Spa Break At Rockliffe Hall, Co. Durham

With only a few weeks to go until our new arrival and the in-laws on hand to look after our daughter whilst staying up in Yorkshire, my husband and I headed off for a spa break at the five star hotel Rockliffe Hall.

Around an hour’s drive from Leeds and just south of Darlington, the red brick mansion is set in 375 acres of land – much of which is dedicated to a huge 18 hole golf course. Rockliffe Hall is owned by Middlesborough Football Club chairman Steve Gibson, and the team has a training ground on the site although there was no sign of the players out on the pitch when  we visited – much to my husband’s disappointment .

After driving up the hotel’s long drive we were warmly greeted by the very polite staff and with our bags and car seen to immediately, I had a feeling this was going to be the start of a very relaxing mini break.

Our room wasn’t ready when we arrived around noon so we went to get some lunch in The Brasserie which was of a very high standard – as was the breakfast we had the following morning.

The hotel is known for its gourmet Orangery Restaurant run by award-winning chef Richard Allen. Unfortunately, the 3AA Rosette eatery is closed on Sundays and Mondays – when we were there – which was disappointing. I have heard good things about the restaurant and was also intrigued to meet its teetotal sommelier. We could have opted to eat in the Brassiere or the Clubhouse at the hotel for dinner but instead went to The Bay Horse in the village of Hurworth-on-tees which got mixed reviews from my husband and I. He liked it but I found my dishes were too rich with too many different tastes on one plate.

The Spa

Use of the spa was was included in our one night stay at the hotel. The spa area is made up of two main sections. In the swimming pool part there were plenty of chairs and sun beds which I headed for straightaway – armed with a magazine – a luxury I rarely get the chance to do these days. I even managed to read a whole article in Vanity Fair – no mean feat!

The 20m swimming pool was a delight to swim in while there is also a small outside jacuzzi, a juice bar and ‘monsoon’ showers to cool off.

In the other part, there is a large hydro pool and surrounding it a caladium (hot steam with aromatic oils), sauna, tropicarium and igloo room. Being 34 weeks pregnant I was a bit limited on what I could use but happily relaxed in the tropicarium which contained curved heated sun beds which you sank into and and didn’t want to leave in a hurry.

The hotel has recently opened a ‘Spa Garden’. It is an extra facility for those wanting a bit more privacy. Half inside, half outside, it has two hot pools, a sauna, heated relaxation loungers and someone to serve you complimentary refreshments. The drawback? It’s £30 extra!

Treatments

Soon it was time for one of my treatments which I had pre-booked over the phone a week before. In an unusual move and one I had not experienced before, I had to prepay for the treatments over the phone. They mentioned something about cancellations but given that we were studying at the hotel, I though it a bit unnecessary.

The treatments were excellent though. I got a special pregnancy ‘New Life’ massage. The masseur started with my back which was done with me sitting down with my torso across the treatment table, the rest of the massage was done with me lying with my back elevated – like a sun bed. I left with my legs feeling lighter and very relaxed. Afterwards, I was led into the ‘sleep room’ where I enjoyed a cup of herbal tea. If I am being picky, it would have been nice to have a head massage at the end of the massage but a minor point in what a very good treatment. I had also booked a pedicure. Painting toenails is not the easiest with a huge bump so I thought it a good excuse to get my neglected nails revamped. The therapist was fun, chatty and I was pleased with the results.

The Room

Having spent all this time getting pampered (while the husband used the gym), we hadn’t had the chance to check into one of Rockliffe Hall’s 61 rooms. When we finally made it there – we weren’t disappointed. The room, which was in the old part of the hotel, was spacious, luxuriously furnished and awaiting us was half a bottle of champagne which came as part of the package we had booked. I treated myself to half a glass.

The large bathroom had modern fittinggs, a power shower and my husband was particularly impressed with the TV sitting above the bathtub.

The whole of the hotel had a very sumptuous feel to it with ornate mirrors, velvet furniture and luxurious soft furnishings adorning the hallways and reception areas.

Verdict

Rockliffe Hall was an excellent, relaxing getaway and succeeded in giving us a much-needed break and time together as a couple before the baby arrives. Due to time, we didn’t get to explore much of the grounds but it is fair to say it is a haven for golf lovers. I wouldn’t recommend Rockliffe Hall as a family break though. When I enquired, activities could be arranged but to get the most out of the hotel, I think it is best to leave the children at home and return feeling totally relaxed.

Need To Know

– We booked a mid week deal, staying in an Old Hall double room which cost £205 for one night and included use of the spa facilities, breakfast and half a bottle of champagne.

– As well as spa deals, the hotel does a range of golf packages

– The North Yorkshire moors and River Tees are on the doorstep and the historic city of Durham is a 30 minute drive away

– Rockliffe Hall is close to the quaint market town of Yarm which is worth a look if you have time

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