In our hectic day-to-day lives we tend to think that taking a quick bath, painting our nails or flicking through a magazine qualifies as indulging in a little ‘me time’ – but when was the last time you had more than a full hour to concentrate on your own wellbeing?
Same here, it’s not something we get to do often – so when we are offered the chance, we jump at it! It will therefore come as little surprise that a recent invitation to visit luxury Yorkshire hotel and spa Rudding Park, to sample its new spa and beauty brand, ila, was quickly responded to with a great big “yes please”.
Set amongst beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland in a leafy area of Harrogate,
rudding park
was already on our radar for its high-end weddings, some of which have graced our pretty blog pages – and so were keen to experience its impressive facilities for ourselves.
The privately owned, AA 4 Red Star hotel boasts a choice of stunning bedrooms and suites as well as a spa with a gym, private cinema, 2 AA Rosette Clocktower restaurant and 18 hole parkland golf course, making it an ideal getaway for brides and grooms in the run up to their big day for a little wedding-planning-time-out, or after the celebrations as a perfect minimoon retreat. We’d also recommend it as a haven for brides-to-be to escape to with their mum, sibling or close friends for a little pampering and de-stressing ahead of ‘I dos’.
Upon arrival at the hotel we received a warm welcome from staff (as well as a roaring open fire) before being shown to our accommodation, which was one of Rudding Park’s four spa rooms, complete with private steam room, Molton Brown goodies and contemporary décor – we already knew that we’d never want to leave.
Next up a tour by hotel manager Nuno, who knows everything there is to know about the splendid building. Given our line of work we were keen to see the rooms and areas available to brides and grooms who choose to host their wedding at Rudding Park – and it wasn’t long before we could see the great appeal.
Offering beauty, character and versatility, Rudding Park has a splendid choice of reception rooms, as well as the option of a marquee/teepee wedding, for those wanting to take their celebrations out into the hotel’s stunning grounds. Quality remains high throughout and décor is sympathetic to the building’s history whilst also having a stately contemporary edge.
The crème de la crème of its wedding offering though has to be its 19th Century chapel, which although can’t hold religious ceremonies, is a unique and beautiful setting for a wedding blessing following a civil ceremony.
Next we were shown to the hotel’s award-winning spa, which boasts four private treatment rooms, a hammam, steam room, experience shower and two quiet relaxation areas. Following a recent partnership between Rudding Park and ila, guests can now enjoy the organic brand’s signature treatments, as well as a range of brand new experiences created exclusively for Rudding Park. Having been told that the hotel had picked ila because it uses ancient healing techniques from around the world and because they have a real understanding of the concept of ‘whole wellness’, we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in a treatment.
Having changed into soft white robes we were given a questionnaire to fill in about our wellbeing so that our treatments, and the products used, could be suitably adapted. This was like a form of therapy as it forced us to stop and think about how we were really feeling, from our moods and sleeping patterns to diets, exercise regimes and niggling aches. This is what we mean by really indulging in some ‘me time’ – as well as helping our therapists to address our needs it made us address them too!
I had the Kundalini massage treatment – ila Chakra Wellbeing – while Julia was treated to an ila Crystal Healing Facial – and what we both experienced was 50 minutes of pure bliss. Amazing smelling lotions and potions were used to ease away any aches and pains in my neck, shoulders, arms, legs and back. My therapist used a range of techniques to loosen up my joints and muscles, paying particular attention to my lower back while the calming music helped transport me to a whole new level of relaxation. We both emerged feeling totally chilled out yet strangely invigorated.
Back at our bedroom there was chance to try out our steam room before heading for dinner. It was surprisingly easy to use and cleared out our pores beautifully while we relaxed some more.
We dined in the conservatory area of the hotel’s Clocktower restaurant, which has won numerous accolades – just several mouthfuls into our first course, we could see (taste) why! Beautifully presented, each dish was plentiful without being overwhelming and provided amazing flavours and textures. To start I had salmon roulade with prawns and an avocado mousse, followed by a main course of cod with tempura prawns, noodles, pak choi and Thai green sauce. To finish – blackberry iced parfait with almond ice cream and blackberry meringue, which I can honestly say is among the best desserts I’ve ever had!
Having been told about the hotel’s 14-seater cinema we completed our night in the best possible way – with a private showing of the Sex and the City film! What more could you want, right ladies?
After an incredibly peaceful and comfortable night’s sleep we enjoyed a breakfast of fresh fruit, cereals and a full English before departure.
While we were sad to leave we were given the best excuse to make a return visit, as just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we learnt that Rudding Park is currently undergoing a £9.5 million development to extend its current spa, which is due to open in spring 2017. If that’s not reason enough to pack your case and make a booking, we don’t know what is!
rudding park recommends
If we’ve got you craving a pre- or post-wedding break at Rudding Park, spa manager Kelly-Anne Head suggests the following treatments to complete your blissed-out-bride (and groom) experience…
For the bride – ila Crystal Healing Face Therapy
This therapeutic facial uses luxury products, including semi-precious stones such as garnet, jade and rose quartz. Ancient Tibetan techniques awaken the energy lines in the face, along with acupressure, warm poultices and crystal massage. Skin is awakened with a vital energy, increased radiance and reduction in fine lines, ensuring a bride looks her absolute best for the big day to come.
For the groom – Blissful Hammam Ritual
A traditional pure black olive soap and kessa glove polish starts this cleansing treatment. The ‘blissful’ scrub is then massaged into the skin and a bio energy mud envelops the body to restore full energy to your whole system. The luxury ritual is completed with a pouring of warm rose milk to nourish and calm the senses.
