Love a spa with a view? Take the plunge at Nadarra...
It’s the middle of winter. You’re outside in a cossie in water before sunrise. Does it count as wild swimming?
You can see your breath as you mindfully take in the sunrise in glorious surroundings of hills mountains and bare trees.
This is proper do-you-good behaviour, up with the lark after an early alarm.
Truth be told the water we’re dipping in is warm and bubbling. The steam rises from our infinity pool and really, we have to admit this is the place to take in the view of views.
The surrounding landscape is that of the Yorkshire Dales which heads up to striking Malham. Maybe we’ll take a hike when we leave the spa. Then again, the Nadarra Spa is somewhere lovely to linger and enjoy a bit of zen.
It’s located in The Coniston Hotel, a few miles from Skipton on a main road. From there it looks unassuming but once inside it gives way to stunning views over its lake and grounds towards to the hills - and then lures you to the super-stylish and impressive Nadarra Spa.
‘Walk in, float out’ they say and it’s true. The spacious spa has plenty of room inside and out so you won’t feel overcrowded. The outside views add to the calming atmosphere and you really do drift away, whether or not you’re in the middle of a massage. The best bits are a luxurious indoor thermal suite and those oh-so-spectacular outdoor infinity pools.
You could even take an outdoor bath in the private spa garden with a bespoke bath treatment – choose from therapeutic tea or pure Scottish seaweed, to balance both your body and mind apparently. A nice way to do a new year detox.
Treatments are from lovely brands that you don't see in too many spas - Aromatherapy Associates, Ishga, Natura Bissé and OTO. The packages and treatment menus cover all your needs, from revival to rescue with massage, facials rituals, scrubs and cocoons.
If you’re staying a while in the hotel, head for the new Dales Rooms which are beautifully decorated bedrooms, full of good spec and make the most of an outlook over the estate and lake for the ultimate indulgent escape.
Dine in The View Restaurant, which has just been awarded an AA Rosette rating. Chef Thomas Robertson celebrates the very best of the Yorkshire Dales, serving dishes carefully crafted using the finest seasonal produce.
Dishes include starters such as wood pigeon with pickled blackberries, hazelnut granola with a sherry vinaigrette or curried monkfish bon bon served with cauliflower and micro coriander. Mains include braised ox cheek with carrot, celeriac and dauphinoise potatoes and jus or a pan fried sea bass with tomato, squash and buckwheat broth with fried garlic kale.
The View celebrates Coniston Hotel’s surroundings in style and is also the place for breakfast. Thoroughly recommended is the haddock gratin – to set you up for that stroll at Malham.
Set Lunch Menu from £25, served Wednesday – Saturday.
Spa days from £99.
theconistonhotel.com
