Review: We Discover a Super Spa Break in Staffordshire
A quick post-work trip down the M6 sees us arriving at Moddershall Oaks in time for a pre-dinner drink on a sunny Friday evening
Downstairs in The Oak House restaurant, we’re promptly seated at a table by the windows, once again perfectly positioned for the pretty views over the terrace and lawns towards the pond. A couple of chilled glasses of sauvignon blanc arrive, followed closely by our starters. My partner’s chilli, lime and honey calamari is served on a bed of crispy kale, while my hoisin duck is wrapped in a soft Staffordshire oatcake with crunchy cucumber, spring onion and a plum sauce.
Next my partner has chosen garlic and thyme marinated chicken breast, which sits on a hearty portion of pumpkin and sage risotto, finished with parmesan, white truffle oil and toasted pine nuts. My classic chicken caesar salad comes with grilled chicken, crisp pancetta, a soft boiled egg and lashings of parmesan.
After dinner, we take a stroll around the grounds. By the water, we turn back towards the restaurant, looking warm and welcoming, with trees decked in twinkling lights. We decide there’s time to head back inside for one more drink before bed.
Our Studio Suite is found at the other end of the hotel, up a long corridor and a few short sets of stairs as the building hugs the hillside. It’s done out in calming hues, with sliding glass doors leading to a small terrace, beyond which is a neat lawn. Peering back down the hill, we can see steam rising from the outdoor spa pool.
Breakfast is served in the main restaurant and there’s a good continental selection as well as a classic hot menu (we choose one full English and one eggs Benedict), but we’re keen to get to the spa – which is after all a major part of the Moddershall Oaks experience.
Spa reception is busy with groups of friends and couples checking in for a day of relaxation, but we’re quickly shown around and make our way through the changing rooms to the indoor spa area. We start in the pool, before moving on to the heated loungers which line one wall. There’s a separate hydrotherapy pool (with plenty of jets and bubbles) and foot spa baths too. A window looks onto a courtyard filled with lush greenery, and there’s a real sense of seclusion.
Along the corridor, we make our way to the next spa area, where there’s a café, a relaxation lounge, ice shower, sauna and outdoor vitality pool. Drinks can be ordered from the café directly to your spot in the pool, and several people are already enjoying glasses of fizz among the bubbles. It’s a perfect spot to relax.
We don’t linger too long though, as we’ve got a private session in Moddershall Oaks’ exclusive-use spa pool booked. This secluded hot tub is set just far enough away from the main spa to feel private, but close enough to feel like you’re still part of the action. There are loungers here too, and the space is available exclusively for the use of overnight guests (pre-booking required).
Eventually I tear myself away from the pool, but not without good reason: it’s time for my treatment. An hour later, my hot stone massage has left me feeling fully relaxed and ready for whatever the day throws at me – which, sadly, is checking out of Moddershall Oaks and heading back up the road. There’s just time for one sneaky glass of fizz in the vitality pool before we go…
