One of the largest privately owned estates in England now boasts a destination state-of-the-art spa. It’s pretty heavenly, writes Louise Allen-Taylor.
A beautiful backdrop of rolling hills creates the perfect setting for relaxation at the new Swinton Country Club and Spa. North Yorkshire’s Swinton Estate recently opened this £8 million destination spa a hop and a skip from its luxury castle hotel, Swinton Park, and it really is something to get excited about...that’s if you can raise the energy to be excited after being cocooned in this environment. It’s a serene, soothing ambience and the natural wood and materials everywhere makes you feel you’re in the middle of a Nordic forest.
All is leisurely, tranquil yet fresh. The construction of this very attractive spa combines existing estate buildings with state-of-the-art facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, aroma steam bath, salt steam room, al fresco herbal sauna, an 18-metre indoor swimming pool and nine treatment rooms including two couple’s rooms. There’s also the Beauty Cottage dedicated to top-to-toe grooming. There’s a gym and an ajdoining Terrace Restaurant offering tasty nourishing dishes created by chef Christopher McPhee (which I can heartily recommend).
There’s even a nutritionalist so that spa guests can link their nutritional intake to their treatments. Ah, talking of treatments, I was spoilt for choice. There’s a wide offering, including the popular Elemis range and the Bamford brand, from the Daylesford Organics people. I enjoyed the Elemis Garden of England Rose Restore Wrap (£80 for 60 minutes): my therapist, Laura, massaged my tired limbs - recently pushed to their limits on a 10k run that they weren’t really prepared for. Her soothing touch and the fabulous Elemis products meant that my body was coaxed back to life. Next, after a half hour snooze in the relaxation area, I was escorted to another peaceful dark room for my Elemis Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial (£80 for 60 minutes). This was blissful, my complexion being gently stimulated during the application of the finest anti-wrinkle products from the Pro-Collagen line. The Cleansing Balm lifted away impurities and then layer upon layer of moisturising, hydrating goodies were applied: the Marine Mask and the Marine Oil did much to soothe and plump up my skin. There was a noticeable freshness and dewy appearance.
I indulged in a little more snoozing before summoning the strength to trudge back to my elegant bedroom (think Downton Abbey style) in the hotel. This lovely historic venue offers superb dining, bars and charming staff. Highly recommended.
Swinton Country Club & Spa, Masham, North Yorkshire, HG4 4JH
For details of offers and standard prices visit spa.swintonestate.com
Tel: 01765 680950 spareservations@swintonpark.com