Rockliffe Hall Spa – County Durham

I am in the process of visiting some of the North Easts top spa’s and sharing my experience with you all to help you decide where you would prefer to have your very own Spa break, after many requests off ladies to find good spa deals on Tried and Tested.

I was delighted when Rockliffe Hall Hotel invited me along to try out their spa including the Spa Garden experience and I want to share with you all my experience.

”A hidden gem in the North East of England, Rockliffe Hall is a five star luxury golf and spa hotel offering an award-winning spa, an 18 hole championship golf course and a wide range of restaurant options which cater for all palates and purse strings.

Whether you are looking for a romantic break, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, a unique wedding venue or a place to do business, this world-class resort is a memorable destination.
Set in the quiet village of Hurworth, on the edge of the County Durham and North Yorkshire border, Rockliffe’s location is perfect for discovering the treasures of Durham city, the drama of the North East coastline and the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire moors.

Or, with five star leisure facilities at your fingertips, forget the outside world and enjoy everything that this country retreat has to offer. Relax or be active, celebrate or focus on business, the choice is yours and the pleasure is all ours.”

After around an hours drive from my home town of Consett, I arrived for an afternoon Spa and Garden Spa experience. Let me start by saying ”WOW” this hotel is exquisite and the views breath taking. Parking was easy and Claudia gave me a little tour of the hotel, telling me about their flagship 3AA rosette Orangery restaurant, set in the charming 18th century Old Hall.

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After my mini tour I headed to the spa where I was given a complimentary robe, slippers and guided to the changing rooms to be shown how to use the lockers. My Garden Spa experience was booked for 3.30pm for 2 hours so I had around an hour to try squeeze in a go of everything. As I got changed I noticed makeup remover, toner, cotton wool, hair products etc available to use. This was a great touch, as I was conscious of having make up on coming straight from work, and didn’t really want to sit in a sauna with it melting off my face so I was able to remove it before .

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Please ask a member of staff for a tour. I sat for around 10 minutes not realising there was a Hydrotherapy Suite. There are plenty of staff available to help, a friendly girl gave me a tour of all the Spa areas and she was very informative. Complimentary fruit and water are freely available and you can order a range of other drinks including smoothies and alcohol at the spa bar area.

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This is a Spa where you do not necessarily have to book for a treatment as there is so much to do. I was not booked for a treatment and I struggled to fit it all in on an afternoon. I started in the Tropicarium, much more comfortable than a sauna as it is not as hot.

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I looked in the igloo but could not bring myself to sit in it. I just hate the cold. It was however, very pretty and I understand the need to close the pores but I didn’t fancy rubbing ice all over my body ha ha .

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Next I had 5 minutes in the Tepidarium relaxing on the heated beds. Wishing I had more time, but wanting to have a go of everything I seized the moment to go into the hydro pool while it was in full flow. The jets massage within the warm pool and it was one of my favorite experiences of the main spa whilst here.

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Not wanting to leave the feet out, I then had a go of the Foot spa. One of the 1st foot spas I’ve seen within a spa.

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It was nearly time for my slot for the Spa garden but 1st I wanted to pop in the outdoor hot tub. There was a lovely outdoor seating area for warm sunny days and lovely views.

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THE SPA GARDEN

”A special spa experience, blending indoors and outdoors for when you need an extra touch of tranquillity. Adjacent to the current spa, the Spa Garden offers an enhanced spa experience.

Indoors, be served complimentary refreshments by your own personal spa concierge while enjoying a traditional glass-fronted sauna, fire pit, water feature and heated relaxation loungers.

While outdoors offers two hot pools including an infinity edge experience pool with massage features and a warm Jacuzzi, decking and lounging areas as well as landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s grounds.

This versatile space is excellent to add on as an extra to your spa day or spa break or can be hired on an exclusive use basis- perfect for a memorable celebration or for the ultimate indulgence.”

The spa garden is a add on from £30 per person for a additional bit of pampering. With its stunning views, outdoor seating, glass fronted sauna to take in those views and the heated beds you really are spoilt.

After a guided tour, I grabbed myself a complimentary coffee, some fruit and nut mix and took to the heated bed to soak up the surroundings. The views are incredible.

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After coffee, it was time for a dip in the infinity edge pool ”Soak in the 365 acre estate in the warm outdoor pool whilst experiencing different pressures of hydrotherapy massage.” It really is a nice experience being outdoors soaking in the incredible view within a warm pool listening to the birds. The weather was cloudy but I can imagine this on a warm summers day to be extremely popular especially with all the outdoor space to relax too. After a good 15 minutes in the pool I took to the sauna. Even in the sauna you still have the amazing views as it is glass fronted. The sauna is a great place to dry off and warm up after a dip in the pool. Whilst in the sauna I was pondering whether to cut my garden spa short to experience what I had missed in the main spa for purpose of the review. I decided to have another coffee but then move back into the main spa area after thoroughly enjoying my time here. I was told I could return to the Spa Garden within my time frame if I so wanted.

