One of our local haunts and a firm-favourite country escape, Middleton Lodge announces the opening of its eagerly awaited Forest Spa.
The award-winning 200-acre country estate which is privately owned by the Allison family is home to one of the best hotels in the UK, a duo of award-winning restaurants, and globally recognised private event spaces for weddings and gatherings. The estate is a dream country escape to eat, gather and pause and as of Saturday 17th June (2023) The Forest Spa, will also be a key feature at the North Yorkshire retreat.
This entirely original offering, exclusive to Middleton Lodge Estate, was born out of the need to satisfy the increased demand for additional leisure experiences for visitors and hotel residents. In 2014, the estate introduced two treatment rooms at the Coach House, which quickly gained national acclaim as sought-after havens for beauty therapies and massages. However, as the estate continued to evolve, adding 59 stunning bedrooms, the provision for a bigger wellness facility was evident. Thus, the idea for the exclusive Forest Spa was conceived.
Read our review of Middleton Lodge here
Leading the visionary design of the Forest Spa is the creative director, Rebecca Tappin. Inspired by the concept of Forest Bathing, Tappin has crafted a spa that exudes an inviting, elemental ambiance with an earthy and rustic aesthetic. Nestled within the estate’s original Old Farm, this new development seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, providing guests with a serene sanctuary to rejuvenate their senses.
Central to the Forest Spa is a 15m by 7m heated outdoor pool, encircled by the pool house and the thermal spa. The pool house boasts a log-burning stove, and comfortable seating, with open brick walls that present breathtaking views of the pool. The thermal spa area introduces a new dimension to the spa experience, featuring a sauna with panoramic vistas of the estate’s fields and woodlands, a tadelakt steam room, an arch stone plunge pool, and a relaxation zone complete with a fireplace and pool views. The spa also includes a stone outdoor hot tub area with seating and six treatment huts, two of which are “bathing huts” equipped with tin baths and wood-burning stoves.
Creative director Rebecca adds: ” Inspired by the concept of Forest Bathing, I wanted to create a spa that would really help connect the visitor to the earthy healing properties of nature, allowing them to slow right down and truly relax in calming surroundings. With views into the distance across the fields, and woodland paths planted with thyme and rosemary, warm and cold-water pools, supplied with water from our spring, plus some beautiful treatments using botanicals and organic seaweed, we are harnessing the power of nature to truly soothe and relax – taking you back to nature, and back to you. We can’t wait to share it.”
Staying true to its commitment to sustainability, the estate ensures that the Forest Spa adheres to environmentally friendly practices. From the products used to the building materials and even the water supply from the estate’s spring, all aspects of the spa align with eco-conscious principles. Moreover, plans are in place to install photovoltaic panels in the near future, further solidifying the estate’s dedication to renewable energy.
To enhance the Forest Spa experience, a thoughtfully crafted spa menu featuring balanced and nourishing options has been created, with ingredients sourced from the estate whenever possible. Both hotel guests and day visitors can delight in the offerings of the spa.
Managing director and estate owner James Allison says: “We are always looking to create innovative and exciting experiences for our guests that align with the spirit of the estate, while prioritising sustainability. We have carefully designed a range of packages for both local residents looking for spa days and visitors staying at the hotel. I am grateful to the dedicated team who have brought our vision to life. With unique features like the plunge pool and bathing huts, we are confident that our guests will have an unparalleled wellness experience. We are looking forward to sharing this experience.”
Forest Spa Packages:
- 1. Half Day Spa: £155 (Monday to Thursday) | £170 (Friday to Sunday) – Morning or afternoon half-day spa experience, including a 45-minute treatment and a thoughtfully curated spa menu.
- 2. Day Spa: £200 (Monday to Thursday) | £220 (Friday to Sunday) – Full-day spa experience, featuring a 60-minute treatment ritual (choice of massage, facial, or body scrub) and lunch in the Pool House from the spa menu.
- 3. Day Retreat: £300 (Monday to Thursday) | £330 (Friday to Sunday) – Extensive full-day spa experience, offering a two-hour treatment ritual, a rejuvenating bathing experience, and lunch in the Pool House from the spa menu.
- 4. Evening Ritual: £75 (Monday to Thursday) | £95 (Friday to Sunday) – Evening spa experience, including a delightful two-course dinner at the Coach House restaurant or a four-course tasting menu at Forge on Thursday to Sunday evenings.
With the imminent opening of the Forest Spa, Middleton Lodge Estate continues to elevate its standing as a premier destination, offering a haven of tranquillity and luxury amidst the captivating beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
Bookings can now be made at, www.middletonlodge.co.uk, by phone on 01325 377-977, or via email at forestspa@middletonlodge.co.uk. Booking is essential.
