spa - Tried and Tested By Lisa

Ramside Hall Hotel and Spa Review

March 24, 2018 No Comments

last Sunday myself and my husband went to Ramside Hotel in County Durham for a mini spa break and we had the most wonderful time. The Ramside is the only Gold awarded AA rated and 4-star spa hotel in Durham and I think it is well worthy of 5 stars from what we experienced.

Upon arrival, the staff were polite and very helpful. We checked in at 3pm (check in time) and were asked if we needed help with our luggage and given the location of our room. We were in a premier double room based in the new wing and it did not disappoint. The bed was huge and the room was equipped with everything you would expect from a top – class hotel including high-speed WiFi, complimentary bathrobes, slippers and ESPA toiletries, I love high-end toiletries in hotels. We also were treated to a huge luxury bathroom with a free standing bath and a walk-in shower.

Once we checked out our room we were eager to get to the spa, one of the things I loved most about this hotel was the fact you could access the spa via the hotel. No going outside meant you could pop on your robe and slippers in your room and walk down the corridor to the spa and everyone did it so you didn’t look silly either. Who wants to be messing on with getting changed in changing rooms when you have your own private room just up the corridor.

We checked in at the spa reception, were given wristbands and were told we had full access to the spa. We were not quite sure what this meant but we were about to find out and were ready to be wowed!!

We walked straight through the changing rooms to reach the spa area which were clean and again full of ESPA toiletries for guests. There were fresh towels and robes if you needed them. There were complimentary flipflops so I changed my slippers for these. We did not use the changing facilities but they were well equipped with everything you would need. At the other end of the changing rooms, I met my husband and we were both impressed by the size of the 25m swimming pool.

We decided to have a wander as you do when you visit somewhere new, within the area of the large pool was a sunken sauna, designed to increase circulation. Very beneficial for strengthening the immune system, cleansing and detoxifying. Perfect after a good workout to reduce muscle tension, also good to relieve joint pain. An aroma steam room enriched with essential oils, designed to soften the skin, cleanse the pores, calm the nervous system and relieve stress and there were lots of comfortable loungers.

We could see the outdoor heated pool with spa garden through the windows and wondered how you get outside. Then we found the entrance to a whole different level of spa. You will need to make sure you have full access when you book your spa day to experience this additional area. You use your wristband to let you in and we were wowed. I have reviewed many spas as you will see on my blog but this place was on another level. There is a large hydrotherapy pool with many different jets and gadgets, we had great fun trying them all out. There are two additional thermal suites, the Himalayan Salt steam room which helps with skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema and the Herbal Infusion sauna which helps to revitalise and invigorate the senses and looks out onto the outdoor heated pool and spa garden. There is lots of comfortable seating and bar area with fresh fruit, infused waters and service with a smile.

Treatments can also be booked in advance with the beauty therapists. We were more than happy with what the spa had to offer even without experiencing treatments and we made sure we had a go of everything. We especially enjoyed the outside area and the hydrotherapy pool. One of the staff members managed to reserve us two beds as it was extremely busy and we lounged around snoozing until it was time to go and get changed ready for our evening meal reservation at 7pm in the fusion restaurant. I do want to point out that you can go into the fusion restaurant in your robes and slippers also up until a certain time, but we wanted to get changed. We walked back to the room in our robes and got changed ready for the evening.

The restaurant is situated within the spa using traditional recipes from South East Asia. You can view the menu here.

The food was outstanding, as was the service. The guy who served us was called Charl and he was very happy to assist us with our choices and he was a credit to the restaurant. We went for a selection of starters to share and a main course each. The portion sizes were good and the quality of the food was unreal. We had a selection of prawns for a starter, a soup and duck with pancakes. My husband had sweet and sour chicken for his main and I had the crispy duck on top of noodles. We were too full for a dessert but I had a latte coffee which was lovely and creamy. We will most definitely be visiting this restaurant again in the future.

Once finished the lovely meal we retired to bed. The bed was comfortable and we had a great nights sleep. Our final experience of the hotel was the breakfast. Once again this hotel did not disappoint. There was a good selection of hot and cold food including cereals, cold meats, cheese, yoghurts, pastries, breads, jams, traditional English breakfast items at the self-serve buffet and more. I was still stuffed off the night before and am not a big fan of breakfast in general so did not eat much but my husband really enjoyed his and agreed the selection was very good.

Once finished breakfast we went to check out. We could have spent the day there in the spa but we both had to be back due to work commitments. We had been very eager to use the gym, and took our gym gear but unfortunately ran out of time, so I can not comment on the gym facilities, however, I am sure they will be fantastic if the spa is anything to go by.

Overall we had an amazing experience at The Ramside Hotel and Spa and I would highly recommend this hotel and spa to my readers. Check out all the spa deals they offer here

Any exclusive offers I may get for my Tried and Tested members will be posted on the Tried and Tested Facebook group so watch for any future offers.

Thank you so much to the Ramside Hotel for inviting us along to review the hotel and spa. We can not wait to return in the future.

