Oulton Hall, Leeds SPA REVIEW

Written by jomaj // // Spa Reviews // 3 Comments

SPA REVIEW

Oulton Hall, Leeds

On: Yorkshire Magazine’s Bethanie Lunn puts a south east Leeds spa through its pampering paces …

Booking Procedure:
Individual treatments and special discounted packages, which include full use of the leisure facilities, are available. Spa sessions should be prebooked and all treatments require a 50% deposit. All you need to do is call them to make your reservation. The Spa is open to residents and non-residents alike.

First Impressions:
Oulton Hall is a stunning and traditional hotel converted from a mid 18th-Century mansion. The spa is the latest addition and is, obviously, far more modern in style. After checking in I was lead to a cosy seating area with views of the stunning pool where I was offered a drink and made to feel very relaxed.

What Happened Next?:
I was shown to the locker room where I changed into a cosy robe and slippers. You are advised to bring a swim suit if you have booked to use the pool. Alternatively, you can leave your underwear on or even go in the buff if you wish! Heading back to reception as instructed, my friendly therapist was waiting for me and we headed to the Relaxation Room for a brief consultation. The Relaxation Room is exactly that – a dimly-lit room full of nine cosy single beds with oversized blankets which, if you wish, you can snuggle beneath, read on or, in some people’s case, drift off completely. In order to plan the treatment my therapist asked me questions about my health, how I was feeling and what benefits I wanted to feel then oils were selected to suit my individual needs.

The Set-Up:
There are ten treatment rooms, the Relaxation Room, a pool bathed in ever-changing mood lighting, the cosy café area and a VIP Treatment Suite. The VIP Treatment Suite is a private room with your own hydro pool, steam room and rain shower, plus two reclining beds. The room is yours for as long as you require, so try a dual massage where you and your partner can be treated to a simultaneous massage, or hire it for a girly get-together and book in for treatments throughout the day as you sip champagne – which is brought to you every time you press the bell! Bliss.

My Treatment:
I chose the ESPA full body massage, (£60, 60 minutes). This was incredible! I lay on a massage table in my paper pants (not a good look), enveloped in soft towels to cover my modesty. The oils were gently heated and blended to revive me – a benefit I had requested earlier. My therapist worked her magic from top to toe. You can have your head massaged if you wish, just bear in mind the oils can leave your hair greasy, so this is perhaps an option best taken if you are going straight to bed. It would be a shame to wash them off straight away as leaving oils in your hair and on your skin is deeply nourishing. The face is not included in the treatment, but your neck and shoulders, back and limbs are massaged according to the firmness you most desire. Your belly is also optional – I’d advise it if you have IBS or a slow digestive system since a deep massage to this area can be really beneficial. Afterwards, I felt genuinely revived and deeply peaceful and will definitely return for this treatment again.

What Happened Afterwards?:
I was left to chill out and slowly readjust and advised to drink plenty of water to restore any that was lost during the treatment. It was my decision to dress or retire to the Relaxation Room – I chose the latter and snuggled beneath the blankets with my favourite book. Oh, it’s a hard life.

Other Treatments Available:
There is a list of treatments, from the standard waxing and tanning to ESPA face and body treatments and even ‘ESPA for the Boys’ including ‘Golfers Tonic’ to revive the most tired of gents and to complement Oulton’s famous golf course.

Special Extras:
Oulton Hall boasts the North of England’s leading Golf performance centre with buggy hire, a practice range for perfecting your putting, the Academy, staffed by four PGA teaching professionals, for coaching and the driving range has 18 covered and floodlit bays to practice at anytime.

Summary:
Oulton Hall’s combination of modern spa and elegant hotel makes it a treat to stay over for a blissful weekend. There is also a Drawing Room (ideal for afternoon tea), the Whisky Room (stocking 300 whiskies from across the world), the Champagne Bar (in partnership with Perrier Jouet, with over 50 champagnes) and two restaurants; The Claret Jug and The Calverly Grill with the latter being awarded two rosettes. The ideal retreat to keep women and men happy.