I had a sneaky little break last week... Sorry if I was a bit quiet on social media, but I was doing a little phone detox whilst I was away. It felt so so good too!
So, we went to Hoar Cross Hall. This is an absolutely stunning residential spa in Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire. It is amazing! There... review over ha ha! No, seriously though we had the MOST amazing time and I just wanted to share some of the pictures of it with you.
Firstly, here are all the grounds outside the building. It's a beautiful old manor house that has been transformed into this tranquil retreat. If you ever feel like you need a quick break to re-charge and re-energise, then this is totally it
It's the third time I've been here now and I will say that it was probably better than the last. They have done (and are continuing to do) so much refurb in the place it's stunning. So much of the spa and relax areas are brand new and I believe that the refurb will be continuing throughout all the rooms too. I think last time I went they were just starting it and I will say it looked a bit dated. Boy, how things change!
What an entrance...
As you walk in to the right of the reception, they have this beautiful 'long bar' which is full of cosy places to rest.
I think one of my fav things about this place is that there are so many 'resting' places. Everywhere you go are little rooms where you can just go and have a quick snooze or read a book. This is state of the art 'chilling' at it's finest!
The Grand Ballroom where dinner is served each night
More little chilling spots...
and even more...
When you get down to the lower ground, there is the full spa area. This is where the pools and water therapies are, plus where you come for treatments. The have all the hydrotherapies, jets, plunge pools and so much more.
This was my fav part of the place, I love all these little spaces that you can just go and curl up in.
These balls though, how cosy!
I think the Sanctum was a lovely area too. You can just lie down and read, or what I liked to do was just 'be'. As cheesy as it sounds, I didn't read whilst I was there, I just lay down in different spots to just 'be' and not 'do'.
Just sitting quiet and listening to some calming music does so much for your mind. I find it makes me so much more creative too, it's sounds crazy, but it's like I can hear the voices in my head again ha ha! Sometimes, we are so bombarded with life in general, your brain doesn't get time to rest either. This spot was just heaven for me.
My oh my, the 'Snooze Room'. This room was immense! So there are no lights in here, just the fibre optics on the ceiling that change colour. You go in, you lay down and you go to sleep... oh and did I mention all the beds are water beds... Aaaaahhh.... Zzzzzzzz...
(from top) Salmon tart with egg and asparagus and below, the homemade hummus with mixed salad with mozzarella
Ok, let's talk food. I will be honest and say that this was the bit I was least looking forwards to. When I went a couple of years ago, the food... well, the food was a bit crap to be honest. It tasted all a bit pre-made and simple. They have seriously vamped it up though now!
Your evening meal is a full three course, fine-dining style meal. You know what, it was seriously good! I was so impressed with the food compared to last time. Above is the starter and below the mains...
(from the top) Fillet steak with grilled baby gem and chunky chips, buttered broccoli and the Sea Bream with asparagus and potato mash
Desserts of Arctic Roll and below is the Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Coconut Ice Cream
The following nights dinner - Starter - Mackerel Salad and Hummus Salad
Above: Grilled Sea Bream, Buttered Kale, Chunky Chips and The 'Catch of the Day' - Hake with a Tomato Salsa
Desserts: The Chocolate Plate & Fresh Fruit Salad
Buffet breakfast in The Grand Ballroom
Our stunning suite... Complete with Husband ha ha!
The Rooftop Balcony with our room
View from the balcony
So, my thoughts...?? I absolutely loved it. I would totally recommend it too. Now they are doing a full refurb (slow as it maybe) it is so so much better than last time. They are refurbing all the bedrooms too which I guess it needed (they are quite dated), but will look awesome when they are done.
I loved the way the whole place is designed to relax. It's like their main focus for you. They have so many things there too. From exercise classes to a hair salon. You can literally do the complete package here.
Any negatives? I am struggling to find them. I did a yoga class which I thought could have been better, but at the same time we did it outside, in the sun, under an old oak tree - that then made it amazing!
The treatments were pretty good and also very well priced. The staff were helpful and friendly, I just can't fault this place.
I would definitely recommend going to a residential spa if you have never been to one before. Go for a couple if nights and have your relaxing treatments the day you are sleeping over - the last thing you want is to have to drive 90 minutes or so home after feeling all relaxed and spaced out (I did that last time and I won't be doing it again!). Also, I recommend booking all your treatments in advance as they do get really busy. I had the 'Garden of Eaden Rose Restore' and a facial that was included in the package. It was lovely!
So, I will stop rambling on about this place and let the pictures speak for themselves.
Thanks so much for reading,
Big love,