When it comes to spa breaks the UK has some of the best on offer, and if you're heading to Merseyside and the Cheshire region you'd definitely be spoilt for choice.
I've certainly tried a few over the years, from Carden Park to Mottram Hall and The Mere Resort, but one particular spa I visited recently I had never heard of before. The Spa at Cottons is housed inside the Cottons Hotel & Spa in Knutsford, Cheshire, and is a 50 minute drive from Liverpool City Centre.
Located near Tatton Park Gardens, the country hotel lies just off the M6 and you'd be forgiven if you drove past it on Manchester Road as it's quite hidden despite it being on a busy A road through Cheshire. Cottons hosts weddings, parties, business functions, afternoon tea breaks and more, including spa days.
READ MORE: I visited Carden Park Spa for the first time and was in 'total paradise'
Spending a day in a spa forces me to relax and sometimes I need to be in that type of environment where there is nothing else to do but switch off and enjoy the facilities and treatments surrounding you, especially when life is so busy. I tried a spa at Cottons Hotel & Spa for their new Taste of Spring Spa Day offer, and here's what I thought.
Arrival and facilities
When we (myself and my partner) arrived at Cottons Hotel & Spa we really didn't know what to expect because from the outside the building looked like an ordinary hotel but certain features began to stand out as we got nearer to the entrance, like the quaint pond and fountain to the side of the car park, and a beautiful bride walking inside the large hotel doors.
We quickly discovered we had driven to the wrong entrance for the spa, and was told by the friendly hotel receptionist that we could walk through to the hotel or drive around the car park to the other side of the building to reach our destination. We decided to walk through the grand hotel which was very welcoming and bright.
We had to ring a bell to get into the spa section and we were greeted by more friendly staff. Walking into the spa treatment area I felt instantly relaxed, mainly thanks to the aromatherapy oils in the air, the mood lighting, candles and soft furnishings.
Phoebe on reception had such a calming voice and offered us refreshments, robes and slippers, before informing us of everything we needed to know about our 'Taste of Spring Spa Day'.
The Taste of Spring Spa Day, which is part of offers from Daniel Thwaites Spa Group, costs £95 per person at Cottons and to me that's excellent value for money for what you get, especially when you compare it to other spas in the area. More on this later.
The day includes three hours of relaxation in the pool and thermal experiences, a Temple Spa 'My Kinda Massage', afternoon tea and a hand poured candle to take home, worth £30.
Admittedly when we first walked into the indoor swimming pool area, which housed another reception where we had to sign in and collect our locker room wristbands, I was slightly worried there would be no space as there were lots of families in the pool and changing rooms for the family-time swim but this is only for certain times of the day.
Inside, loungers can be found by the pool and we managed to grab two near towards the conservatory style area which led out to the terrace which housed the outdoor hot tub. After settling in for around 20 minutes more people began to arrive and inside became a little crowded, some people couldn't find any loungers so had to either get inside the indoor pool or jacuzzi, or opt for the tables and chairs where people were having teas and coffees.
Outside is the hot tub which claims to fit 12 people but it looked very cosy when seven were crammed in at one point. We eventually managed to get a space in the outdoor hot tub but couldn't enjoy it for very long as it began to rain.
Before our treatment began at 2pm, we also spent some time in the steam room and sauna which was located on the right hand side of the indoor pool near to the showers and changing rooms. I particular enjoyed the sauna, which was spacious, and just at the right temperature.
Treatment
The treatments included on the offer last for 25 minutes and I opted for the Temple Spa back massage which helps aid circulation, fight off knots and wind down an active mind. My therapist, Verity, made me feel at ease in the massage room which was soothing, warm and tranquil thanks to the mediation music, lighting and scent that filled the air.
We began the treatment by choosing my massage oil, which I choose in order of my favourite smell. Using the good spirit massage oil, which is scented with Ginger and Bergamot, to stimulate the body and soul, Verity got to work with some of the knots around my shoulders.
Towards the end of the 25 minute treatment Verity noticed how tight my neck muscles were and she tried to release the tension here, and even advised I move from my front to my back so she could work on my neck for a few extra minutes afterwards too.
Verity kindly recommended some exercises as she explained my neck was quite tight and also asked if I get headaches, and work at a desk, which I do. This was good to know, because despite some of the neck massage being uncomfortable (which Verity stopped when it was) I never knew just how tight my neck actually was until the treatment.
After my massage I felt relaxed and lighter, especially around my neck. I was then whisked away to the spa's relaxation room, (armed with with frozen grapes and water), which contained comfortable bed loungers, blankets and more relaxing music - it was quite the contrast compared to the busier indoor swimming pool area.
Afternoon tea
Also included in our Taste of Spring Spa Day was a delicious afternoon tea, which was the perfect way to round-up an indulgent visit. The afternoon tea was very much needed at 3pm because by this point, myself and my partner, were very hungry indeed.
I chose a loose leaf English breakfast tea to compliment my sandwiches and cakes. Finger sandwiches included were Tuscan chicken on green olive bread, cheese and chantey on tomato bread, salmon and crème fraiche on cocoa bread, cucumber and cream cheese on lemon bread and ham and mustard on basil bread.
Cakes included ranged from classic and sultana scones with jam and clotted cream (we spent a good while discussing cream or jam first at this point), a Manchester tart, an opera cake, lemon choux and a macaroon. My favourite was the cheese and chutney sandwich, the opera cake which was rich in chocolate sponge, and chips and the raspberry macaroon.
Value for money and verdict
Overall the spa day was a well-needed break and we both really enjoyed our treatments and the afternoon tea. Staff were friendly and welcoming and were more than happy to help with anything we needed.
I think what's needed to take this spa to the next level, is a larger outdoor space which can provide another hot tub, as well as more loungers inside, because it's clear there's demand, especially from the amount of people who were there on the Monday we visited.
The value for money is brilliant though and to be honest I was blown away by the affordability of the package. I recently visited Carden Park which was £170 per person for a similar deal, and nearby Mere is £160 per person for a two hour spa session and a 25 minute treatment.
The Taste of Spring package, which can be booked in April and May 2023, is also be available at:
- Aztec Hotel & Spa Bristol – from £90
- Kettering Park Hotel & Spa, Northamptonshire – from £90
- North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Lake District – from £90
- Solent Hotel & Spa, Hampshire – from £95
- Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds – from £95.
To book Cottons Hotel & Spa and to find out more, visit their website here or head to Booking.com for more.
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