By Cassie Moyse

Tucked between the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline and the charming town of Whitby, Saltmoore is a visually stunning retreat that offers a welcome escape from everyday life.

Our recent visit, which included afternoon tea and a relaxing few hours in the spa, was an enjoyable experience overall — though there were a few details that let it down slightly.

The spa facilities are well thought out, with a large heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and ice bath. The standout was the Cryo Chamber, a unique and invigorating experience that left us feeling refreshed. However, we did notice that the chlorine levels in the jacuzzi were particularly strong — enough to sting the eyes — which made it difficult to relax fully. Additionally, a few areas of the spa, particularly around metal fixtures, showed signs of rust, which detracted from the otherwise polished environment.

The changing rooms were private and well-equipped, with individual booths and showers, offering a good level of comfort and convenience. Staff were friendly and attentive throughout the spa visit.

Afterwards, we moved to The Orangerie for afternoon tea, which was served in a bright, airy setting overlooking the gardens. The selection included a range of classic finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of sweet treats. A unique highlight was the apple and black pudding sausage roll, which added a bold Yorkshire touch.

That said, the quality of some items was inconsistent. A couple of the sandwich pieces appeared to have slightly soiled or discoloured bread, which raised concerns about freshness and attention to presentation. While the majority of the food was enjoyable, this detail unfortunately took away from the overall experience.

Saltmoore has huge potential and gets a lot right — the location, concept, and many elements of the experience are excellent. However, attention to detail is what separates a good experience from a truly great one, and on this occasion, a few small issues stood out.

With a little more consistency in quality and maintenance, Saltmoore could easily become a top-tier destination. We’d love to return, but hope to see those points addressed in future.

Rating: ★★★