Yorkshire Spa Retreat review – wellness break near Helmsley

THEY say fortune favours the brave – and rewards await if you can find the courage to plunge into the natural swimming pond at the Yorkshire Spa Retreat.

After watching other spa goers dip their toes into the dark water then pull them back up with a squeal and a shiver, I vowed to go straight in.

The chill of the water sent a shock through my entire body, like an awakening that alerted all my senses. Just 20 or so breaststrokes took me to the exit point and as I pulled myself up the ladder, my body tingled all over.

I felt amazing. Alive. And really, really well.

The sense of wellbeing was only enhanced as I reclined into the curved, pool-side bed, and wrapped the white fluffy robe around me.

A few marshmallow clouds passed above, breaking up the perfect blue of the sky.

Bliss.

I’d come to the Yorkshire Spa Retreat, just outside Helmsley, for some R&R with my friend.

We’d been invited to try a taster of its new three-day Wellness Retreat programme, combining yoga, Pilates, mindfulness and nutrition to help rebalance the mind and body.

Yoga and Pilates take place in the studio at the Yorkshire Spa Retreat. Photo supplied

It was an opportunity to switch off and tune into some luxury ‘me-time’. The only thing I had to pay attention to was the next item on my ‘Wellness Retreat’ itinerary.

For me, it was a date with a massage therapist, in one of the cute wooden studios that border the fresh-water lake and swimming pond which form the centrepiece of this rural spa.

After earning a decent sweat in the pool-side sauna, I refreshed under the cool outdoor shower, and let the jets of the large outdoor hot-tub begin the task of easing my tight muscles.

This was enhanced by the 30-minute massage, which kneaded the knots in my upper back and shoulders. A body oil scented with orange lingered in the air and on my skin for hours after.

Inside one of the thermal suites at Yorkshire Spa Retreat. Photo by GARETH BUDDO

We were staying the night in one of the Spa’s luxury lodges. Complete with two bedrooms, a shower room, and kitchen/dining/living area, it was a real home-from-home. We loved the Nespresso coffee machine and the giant TV on which we could watch our current Netflix binge.

Best of all, however, was our own outdoor hot-tub, which bubbled invitingly, and would be perfect whatever the weather.

Our fridge was packed with healthy goodies for our breakfast the next morning, including a tub of thick Greek yoghurt, a punnet of berries, and portions of fresh fruit, as well as bottles of orange juice and milk. Slices of sourdough bread, with butter and jam, meant we could have toast alongside the decent supply of tea and coffee.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves. We had a table booked at the on-site restaurant – the Dome. This is an attractive space, with views overlooking the lake and spa area.

The food was a winner too. A two-course dinner is included in the price of the package, and the menu offered plenty of choice for all tastes and dietary preferences. We shared some houmous with pitta, then I enjoyed the salmon dish. This was a generous piece of fish, pan-fried so the skin was nice and crispy, and paired with a pile of crushed new potatoes and seasonal greens. A lovely, light, creamy sauce was served alongside, and a ‘crown’ of three juicy king prawns took the dish to the next level of satisfaction.

My friend also enjoyed her dish – the vegan buttermilk burger, served in a pretzel bun, with fries and Asian slaw on the side.

Salmon dinner at The Dome.

She also ordered a dessert, and was pleased with her choice – a pavlova of raspberry meringue with fresh berries and Chantilly cream.

Back at the lodge, we swapped our glad rags for PJs and settled on the sofa for a catch-up and some guilt-free late-night TV knowing that we didn’t have to get up for work or household chores the next day.

Day two began with an optional 8.30am fitness class in the on-site Barn Gym & Studio.

I gave that a miss, but did turn up for the Pilates class one hour later and ended up having a one-on-one session with Meredith, a young exercise tutor from Mexico newly settled in North Yorkshire.

Mexico’s loss is our gain, as Meredith was exceptional; I’ve been practising Pilates for 30 years, but she was able to introduce me to new moves and I loved her slow and steady programme.

A guided walk on the Moors was planned for the afternoon, followed by a meditation and yoga session.

Inside the Dome restaurant of the Yorkshire Spa Retreat

But our 24-hour pass away from normal life was due to expire, and after a filling and healthy brunch back at the Dome, our return to York beckoned.

For a feel-good top up, just a short drive away from York, the Wellness Retreat at the Yorkshire Spa comes thoroughly recommended.

Find out more at: www.yorkshire-spa-retreat.co.uk/wellness-retreats