I stayed at breathtaking UK spa loved by celebrities with wild swimming pool hot tubs

Spa Retreat, a newly established offering a unique spa and lodge experience, is gaining popularity among celebrities. 

Earlier this year, ITV presenter Josie Gibson visited Yorkshire Spa Retreat to celebrate the brand’s 80th anniversary.

We decided to see what the hype was about. Nestled in over eight acres of lush Yorkshire parkland, this haven of peace offers holidaymakers the perfect spot to unwind while taking in the beauty of the Yorkshire Moors countryside. .

The retreat is a short drive from the beautiful North York Moors town of Helmsley. It is surrounded by national parks, providing an abundance of country walks right at your doorstep.

You’re also within reach of several attractions and tourist hotspots such as Castle Howard and Rievaulx Abbey, as well as the picturesque village Hutton-le-Hole, the charming market town of Pickering, and Duncombe Park, ensuring there’s plenty to do.

Yorkshire Spa Retreat opened its doors late last year following a substantial £4.5m investment during its development. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that no expense has been spared.

Designed with tranquillity in mind, the retreat offers a perfect mix of bespoke luxury holiday homes and exquisite lodges that provide comfort and relaxation.

Equipped with modern amenities, it creates the perfect environment for guests to feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Our accommodation was ‘The Blacksmiths’ lodge, boasting a state-of-the-art hot tub. The lodge, designed for comfort, sleeps four.

The main bedroom is equipped with a comfortable double bed, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite shower room, while the second bedroom offers two single beds and ample storage space.

The living area, designed to foster unity among families and friends, features a spacious modern layout, cosy furniture and a feature fireplace – the perfect spot for a movie night after a day of relaxation.

The open plan kitchen and dining area enhance the lodge’s spacious feel. The outdoor area is exceptional, complete with a pergola, hot tub and Kamado Joe barbecue – ideal for quality time with guests.

Despite the less than ideal weather during our visit, I could envision enjoying a glass of wine in the sunshine, with dinner sizzling on the barbecue in warmer months. The lodge is perfectly equipped for a holiday with family and friends.

Of course, the spa is the highlight, and we were eager to explore it. Guests can unwind in the hydro-pool, herbal steam room, sauna, or salt chamber, or treat themselves to a rejuvenating spa treatment.

We kicked off with the hydro-pool, given it was the warmest option and the weather was a tad chilly!

The spa boasts the UK’s first wild swimming pool, which takes centre stage. However, as enticing as it looked, the brisk October temperature was enough to deter me!

I’m sure it would be delightful on a hot summer’s day though.

Guests can enjoy a drink or two inside the cosy alpine dome, an ideal spot to relax before or after a treatment. There’s a vast array of treatments available, but after much thought, I chose the Mama Love massage (as I am currently expecting!).

It’s described as a cocooning massage promoting sleep and relaxation, complete with warm blankets, pillows and a natural whipped blend of butters. It was everything I needed and more.

I had the best night’s sleep in months!

Meanwhile, my partner chose The Yorkshire Wellbeing massage, a soothing head-to-toe experience enhanced with warm oils of sweet orange and fennel. The treatments were pure bliss and left us in a state of tranquillity for the rest of the evening.

This feeling of relaxation lingered for days afterwards.

When it comes to dining, the restaurant at Yorkshire Spa Retreat offers a delightful culinary journey that can be savoured day and night.

With an extensive menu featuring local produce and a fantastic drinks selection, you’re guaranteed a splendid time in a relaxed atmosphere with your loved ones.

We had reserved a table at The Dome, a luxurious bar and restaurant that lives up to its name with its dome-shaped alpine-style wood construction, giving the impression of being in an upscale ski resort.

We relished a few cocktails (mocktails for me) in the snug bar before being escorted to our table.

It was the ideal location to indulge in three scrumptious courses while taking in the serene spa view. We kicked off with mussels – a perfect beginning, well-prepared and generously portioned.

The menu was incredibly diverse, offering a plethora of choices. After much contemplation, I settled on the Pan Fried Salmon Fillet, while my partner opted for the Braised Beef Cheeks.

When the food arrived, it looked mouth-watering, with generous portions and clearly fresh, high-quality ingredients cooked to perfection. However, we both felt the dishes were slightly lacking in flavour, which was disappointing given their potential.

As a result, we found ourselves having to season our meals quite heavily.

While we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, if I were to nit-pick, the food didn’t quite match the high standard of the overall experience. We decided to skip dessert as we were too full and retreated back to our cosy lodge for a relaxing evening in front of the television.

Overall, we adored the entire experience and left feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything!

Yorkshire Spa Retreat offers a touch of luxury amidst the remote countryside, making it the perfect spot for ultimate relaxation.

It’s easy to see why it’s so highly rated – we’re already looking forward to our next visit in the summer, and perhaps I’ll even muster up the courage to try the wild swimming pool!

A 7-night stay for up to four people starts from £589.

Bookings can be made online at Hoseasons.co.uk. *Prices are accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.

For the latest news about events happening in Yorkshire and nearby, visit our What’s On homepage. Here you’ll also find guides for things to do across the region.