Tucked away within its enchanting estate, Middleton Lodge’s new Forest Spa promises guests a journey into relaxation like no other. Our editor checks in…
Location
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, nestled within Middleton Lodge’s 200-acre Georgian estate, you’ll find a spa with a difference. A one so relaxing, so utterly divine, I’ve urged just about everyone I know – family members, friends, mother daughter duos, couples – to book up. It doesn’t happen often, but Forest Spa is just one of those places. It leaves a lasting memory that you want others to share.
Open to both visiting guests and hotel residents, the on-site sanctuary opened this summer and is the latest stage in Middleton Lodge estate’s impressive – and oh-so beautiful – development. Owner James Allison – who has spent the last 20 years transforming the historic site into an award-winning destination to stay, wed, play, eat and now spa – was at the forefront of its design, alongside the estate’s creative director, Rebecca Tappin.
With a vision of creating a place where people can connect with nature, press pause and leave feeling rested and grounded, Forest Spa has been inspired by forest bathing – a Japanese practice that means to be at one with nature, among the trees, and being mindful of your outdoor surroundings. A concept that informs everything from the spa’s botanical good looks to its jaw-dropping facilities.
Style
Sitting somewhere between a rustic Tuscan villa and a cosy French farmhouse, a visit to Forest Spa feels like being transported to another corner of the world – umpteen miles away from Yorkshire. A place to curl up and cocoon and reenergise in the elements interchangeably.
A breath-taking place, inside and out, with so many corners of relaxation to discover throughout your spa journey. Inside, think blonde wooden beams and exposed stonework. Cosy nooks and crannies, filled with plush cream sofas and chairs to sink in. Blankets and pillows galore. Crackling log burners, flickering lanterns and candles. The faint smell of balmy eucalyptus oil in the air. Green foliage and wicker, bringing the outdoors in. Outside, stone walls surround you with open views across the estate’s rolling fields and peaceful woodland. The scent from The many plants and flowers fills the air. Comfy, sleep-inducing loungers line the grand heated pool – the heart of the spa.
In short, a soothing and holistic aesthetic – with nods to air, water, fire and earth – that is perfectly in keeping with the rest Middleton Lodge’s estate, which is also home to two 18th century stone-built restaurants, romantic courtyards, on-site self-catered cottages, 57 bedrooms and two acres of lush walled gardens.
Facilities
Our spa journey began in the Pool House. Here, you’re invited to kick-back pre or post-treatment, or stay a while and enjoy a spot of lunch. You can even hunker down and enjoy a luxury manicure or pedicure at a dedicated nail station, tucked away at the back – which my friend did.
A central stove provides gentle warmth throughout, while large, floor-to ceiling doors open out to the pool area and thermal spa, providing dreamy views to swoon over while you eat. Stretching an impressive 15 metres, the outdoor pool is, arguably, Forest Spa’s main attraction. At least it was for us. The fact that it’s heated is the icing on the cake, allowing for the longest and relaxing of dips all year round – even on a frosty winter’s day.
Even in early autumn, the weather wasn’t on our side during our visit, but the white skies and chilly temperatures took absolutely nothing away from it. A few warm lengths, emersed in the gentle steam that the pool emits, was one of the highlights of our visit. From there and with a glass of fizz in tow, we headed over to the bubbling outdoor hot tub nearby – which is nicely sheltered to create a feeling of cosiness and privacy – before unwinding in the serene Thermal Spa.
Here, you’ll discover everything you need to kick-start the senses, including a sauna, with views of the estate’s rolling parkland, as well as a stone-walled plunge pool and a tadelakt steam room.
After enjoying all it had to offer, we took great pleasure in stretching out – our cheeks healthy and pink after a final stint in the sauna – on a couple of loungers by the log fire with soft throws and pillows. We could have easily stayed here,another couple of hours – it’s the perfect place for catch-ups between friends or a bit of quiet time with a good book – and only managed to tear ourselves away because we had treatments ahead of us.
Treatments
If you’re anything like me, you’ll know that a spa visit isn’t quite complete without a treatment of some kind. And although a Forest Spa experience is more than satisfying without one, I just had to see what it had on offer. Some years ago, all forms of pampering at Middleton Lodge took place between two small treatment rooms. Now, massages and other rituals take place within six wooden outdoor huts, tucked away in the estate’s grounds, surrounded by wild flowers and medicinal herbs. Two of them are bathing huts, complete with log burning stoves and bath tubs.
The leafy walk up to my individual hut was a picture-perfect moment for me – in what felt like an oasis of tranquillity – before I happily surrendered to my chosen ritual. The Forest Spa’s treatment menu includes everything from body and Indian head massage to facials, scrubs, bath hut experiences and specially-curated signature treatments – all made special with products from two of the spa world’s biggest names – Aromatherapy Associates and VOYA. Gentle and restorative, with a focus on natural ingredients, both brands fit perfectly with Forest Spa’s ethos.
Committed to having the most relaxing day I’d had in months – perhaps all year – I chose the VOYA Total Massage Journey. A 90-minute show-stopper, combining body brushing to boost circulation and release toxins with a stressmelting face, scalp and full body massage, using organic seaweed oil. I won’t give too much away as I want – urge – you to discover its powers for yourself. But let’s just say this – I left feeling a stone lighter in both body and mind.
Back in my white fluffy robe, I retreated to the spa’s nearby Relaxation Lounge, where a complimentary herbal drink, along with nutritious snacks, were waiting for me by gentle candlelight, along with stunning views overlooking the hut garden.
Food and drink
Post-treatment, we returned to the Pool House for a few small plates from the spa’s nourishing lunch menu. In keeping with Middleton Lodge’s renowned estate-toplate ethos, all dishes are balanced, fresh and cooked using ingredients growing on the estate wherever possible.
For us, it was protein-packed flat iron chicken with just-picked broad beans and zingy gremolata, homegrown lettuce with smoked cheese, avocado and chipotle, followed by estate honey panna cotta with thyme-roasted peaches. A sweet end to an unrivalled spa experience – made special with impeccable service and packed with local flair – that is yet to be matched.
Book it now
Hotel residents and day spa guests can choose between a range of experiences, which include morning, afternoon and evening packages and a Day Spa and Day Retreat offering. Individual massages and beauty therapies are also available.
For more information and prices, visit middletonlodge.co.uk
