spa review: Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Cheshire

June 22nd, 2009

Just a train ride from London (1hr 40 minutes on Virgin Trains) and Manchester, is this fabulous hide away which has been given Five Bubbles from the Good Spa Guide which means it is the top of the range when it comes to pampering treats and retreats.

The Location

Far, far from the madding crowd is the 4* Rookery Hall hotel and Spa. Located in Nantwich, a mere 5 miles from Crewe station and close to Chester, the Spa has been created from an Old Coach House and Stables and is the perfect place to get away from it all. You’ll be greeted by a wonderfully Northern welcome and very attentive staff at this beautiful location.

Who Loves It?

Well it certainly is glam up North; this is where the Beckhams got engaged several years ago. It’s also been used as a photo shoot location for the long-running soap Coronation Street. Charlotte Church dropped in just before having her second child last year. This place is really popular with Premier League talent as lots of footballers stay over before a match. They use both the gym and the spa to make sure they’re match fit against the local team Stoke-on-Trent.

Mid-week the spa is very popular with local people from Manchester, Cheshire and Stoke on Trent, while the weekends bring in people travelling from all over the UK. Lastminute.com has a 2-for-1 special on the Day Spa at the moment and many more deals coming.

Inside the Spa
Victoria, my host for the day, gave me a tour of the facilities so I could have a good nose around and see what’s on offer. I was particularly taken with the nail spa which is a real room with a view. Clients are able to relax and unwind while taking in the cascading view.

In between treatments or after a work out, there are beautiful grounds to stroll around. The gardens are currently in flower with lavender and geraniums everywhere, and the property is peaceful and serene.

The Relaxation lounge at Rookery Hall Spa is very stylish and my word, after a neck, head and shoulder massage, this is really the place to sit back, relax and sip a refreshing herbal tea. There is a calming waterfall which adds to the serene atmosphere.

There are lots of facilities included in the package price such as access to a fully equipped gym, the group exercise studio and a gorgeous 18m glass roofed swimming pool with Hydrotherapy pool, Crystal steam room and sauna.

The lounge area is right next to the vibrant brasserie and bar which has the most amazing menu – my favourite dish was a bowl of the very chunky home made fries (naughty but nice!).

Products They Use

The main product range is ESPA which promises the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence. I chose the ESPA Fitness Body Oil for my neck and shoulder massage, which has holistic properties and a fusion of essential oils including; clove buds, peppermint, eucalyptus, West Indian bay, Chinese litsea cubeba, rosemary and lavender. Gift packs.

If you are keen to take some of the special spa atmosphere home (which I certainly did) don’t forget to check out the Neom collection which is a range of luxury organic products. There are oils, room scents and fabulous candles. I chose the Moroccan Rose candle and the room scent.

Treatments on Offer

There are 12 treatment rooms and here is just a taste of the full range of treatments.

Body
Choose from a range of wraps best suited to your specific requirements.

Speciality treatments
The speciality treatments include therapies such as Hopi ear candles through to reflexology, all aimed at resolving spiritual and physical conditions.

Massage
Experience the benefits of massage and individually chosen essential oils in one of the finest anti-stress treatments available.

Male treatments
A series of treatments aimed specifically at male grooming and resolving common male complaints including back problems and stress.

Facial treatments and therapies
A wide range of treatments and therapies focusing on the application of dermatological products to help hydrate, rejuvenate and repair

Hot stone therapy
This technique has been used for thousands of years for harmonising, cleansing and relaxing the body at its deepest level.

Hands & Feet
Specialist pedicure and manicure therapies to help achieve perfect hands and feet. These treatments help achieve softer feet, ease aching joints and of course beautify your nails.