What We Thought of Rockliffe Hall's Ultimate Spa Day
We head to Rockliffe Hall Hotel & Spa to try an indulgent spa day
We start with a welcome drink at Café Terra – a refreshing green tea – before being shown around the spa facilities. Armed with plush robes and fresh towels we head to the changing room and once suitably robed, head through to explore the wellness suite with its sauna, steam room, showers and hydrotherapy pool beside the large indoor pool. There’s also an outdoor space with a hot tub set into the deck.
We start with a 10-minute session in the traditional wood-lined Roman sauna, followed by a refreshing cold shower. Next, we try the salt steam room for another 10 minutes, at which point we decide to check out the hot tub on the deck.
Fresh fruit and cold drinks are available to pick up all day, including a surprisingly delicious cold debloat tea with ginger, lemon, and marshmallow and we enjoy a drink before heading through to the exclusive Spa Garden area.
Only a limited number of guests are allowed in the Spa Garden at any time, ensuring an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Floating in the heated infinity pool overlooking the perfectly-maintained grounds is nothing short of magical, comfortable lounging beds provide the ideal space to unwind and a glass of Prosecco was the perfect touch to enhance the whole experience. We spend the next hour reading, chatting, and just soaking in the sun (we were lucky to have picked a lovely day). I also take another 10 minutes in the Spa Garden sauna, from which there are views over Rockliffe’s lush green golf course – definitely a highlight of the day.
After a blissful morning of relaxation, we had somehow worked up an appetite and headed back to Café Terra for lunch. It’s such a beautiful spring day that we’re able to sit out on the terrace overlooking the grounds. Café Terra’s menu is filled with tempting options, from refreshing salads to hearty sandwiches. I opt for the tuna Nicoise salad while mum chooses the lobster roll with French fries. I couldn’t help but notice a few burgers being served to other lunch-goers, which looked divine. Both the Nicoise salad and the lobster roll were fresh, flavourful, and absolutely delicious (not surprising as Café Terra is guided by Rockliffe’s Culinary Director James Close, formerly of the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt).
After lunch, it’s time for our treatments and we’re warmly greeted by our therapists, who introduce themselves before walking us to our treatment rooms. I’ve booked a facial, but the therapist explains the different options available, and ultimately, I go with the one she recommends based on my skin’s needs. It’s a totally bespoke treatment, tailored to address my specific concerns, and the therapist talks me through each step of the process and the products used (including a soothing scalp massage). I leave feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated. I also take a list of the products used during the treatments with me, making sure to call into Rockliffe’s spa shop before we leave to pick up some of NEOM’s sleep range (my favourite). Armed with these, I look forward to continuing my spa experience at home. If only I had a sauna too
