A Mother-Daughter Spa Stay At Hoar Cross Hall

By Janet McMeekin

2 months ago

Countryside tranquility

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Janet McMeekin heads to Staffordshire to enjoy a spa stay at Hoar Cross Hall with her daughter.

C&TH Guide To Responsible Tourism

Review: Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel, Staffordshire

Historic Hoar Cross Hall is located in a peaceful setting, and surrounded by stunning countryside

Arriving at the historic Hoar Cross Hall, nestling in the heart of rural Staffordshire, I was initially a little puzzled about why I’d received a pocket-sized map with my complimentary glass of sparkling rosé from the cheery hotel receptionist. Minutes later, as my daughter and I strolled along the 114-foot, oak-panelled Long Gallery (aptly named!) towards our hotel suite before wending our way to the spa via a labyrinth of corridors, all became perfectly clear.

Located within 43 acres of beautiful, mature grounds, Hoar Cross Hall boasts one of the largest spas in Europe. Encompassing 85,000 sqft, the award-winning spa facilities include no fewer than 46 treatment rooms. Having changed into our fluffy Hoar Cross Hall robes, we excitedly strolled down the staircase leading to the spa to discover an array of swinging egg-chairs with turquoise cushions, cosseting relaxed spa-goers.

For a split second, I felt as though I’d been transported into a spa adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Guided by our handy map, we started to explore, uncovering the Nordic heat and ice suite, saltwater and hydrotherapy pools, detox centre, fully-equipped gym, well-stocked boutique, and parlour offering manicures, pedicures and blow dries. Our first whistle-stop tour only scratched the surface. As genial Alana worked her magic during a 60-minute regenerator facial with soothing Grown Alchemist products, I began to unwind as the outside world became a distant memory.

By the time I stepped into the snooze room to lie on the heated water beds, under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, I was fully embracing this slower pace of life. So was my daughter, who had beaten me to it and also made her way to this cocooning haven following her treatment.

One of the swimming pools at Hoar Cross Hall

Tearing ourselves away from our cosy slumber, with the trusty map in hand, we made our way upstairs to explore the new £3 million spa terrace. Opened in July, the Mediterranean-inspired space with its 300-year-old olive tree and suspended fireplace, is proving extremely popular with both residents and day guests alike. The contemporary facility comprises three outdoor pools heated to 38°C, with built-in massage jets. There are also six poolside cabanas made from cedar wood, with an adjustable fabric canopy and ‘ring for refreshments’ bell.

The glass-fronted Juniper Log Sauna is just a hop and skip away from three cold water tubs made from aged whisky barrels. With temperatures as low as 3°C, they are ideal for cold water aficionados like my daughter, who plunged in as I stood supportively holding her towel. While winding down in the terrace’s covered lounge, we gleaned that the reclaimed tiles on front of the bar (adding to the continental feel) are from the sherry-producing region of Jerez in southern Spain.

The Ballroom features original William Morris wallpaper

This contemporary space is quite the contrast to the more traditional rooms in the main hotel, such as The Ballroom with its ornate ceiling, featuring eye-catching plasterwork, dazzling chandeliers and listed William Morris wallpaper. We enjoyed both our evening meals (and breakfasts) in this popular AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, which is open to guests as well as non-residents. Each three-course meal was bursting with flavour and beautifully presented. On the first night, my starter of honey truffle goats’ cheese and roasted pickled beetroot was followed by slow-braised blade of beef, crispy onion, horseradish, a thyme dumpling and carrot. My dessert – a strawberry and white chocolate tart – was accompanied by strawberry yoghurt. Every mouthful was delicious.

During the evening, the attentive staff, including the delightful Nuala, were so friendly and informative about the food and decor. Afterwards, while enjoying a nightcap in the adjacent library with its mahogany bookshelves, we discovered that, coincidentally, the antique mirror above the elegant marble fireplace is believed to have inspired Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Surrounded by the rolling hills of The National Forest, this Grade II-listed stately home-turned hotel and spa is steeped in history. Designed by renowned architect, Henry Clutton, the hall was built in an Elizabethan style with Jacobean undertones, and completed in 1871. In 2021 Barons Eden, the luxury hotel and spa collection which now owns Hoar Cross Hall, invested £14 million when renovating the spa and hotel. Comprising six like-minded partners, the team set out to create memorable stays, with an aim of treating every guest like a friend of the family.

The Princess Mary suite

There are 104 contemporary rooms and suites, many paying homage to the building’s period features. In our Princess Mary suite, we were both instantly struck by the height of this light-drenched room, the ceiling rose, cornicing – and pair of freestanding baths. However, the magnificent, mullioned windows stole the show, offering wonderful views of the beautifully-manicured formal gardens and countryside beyond, where fields of golden wheat swayed gently in the breeze.

Following an invigorating Aufguss Ritual session (where energetic Hannah turned towel-waving into an artform, wafting essential oils around the sauna), lured by the bucolic views, we hopped on the hotel’s electric bikes to explore the grounds and beyond. Pedalling through the hotel’s peaceful woodland, I spotted the biomass facilities, proliferation of rewilding paths and beehives. Recognising the importance of mitigating climate change, Hoar Cross Hall has introduced a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including investing £1.5 million in its biomass system and supporting responsible woodland management and waste reduction, while the spa uses eco-conscious skincare products. Guests are recommended to bring their own flip-flops to reduce single-item usage. In the restaurants and bars, the honey used in dishes and drinks, is produced by the hotel’s bees, while the meat comes from a local butcher.

Leaving Hoar Cross Hall through the turreted stone archway, my daughter and I both felt slightly reluctant to return to our ‘normal’ lives. The slower pace, fun times, and relaxed break had been a true tonic, and an unforgettable, shared experience.