Beauty, health, offer, review, spa, Uncategorized

The Garage Spa Visit – County Durham

August 18, 2016 No Comments

On Monday I was invited along to the Garage Spa located near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham for a morning pamper session. As if I was going to refuse a morning of pure relaxation so of course I jumped at the chance. I have seen this spa mentioned many times on Tried and Tested with glowing reviews so I was very excited.

Firstly the area is stunning, lots of green surroundings and it was a red hot day. I noticed a large hotel ‘’The Morrit’’ beside the spa and did not realise that later this would be where I would dine for lunch.

‘’Adjoining the historic Morritt Country House Hotel, The Garage is a building with a fascinating past, transformed from an ancient stopping station into a first-class spa.

Here you’ll find everything you expect from a modern spa and more. Created with imagination and luxurious rural simplicity, sumptuous decor awash with warm natural stone and timber welcomes you like an old friend.

The Garage is no ordinary spa. Want your nails done? Step into the paint shop. Not firing on all cylinders? A full body MOT is just the ticket. Need to put on the brakes after exploring the stunning Teesdale countryside? Make The Garage your destination.

We’ve put a unique and luxurious spa on the map and look forward to welcoming you to our one-of-a-kind facilities and gorgeous treatments.’’

On arrival I was greeted by two lovely smiley therapists who gave me a medical form to fill in, asked if I would like to book any additional treatments as they had availability and gave me a menu to pick my two course lunch which was either a starter and a main or a main and a dessert. I was very impressed by the menu, true restaurant standard food and lots to choose from.

After I had filled in my forms and picked my lunch I was shown to the changing area and given a fluffy robe, towel and flip flops to wear. The changing areas have individual units which include a toilet, basin and shower which was a nice touch and they were fitted to a very high standard, I loved the tiles and huge shower head. It did feel like my own private bathroom. Shampoo and Conditioner was supplied, however there was no body wash and my hand wash had ran out on the basin so I had to wash with shampoo.

Once I was changed into my robe I was given a guided tour of the spa which consisted of

Steam Room

Salt Room

Jacuzzi with separate plunge pool and a separate warm pool

Outdoor Gardens, which if you get the weather like I did are just amazing to relax in. I loved the swing seats

Outdoor Sauna

Outdoor rustic Jacuzzi bath

Many different fancy showers around that all looked different so I assume do different things and cold bucket dunkers which would be great fun if with friends

Many treatments rooms including a mud treatment room (you can buy the mud to massage all over the body, chill in the room letting it work its magic and then wash it off) the floatation bed room (ill come to this treatment later) then upstairs they have a couples treatment room which has its own private balcony with a copper bath on the balcony and more treatment rooms.

I had a go of everything apart from the mud and didn’t have a treatment although I wish I had now.

I must admit I loved the outdoor space especially as the weather was so good and it was so peaceful.

I was treat to a 15 minute dry floatation treatment which is a like a water bed that you lie on and your submerged down into warm water. Imagine being on a lilo in a hot bath but actually being submerged without getting wet. The bed sort of hugs you tight and you just float on warm water. I did lie there thinking that it would be great it had settings that would create a slight wave so you felt you were at sea but it was very relaxing all the same.

After the floatation treatment I was peckish. I’d had no breakfast so went to the reception area which has a beautiful lounge and ordered tea and a teacake. I sat and enjoyed this in my robe catching up on emails. Once finished I went back to make the most of the facilities.

At 12.30pm I decided to go and get changed ready for lunch at 1pm. I sat in the sun outside the spa and a lovely girl from the hotel came and got me and escorted me to the restaurant in the hotel. My meal was fantastic, could not fault it. As was the service, I had corn fed chicken and a strawberry shortcake. It was divine and from what I saw of the hotel it too was beautiful.

After lunch it was time to head home. I really enjoyed my time at the Garage Spa, its quirky and different to the norm which I like. I will definitely return with friends in the future and make sure I have a treatment.

Don’t worry I did not leave without securing all my readers an exclusive discount and I have a cracking offer for you all subject to availability so don’t miss it!

It is the Country Lane Package which consists of;

Full day Spa use (9am-5pm)

2 course lunch from our bar and bistro menu

Use of our fluffy robes, towel and flip flops

Mud Pit treatment

55 minute Classic Facial or 55 minute Deep Relaxing Massage.

Usual Price;

Monday- Friday £109.00 per person – 20% off = £87.20

Friday – Sunday £149.00 per person – 20% off = £119.20

This offer will be subject to availability so book ASAP and make sure you quote ”Tried and Tested” to get the discount.

Tel: 01833 863100

Email: [email protected]

review, spa, Tried and Tested By Lisa, Uncategorized

Rockliffe Hall Spa – County Durham

July 10, 2016 No Comments

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

offer, spa, Tried and Tested By Lisa

Seaham Hall Spa Visit – Just for July deal

July 2, 2016 No Comments

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

________________________________________________________________________________

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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