A wild swim pond is one of the treats in store at a new spa in Yorkshire where Beth Windsor spent a much-need recovery service
Roadside assistance isn’t usually a treatment on offer at the Yorkshire Spa Retreat, but when you arrive having had a minor collision on black ice en route, it turns out anything’s on the menu.
From the moment we arrived, full of panic and stress, the wonderful staff and calming surroundings at YSP did their job.
Having hit a patch of concealed ice on our drive over, we were shaken and a bit wobbly when we checked in, but true to Yorkshire hospitality, the staff went above and beyond – checking a wheel on my car and offering to change the tyre if it had deflated. Aaah, a sigh of relief. The fourth emergency service indeed.
CREDIT GARETH BUDDO
With that, we eased into the Yorkshire Spa Retreat experience. From its secluded, leafy surroundings to the sleek wood cabin that houses the reception area, it’s clear to see this has been a thoroughly thought-out project. As soon as we set foot inside, we were struck by the little things that add an extra touch.
High end changing rooms are home to a host of GHD products, but the standout detail for us was the name on our locker door - complete with treatment and times underneath. Open this up and sat waiting were the usual fluffy robe and towel, along with branded YSP flip flops, water bottle and tote bag to use and take home – an element we loved!
CREDIT GARETH BUDDO
The spa itself is set around a Wild Swim Pond and composed of alpine-style chalets that house treatment rooms, saunas, a steam room and a relaxing lounge area. Of course, there’s a large Hydro Pool in which one can while away the day, and plenty of egg-shaped chairs and loungers to curl up with a good book.
Instantly, you feel at one with nature and serenity washes over. Be brave and take a dip in the pond – it’s invigorating, feels very good for you and will make you savour the spa elements even more. If you’re feeling stressed, we highly recommend a bit of time out in the Himalayan salt chamber – perfect for a spot of rejuvenation.
CREDIT GARETH BUDDO
We were led to one of the wooden cabins to begin our treatment where the room was beautifully decorated and smelt divine. A luxury chocolate was waiting and a bed laid with so many heavenly blankets it would have been well suited to the princess and the pea. To our joy, the bed was heated, and it took no time to melt into it as our hot stone massage began. Things are done a little differently here, and we won’t spoil the surprise, but wow – definitely one of the best massages we have ever experienced.
The experience doesn’t stop there. Out of sight, but surrounding the spa, are a series of luxury log cabins where guests can stay. Our two-bedroom lodge complete with its own hot tub meant we could carry on the spa experience. Furthermore, there’s an outside dining area with a Kamado egg for alfresco cooking if you’re in the mood.
CREDIT GARETH BUDDO
Inside, the cabin is luxuriously furnished with an extension of the spa’s calming colour palette. We were left a giant snack box, bottle of prosecco and a complimentary breakfast box complete with Yorkshire produce to begin our day.
In an evening, we wandered over to the spa’s onsite restaurant, The Dome where a diverse menu is served throughout the day to suit all appetites. Choose a table over by the window and enjoy views of the spa sparkling in the moonlight. Back at the lodge we finished the night with a game of dominoes by the fire. This simple pastime is accompanied with a virtual butler in the form of a tablet you can speak to, providing you with real time information about the spa and surrounding areas.
CREDIT GARETH BUDDO
A trip to the Yorkshire Spa Retreat is everything it says it is - with a true Yorkshire welcome, an incredible spa experience that reconnects you to nature, and the feeling that you’ve just completed a year-long retreat.
Spa packages start at £75 for three hours use of the facilities. Book at yorkshire-spa-retreat.co.uk
Yorkshire Spa Retreat, Gale Lane, York, YO62 7SD
