StyleNest headed to Rockliffe Hall in County Durham, indulging in a five star spa day and luxurious Murad facial treatments.
Entering the Rockliffe Hall spa reception, we were met with a warm welcome and guided to The Brasserie. Once seated, a trio of freshly squeezed juices arrived to drink while finding out more about the day ahead. We were also shown a lunch menu in order to choose our meal in advance, handily making for less waiting around later on. Ready to start the spa trip, a tour of the facilities took us firstly to the fully equipped Technogym where we had a workout to kick start our day.
Presented with a dressing gown and slippers, we ventured into the main spa itself. A vast and sumptuous setting, there is 50,000 square feet of facilities within Rockliffe. Taking a dip in the 20 metre pool, the spa has a serene atmosphere and plush loungers around the water. Complimentary freshly infused water, teas and fruit are available poolside, plus spa butlers on hand to serve up champagne and smoothies. After unwinding in the Roman Sauna, we walked through to the adjacent room which houses a Hydro Pool, Tepidarium, Caldarium, Tropicarium and Igloo. All an intensely therapeutic set of spa services, the Tepidarium was a StyleNest favourite. Calming and tranquil, guests lie on heated mosaic beds whilst shutting their eyes and enjoying the spa experience. Similarly soothing is the Caldarium, a room which heats the body by emitting steam which helps circulation and has a light aroma to awaken the senses. For a more invigorating experience, we found the Igloo refreshing after heat; handfuls of ice work on the lymphatic system as you immerse yourself in the power of cool.
Time for lunch, we took the stairs up to The Brasserie, sampling the tapas-style dining on offer. Given 3 credits to use, you are able to select, for example, a large main course or 2 lighter dishes with dessert. Plumping for Grilled King Prawns with Chilli, Garlic and Coriander, the Spinach, Beetroot, Quinoa and Toasted Seeds Spa Salad, we finished up with the most delicious Mini Hazlenut Semi Freddo ever tasted. A tempting mix of filling yet healthy food, this was the perfect lunch for a spa day. With an hour or so before our facials, we took the chance to chill out on sofas still in our robes and blissfully tuck into hotel copies of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Vanity Fair.
Facials up next, and our therapists came to collect us. Beginning with the Murad AHA Rapid Exfoliator Facial, a treatment designed to polish and perfect skin, the facial was pure paradise. A mix of moisturisers, gentle exfoliators and face mask were used by brilliant therapist Michelle, leaving my complexion visibly smoother and brighter. The Murad products within this 60 minute facial included; Refreshing Cleanser, Rapid Collagen Infusion, Perfecting Day Cream and Soothing Skin and Lip Care. I was still seeing the results for several days afterwards, with skin looking radiant, plumper and hydrated.
An occasional sufferer of Rosacea, my other half selected the Murad Redness Therapy Facial. Specifically designed for sensitive skin prone to flare-ups, this treatment consists of two gentle masks to calm and balance. An expert in the skin’s needs, Dr Murad is aware of the importance of ingredients, knowing that seaweed naturally soothes redness. Insight such as this is what makes Murad treatments and products so fantastic, and with such effective results. Murad products used within the Redness Therapy Facial included; Soothing Gel Cleanser, Soothing Skin Serum and Correcting Moisturiser. Rockliffe Halls therapist Vic worked her magic, and my husband’s skin was noticeably calmer and soothed. Again, results could be seen over the following few days and skin dramatically improved.
The perfect combination of spa proceedings,Rockliffe Hall is a deluxe County Durham must-visit, with their comprehensive Murad treatments a magnificent bonus.
A spa day at Rockliffe Hall including full spa use, a treatment and lunch is priced at £130 per person. The Murad AHA Rapid Exfoliator Facial costs £85 and the Murad Redness Therapy Facial costs £85, both lasting 60 mins.
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