a £4.5 million investment and it has been named best day spa in the country. It’s easy to see why.
I visited with a relative to enjoy the Decléor Luxury Spa Day package at £129 per person. We were taken to the sumptuous changing rooms to wrap ourselves up in luxurious dressing gowns before entering the spa.
It features one of Europe’s largest hydro therapy pools and a stunning serenity pool. As day spa guests, we had a few hours before our Decléor treatments for unlimited access to the thermal experience. The various pools and cabins offer to soothe, relax and detoxify. We swam in the heated indoor-to-outdoor infinity edge pool to allow our body temperature to adjust and the faint pitter-patter of rain added to the sensory experience as the steam rose from the heated pool. We then relaxed in one of the two ten-seater outdoor hot tubs. Making our way back into the spa, we tried some of the steam rooms. The salt steam cabin was therapeutic, as the salt and steam combines to create a sea atmosphere – which when inhaled made breathing easy and relaxed.
After each intense heat experience you are advised to cool down to cleanse the skin and encourage stimulation. Be brave and stand underneath the ice cold bucket shower!
Suitably chilled, we tried a couple of the other experiences before indulging in a Roman foot bath for a reflexology massage from a heated throne. Our time in the thermal experience was wrapped up nicely by entering the Serenity Pool - a low-lit, deeply relaxing room. Mood lighting along the back wall enhances the guest experience while you swim, sit or just let your stress float away.
For our Decléor luxury treatments, we were led into a beautiful private room by our therapists, Rachael and Olivia. Rachael explained to me exactly what would be involved in my Oressence Energy full body massage and facial.
They feature a unique combination of essentials oils and plant oils blended to meet individual needs. For the heavenly full body massage, Rachael blended the Oressence Plant Base Oil with Lemon Essential Oil and Summer Savoury Essential Oil to soothe away any tensions while harmonising and energising my body.
The Noroli Essential Cleansing Milk and Tonifying Lotion started my relaxing facial, followed by the Phytopeel Exfoliation which made my skin incredibly soft. Rachael worked pressure points to relieve tension and to drain excess fluids which were further eradicated with the deliciously scented and 100% natural Aromaplastie mask, for deep cleansing and nourished.
I was left with my skin feeling deeply cleansed, perfectly replenished and glowing. For lunch, we were taken in to the spa’s restaurant, Bertram’s, for a delicious two course meal with a glass of wine. This was accompanied by stunning country views courtesy of the glass wall surrounding the restaurant. What more could you ask for?
The Woodland Spa, Royle Lane, Burnley, BB12 0RT
Tel: 01282 471 913, www.thewoodlandspa.com
