Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds – Review
By Kirsty Reid, October 2024
There’s nothing I enjoy more than a relaxing spa day, so I was over the moon when I was invited to check out Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa.
Close to the M1 and just a 15-minute drive from central Leeds, the four-star hotel and spa is situated on an industrial estate. Not the most scenic location, but once inside we are transported to a tranquil haven.
The grand and contemporary exterior houses a stylish interior. Minimalistic décor is complemented by perfectly placed greenery, while a muted colour palette offers a zen-like charm. It doesn’t surprise me to learn the venue won Best Luxury Hotel & Best Luxury Boutique Spa in 2022’s World Luxury Hotel Awards.
Here to sample the spa’s Morning Ritual (£110pp), we make our way to reception to check-in. But check-in isn’t as smooth as I presumed it would be…
We pass the hotel’s main check-in desk and head towards the spa reception. Here we are advised that there is a third reception for guests with prior bookings. Continuing in our pursuit, we make our way upstairs where we receive a warm welcome, followed by a comprehensive tour of the spa. We pre-order lunch, then head off to get our spa on – equipped with robes, slippers, towels, and locker wristbands.
The award-winning spa boasts a spectacular 13-metre swimming pool, indoor Jacuzzi, Himalayan salt sauna and steam rooms, as well as an extensive Technogym and relaxation spaces, both inside and out. We are spoiled for choice.
“Feel my worries drift away”
Arriving at 10am means the pool is packed, as groups of seniors gather for their morning swim.
We enjoy a brief swim before testing out the Himalayan salt sauna. The soothing heat feels as though it’s doing wonders for my skin and body. Next, we try the steam room. This is a bit too hot for me to handle, so I leave my partner to sweat it out and make a beeline for the vacant Jacuzzi.
Immersing myself in the warm bubbles, I feel my worries drift away. Suffice to say, it passes the Goldilocks test – the temperature is just right. Too hot and you can’t sit for long, not hot enough and you break out in goosebumps.
Flooded with natural light, the spacious spa overlooks gorgeous gardens, lined with sun loungers. On a warmer day, I’d be inclined to enjoy the surroundings and relax alfresco. Instead, my partner and I head upstairs to the relaxation room ahead of our treatments.
Set on the first floor, the relaxation room looks out onto the gardens. Tall trees cocoon the room, obscuring views of the main road just a stone’s throw away, while well-insulated walls and soothing music mask any outside noise.
Loungers separated by privacy curtains create luxurious nooks for relaxation, while the seated area is ideal for soaking up the views. It’s the perfect place for quiet contemplation.
Offering TEMPLESPA massages, Caudalie facials, and nail treatments, the spa boasts an extensive menu. I’m partial to a facial, but today we are both having full-body massages.
Having opted for ‘a mix of quiet and chatty’, I enjoy a deeply relaxing top-to-toe massage with essential oils, paired with friendly conversation. Linda, my lovely therapist, works wonders on my knots, easing tightness and tension.
“Grumbles with the service, but the food is spot on”
Feeling refreshed, albeit slightly sleepy, we head back downstairs for lunch.
Our spa package includes a two-course meal and a drink – making it good value for money, in my opinion. As we’d pre-ordered, we expected a swift service – especially as there were only two other parties dining. Sadly, that isn’t the case. Along with slow service, used mugs adorn the table next to us, long after its diners depart.
I may have a few grumbles with the service, but the food is spot-on. Kyle enjoys his tempura vegetables served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce. He follows this up with eggs royale. The perfectly poached eggs come with oak smoked salmon atop sourdough toast and a generous helping of Hollandaise sauce. My chicken and smoked streaky bacon burger is equally as delicious. It is served in a toasted sourdough bun with lettuce, tomato and club sauce. A side of fries completes the dish.
Having skipped a starter, my second course comes in the form of a tray bake. Rocky Road to be precise. The heavenly dessert gets a 10/10.
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa is part of the Daniel Thwaites Spa Group, which aims to combine tranquillity with affordability – something I think it does reasonably well. But whether it merits its four-star status is something I’m less convinced about. There’s no doubt it ticks a lot of boxes – it’s reasonably priced, offers fantastic food, facilities and treatments, but when it comes to customer service, there is room to improve.
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa
1150 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 8ZB
0113 264 1000
thorpeparkhotel.co.uk