 

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Once back in the main spa I lay my belongings down and headed to the Caldarium which is a steam room with aromatic oils. It feels great for the skin and stimulates the senses. There is also a Roman Sauna but i’m not a fan as I find them too hot. It would have been great to get pictures inside all these units but as soon as you take a camera in they steam up instantly unfortunately. Leaves you all a surprise if you choose to visit.

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Last but not least I decided to do a few lengths as my time was nearly up having to leave the spa by 6pm, and I wanted to have a sneak peek at the gym. The pool is a nice size and great for swimming. I only did 10 lengths but its better than none I suppose.

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Feeling relaxed and shattered I was in no way ready to do a gym session but wanted to go take a look because a lot of people don’t realise that gym is included within your stay or spa visit. Some people don’t step foot in the gym as they purely go to relax but I generally like to try them out. Usually they are very impressive in these top spa’s and Rockliffe gym did not disappoint. Full of top of the range equipment this gym also offers classes in the studio.

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They have an impressive easy key system to record your workouts and offer incentives to clients who reach their goal set for them. This is a great idea and keeps you motivated. The staff are very enthusiastic and passionate about the gym and this shone through from the guy giving me a tour.

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I thoroughly enjoyed my spa visit to Rockliffe and i’m sure you will agree that even without a treatment I had plenty to keep me entertained and relaxed. If you want a luxury incredible spa day with exquisite views then Rockliffe comes highly recommended. Thanks so much Rockliffe for having me and ill be sure to visit again soon.

If you do make a booking, make sure you mention that you seen the review on Tried and Tested.

You will never find offers for this hotel or spa on any ”groupon” type sites so I would suggest you sign up, or keep checking in HERE for all the latest deals. There are some good deals on at present.

Website: www.rockliffehall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockliffehall

Twitter: @Rockliffe_Spa

Instagram: rockliffe_hall

 

 

 

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Seaham Hall Spa Visit – Just for July deal

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I was invited along to Seaham Hall to experience their ”Just for July” package which consists of

  • Spa use from 11am – 3pm
  • Two course meal in the Ozone Restaurant
  •  Complimentary drink on arrival and full use of robes, slippers and towels
  • Treatment choice: 35 min signature massage OR 35 min Refreshing Facial

Offer available Monday to Friday until 31st July 2016

£80 per person

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As I drove up the drive way I was taken a back by the exquisite surroundings. The Spa at Seaham Hall Hotel was the 1st building you come to and it has its own private car park to the left so parking is a breeze. As I walked up to the entrance I got a few snaps of the tranquil gardens and fountains.

I was greeted by very friendly reception staff who offered me some sparkling water or some cloudy lemonade, I went with the lemonade which was refreshing. After filling in my medical questionnaire Amanda gave me a guided tour of the spa. Amanda was very informative and very nice. She made me feel most welcome.

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After my tour Amanda guided me to the changing area and gave me my robe, slippers and towel and explained how to use the lockers. Towels are freely available to use as many as you need. I got changed into my swimsuit, robe and slippers and headed straight for my treatment as I was booked for my massage at 11.15.

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I was met by Sarah who took me into the treatment room for my 35 min well being back massage. I was asked if I had any medical conditions she needed to know about, how I liked my massage and what oil I would like (I went with Detox). I was told I could wear some paper pants to spare my own, and to climb on the heated bed and make myself comfortable while she left the room. The bed was very comfortable indeed and even without the massage I felt relaxed. Sarah re entered the room moments later and began the treatment, smothering the back of my body (legs and feet included) in oil. Sarah didn’t scrimp on oil neither which was a bonus!. Sarah gave me a medium/firm massage at my request, also making sure I was happy with the pressure at the start. Sarah started with one side of the body top to toe, then the other side and then she went to town on the back. My shoulders were a tad knotty so Sarah gave them a little more attention. I really enjoyed my massage and left feeling relaxed and excited for the rest of the day.

After the massage I was led to the ZEN lounge to re-hydrate with water and a tasty sorbet. The zen room has amazing movable heated beds with blankets. There is complimentary fruit and nut in there and it was a lovely tranquil hangout to read some magazines while I waited for my lunch reservation at 12.30pm in the Ozone Resturant.

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At 12.30pm I went for lunch in the Ozone Restaurant. I could either pick a starter and a main or a main and a starter. I went for the starter and a main. I had duck pancakes for starter and Chicken Tikka for my main course. The restaurant is oriental in style which fits beautifully with the spa and I love the fact you can wear your robe and slippers too. The restaurant is where you can have an alcoholic drink as no alcohol is permitted in the spa areas. Very friendly staff again served me, taking my order and making sure my water was topped up. The food was delicious and portions generous. I could not eat it all to my disappointment but made sure I told the staff how nice it was.

