Hotel & Spa Review, Rockliffe Hall, Darlington, By Carolyn Pearson

Sometimes both work and life are so hectic that I just want to run away by myself and seek retreat in a good spa hotel. Whilst I rarely act on these instincts, last week I did.

A spur of the moment call to the team at Rockliffe Hall on Monday morning, led me to checking-in that very week for two days of restorative pampering and restful sleep.

Dating back to the 18^th century and set in 365 acres of woodland, the award-winning Rockliffe Hall is one of the finest five-star luxury resorts in the North East of England. Accessible by an easy train ride with direct links from Leeds, London, Manchester and Edinburgh it’s a great place to escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

After two days, my escape to Rockliffe had got me to a much better place with a calmer mind, a more positive outlook and a healthy rosy glow, my only real regret was that I didn’t book in for longer, but there’s always next time!

The sweeping driveway leads to the grand red façade of the hall where guests are warmly welcomed and escorted in to a relaxed, seated check-in. Once inside, Rockcliffe Hall is much less imposing with lots of interesting charming spaces. Well-lit with a south facing, sunny aspect, the building is warm and inviting. The walls are adorned with sumptuous prints, beautiful artwork and grand mirrors.

I stayed in one of the Junior Suites in the New Hall. The room was modern, spacious, airy with a huge bed and an outdoor balcony over-looking the golf course. The spa-like bathroom was perfectly equipped with anti-steam mirror, walk in shower and a large bath with an integrated flat-screen television and I loved the Comfort Zone toiletries.

As part of the spa package, I was met and escorted to the Spa Brasserie where they talked me through my treatment plan over a trio of exotically mixed fruit and vegetable juices before being escorted down to the spa. The spa at Rockliffe is indulgent and spacious with a good mix of steam rooms, sauna’s, ice cubicle, water jets, and bubble pools. There are plenty of loungers on which to relax, take the time to read luxury magazines, sip on complimentary refreshments and occasionally swim a few lengths in the heated indoor pool, baked in colourful reflections of the stained glass windows salvaged from the old Rockliffe Chapel.

Totally relaxed I headed up to the treatment rooms for a Murad Relax and Renew treatment. The treatment starts with a warm footbath, followed by a gentle back brushing to remove any dead skin and followed by a luxurious back neck and shoulder massage. The second part of the treatment is a bespoke Murad facial tailored to one’s own skin type. And the ultimate good spa test .. yes I did drift off to sleep during the experience.

After my treatment, I was guided to the specially designed Sleep Retreat to prolong my state of deep relaxation. The peaceful, haven with massage beds, thick cosy throws, tranquil lighting and headphones providing sound wave therapy compliments the spa experience perfectly, where guests can snooze for as long as they wish.

For those who prefer something a little more active, Rockliffe Hall has a state of the art gym and guests can enjoy a range of classes such as Spinning, Yoga and Pilates. I opted to take a sunny evening stroll to the local village of Hurworth on one of the many local walking trails accessible right from the hotel. For golfers, Rockliffe Hall is also home to one of Europe’s largest golf courses.

As a solo guest, I chose to dine for both lunch and dinner in the more casual Spa Brasserie. The menu at the Brasserie is based on little dishes which suit me perfectly as I like to try a little bit of everything and always struggle to make a choice. Dishes such as roast salmon couscous, tuna balls and asparagus and pea risotto were both delicious and healthy and the soft meringue roll was divine.

In the afternoons, the Orangery and the beautiful cosy lounges comes alive with the chink of champagne glasses and china cups as groups of ladies congregate for afternoon tea. As evening falls, the Orangery becomes a more formal and romantic dinner setting serving dishes such as Lobster Thermidore, Rack of Lamb and Dover Sole.

And the ultimate good spa test .. yes I did drift off to sleep during the experience.

After two days, my escape to Rockliffe had got me to a much better place with a calmer mind, a more positive outlook and a healthy rosy glow, my only real regret was that I didn’t book in for longer, but there’s always next time!

Rockliffe Hall is the maiden-voyage.com preferred female friendly hotel. Maiden-voyage.com members staying at Rockliffe Hall benefit from an exclusive offer of a £10.00 voucher to spend in the Spa Boutique and enjoy a 10% discount on any pre-booked midweek Spa treatments.