to ask for Spa Weekend Recommendations for a young couple

[LemonSwan]

Hi All,

This will be our first spa trip. I wish to go for a weekend of good food (not tiny portion pretentious dining or health food), pools, relaxing and nice accommodation.

As its our first trip and I am convincing my partner (who is tentatively agreeing) - I really need to find the right spa first time as otherwise I will never be able to convince him again :)

One issue I am worried about is the atmosphere for want of a better word. He really really does not react well to faux snobbiness where normal people are pretending to be rich and acting obnoxiously (we have had this in some holiday venues before - hard to describe I hope you get what I mean).

Anyone have any suggestions for a great spa where he would feel comfortable?

What part of the country are you thinking?

Ragdale hall in Leicestershire is lovely.

Anywhere from Sheffield down really.

Toddlerteaplease

I did see Ragdale. I like that their was a lot of different pool choice.

May I ask if the food is nice?

Once you can travel abroad, there is Spa Zuiver just outside Amsterdam with very comfy rooms to stay in. The other I have come across is in Belgium called Boetfort (near Brussels). Both places will speak English if required.

@LemonSwan

Toddlerteaplease

I did see Ragdale. I like that their was a lot of different pool choice.

May I ask if the food is nice?

It must be OK. I have a friend who used to go there for Christmas every year.

Not where you asked for but the Woodland near Burnley is lovely and quite relaxed atmosphere. Food is good - a variety, but you can get fish and chips and a nice burger as well as fish/salad etc.

Or Aqua Sana at Center Parcs Sherwood. Not pretentious at all.

Rudding Park near Harrogate is also lovely, but probably exactly the atmosphere you don't want. Was full of the Towie wannabes posting to instagram when I went there.

I’d say don’t do one of the health club type ones. I’ve heard good things about nirvana spa but maybe too far south for you. You might get on better doing a spa day and going to a different hotel if it’s the first time.

My husband loves a spa break as long as he can get a proper dinner. He but blooded hated champanys.

Food at Ragdale is lovely and atmosphere is very relaxed.

Following with interest because I love a good spa, but this part of your op:

He really really does not react well to faux snobbiness where normal people are pretending to be rich and acting obnoxiously (we have had this in some holiday venues before - hard to describe I hope you get what I mean).

Am curious about...what does this mean? Am actually so confused, what do you mean normal people acting rich? Sorry am not trying to be obtuse am just actually wondering what sort of place would be like this?

Titanic in Huddersfield

Walton hall near Stratford upon Avon is brilliant. Food excellent. SPA superb.

The scarlet in Cornwall is just amazing

Ooo thank you all.

I did see the Aqua sana. We are gardeners so that kind of nature vibe with trees would be lovely.

The option for proper meals is really important for DP. He will be happy with nicely done pub style options like fish & chips, burger etc.

Another vote for Ragdale here - bit of a drive for us but totally worth it. DH loved it as well!

Any of the Aqua Sana’s are lovely, the one at Woburn is the best though and mine and husbands favourite spa.

Hoar Cross Hall is also lovely and you get a 3 course excellent lunch included 👍
The Belfry spa/fire and ice experience I would recommend also 😃

mixedfeelsaboutthispl
I appreciate it sounds a bit weird, but its something really hard to put into words.

Seriously look at Titanic Spa in Huddersfield. It is amazing and the food is gorgeous. Lovely cocktail bar too

We’ve been to Champneys Forest Mere a few times for a long weekend and really enjoyed it. Lovely food, healthy but plenty of it so you’re not left feeling hungry. And there are a lot of different types of activities which works well for us as I’ll relax in the spa, have a massage, yoga class, etc while DH enjoys the gym classes, cycling, and walks.

I’ve also just booked Macdonald Bath Spa which looks lovely but £££ so have only booked a day spa rather than full stay

DD loves Moddershall oaks.

@LemonSwan I live in the UK but am not british so am going to file this under cultural things that I don't understand!

Thanks for this thread though am loving all the recommendations

Oh wow yes Rudding Park looks amazing. Will have to save that one for a girls trip.

I think Ragdale is looking front runner atm in suggestions and I showed it to DP and he said 'oo ok.' (thats the best reaction I will get so thats good haha). I am still a bit hesitant about the food (watched a youtube video review and that also didnt quell my worries);

I am going through the list methodically. Will let you all know which I decide :)

Woodland spa amazing.

Titanic good value for money

Modershall Oaks - fantastic food, wonderful treatments, great facilities, the highlight is the large outdoor hot tub, staff will come over and you can order drinks while in there.