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After my food I was keen to get in and use the facilities. Even without a treatment this spa has plenty to keep you entertained. You have the Sauna, the Sanarium (like a sauna but not as hot), the Hamman (amazing steam room with showers and a Jacuzzi pool inside), the Hydropool (a strong jetted pool which I was told helps with cellulite), the aromatherapy steam room, 2 plunge pools, 2 outdoor Hot tubs and of course the main pool itself. I did 15 mins in the Sanarium, 10 mins in the hydropool, 15 mins in the outdoor hot tubs and then 10 mins in the steam room. My favorites being the steam room, hydrapool and outdoor hot tub. The areas are clean and tidy. There is plenty of water freely available too.

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After I tried out all the facilities, I decided I could not leave without testing out the gym, so at 2pm I went and got my gym gear on and headed on up. The gym was amazing. The equipment was new and very good quality. I wish this gym was closer to me as I would join in a heart beat. It is the type of gym that you would look forward to go to and I know this may be a little hard to believe but trust me! Everything works, everything looks new, its tidy, its modern technology within the machines, its cool and its clean. Its a gym bunny’s dream and I certainly made the most of my 45 minutes in there with my faithful Michael Jackson blasting through my headphones.

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After I blasted out a 300 cal burn it was sadly time for home but I had managed to fit everything in which was great. I really enjoyed my visit to Seaham Hall Serenity Spa and I hope I have given you all a great insight to my visit. I think this deal is great value for money considering the massage treatment alone costs £65, add on your 2 course lunch and use of the facilities and you have yourself a great bargain for only £80pp. Its a great time to treat yourself in July ladies but be quick as I wouldn’t want you to miss it. I have a feeling this deal will be popular so don’t delay in booking. Thanks so much to everyone at Seaham Hall for inviting me along and making me feel so welcome. I will definitely be back!

To book call: 0191 516 1400 and mention you seen the deal on Tried and Tested

Twitter: @seahamhallhotel

Facebook: Seaham Hall

Instragram: @seahamhall

Google+: Seaham Hall

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Star Tanning Review

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As ambassador of the charity SCKIN  I get asked to try out lots of fake tans. I like to find the best alternative solution to achieving that bronzed goddess glow, without the need for tanning beds, injections and the harmful rays of the sun. I recently appeared on a show on channel 5 promoting safe tanning to individuals who risk their health daily on sunbeds so I need to make sure I recommend the best products to get them to convert.

There are a lot of tans on the market, some good and some bad! Only the good make it to tried and tested and you may find a number of different tans on my blog that I rave about because something that suits my skin may not suit yours. Its all about finding your favorite and Star tanning is a firm favorite of mine.

Why is Star tanning different?

STAR tanning products are the ONLY tanning products in the UK made with 100% NATURAL ingredients; no alcohol, no paraben and no chemicals. They will soon be registered as the only Vegan Safe tanning brand in the UK, an amazing accolade to hold.

STAR naturally facilitates the production of melanin in the skin, giving you the most safe and natural tan possible.

I can get itchy with tans, my skin does not agree with certain brands and my legs in particular itch like mad. This tan is different, its 100% natural so no nasties that can irritate the skin. Great news for people with dermatitis or psoriasis who tend to use tanning beds to clear up their skin but are damaging it at the same time off the beds. STAR  is designed to penetrate the 3 top layers of the skin epidermis to facilitate melanin production and give a more natural tone rather than dying the top layer of your skin with a “fake tan” colour like all other brands do. STAR removes all the harsh chemicals and alcohol which dries out the skin and causes irritation. The brand has passed safety tests for the UK, Europe and USA as well as being this year’s tanning sponsors for the London “Safety in Beauty” White Party run by Antonia Mariconda. They have a PH Neutralising Spray which helps skin irritations too as shown above and a Colour Lock Spray to prevent transfer onto sheets and clothing…perfect for brides.

The scent is fresh watermelon, I wouldn’t say I could particularly smell the watermelon but there was certainly no unpleasant smell. They also do an exclusive scent for guys too, Bleu STAR, which has a scent identical to Bleu de Chanel aftershave and I think i’d of preferred this smell because I just love guys scents. The colour was great, natural and streak free which is what you should expect from tans these days but so many still get it wrong. It faded evenly and didn’t transfer thanks to the Colour Lock Spray. It was easy to apply with a mitt and the consistency is a mousse which I prefer over creams as I just find them easier to apply.

To order this tan please visit the website HERE and receive 20% discount off your 1st order using code FIRST20

Im off to go get my Glow on ready for filming xxxx

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