On Monday morning, we were to experience our “Sleep Retreat” Treatment – a treatment which has been especially designed for Rockliffe Hall by Ila. My therapist explained whilst my feet relaxed in a warm bowl of water that it was essentially a deep, body massage which focused on my chakras – the throat chakra being the one which influences sleep. Firstly, there was a salt scrub (which had a definite smell of jasmine tea amongst other things) – followed by a shower. Then the massage – the best bit being the hot poultices which were used to massage and then left in the palms of the hand, souls of the feet etc. An hour and a half later, I felt completely relaxed. The therapist warned me that the wild poppy contained in both the scrub and the oil could give me “vivid dreams” but would ensure a deep sleep. After the treatment, we were taken to the “Sleep Retreat” and told to lie on the massage bed for 20 minutes – we were asleep after 2!
The Sleep Retreat Treatment at Rockliffe Hall costs £375 per person.
Breakfast at Rockliffe is served in The beautiful Orangery Restaurant, originally the Conservatory, which by day has great views over the grounds and golf course and by night, lit by candles, makes for a romantic setting.
Chef, Kenny Atkinson delighted us with an a la carte 3 course meal (£47.50 pp) and we were guided into ordering a bottle of St Emillion to go with our meal; this was preceded by a glass or 2 of the House Champagne – Perrier -Jouet, our favourite.
So, the Spa – the highlight of my stay! I love exploring and trying everything first. However, I couldn’t t get out of the Hydrotherapy Pool. Having had a stiff neck for about 6 weeks, I pummelled my neck muscles with the jets and it really did loosen them up. I tried the Tepidarium, the Calderium, The Tropicarium, the Roman Sauna, the steam room – but not, I am afraid to say, the Igloo! The pool was tempting but I just admired its beauty with the stained glass windows reflecting from behind (click to see picture). For me it was, back to the Hydrotherapy Pool – and there I stayed for something like 2 hours!
Day 3 included a 5 mile walk around the perimeter of the grounds and golf course. We enjoyed some beautiful wildlife, the spring bulbs just beginning to appear, the swans – not to mention evidence of some severe recent flooding from the River Dee. We cheated somewhat and came back to the hotel via the football pitches (NB Middlesbrough Football Club had a huge training facility and pitches adjacent to the hotel) until we were spotted by security! Not being football fans, we hadn’t been phased by the fact that Southampton Football Club were also staying in the hotel and today, was practice day! And I had a camera – whoops!
A room service pizza with extra toppings and a bottle of said Rioja finished off our culinary stay.
Rockliffe Hall deserves its 5 stars and the abundance of industry awards I know it is going to receive. However, it is not in the least bit intimidating. The atmosphere is extremely relaxed, the staff make you feel completely at home and there is plenty to do...you will not tire of the spa nor the food, so you just need an excuse book and stay that bit longer...
Exclusively to BookaSpa, stay 3 nights for the price of 2, subject to availability, until the end of August 2011.
Find out more about spa breaks to Rockliffe Hall or call us now for details 0800 988 3202.
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