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North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith - 3 bubbles
Our Good Spa Reviewer visited this hotel on the edge of the lakes to break a long journey. Not a "world of spa" destination, but good facilities, plenty of choice of class and treatment and a great improvement to her stay at the hotel.
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
How did you feel afterwards?
What happens afterwards?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
Although the hotel has views of the Fells, the name is a bit misleading. The approach to the hotel and the outside aren't great. Despite the promising name - North Lakes - it's actually more like North Motorway, and the outside of the building is painted an ugly pale blue. But I was looking forward to the boost of a spa treatment and, on a cold Spring day, I was glad of the toasty reception, provided by a roaring log fire in reception.
And Ullswater was just a short drive away, so I felt I was Near Lakes, if not North Lakes.
How did they welcome you?
Very well. There was a bit of a queue at reception, but this was four in the afternoon, so quite a busy time. It was not a problem that my husband arrived later; they arranged for him to have his own key.
What happens next?
I wanted to go straight to the spa. The hotel is a bit of a maze, so it was helpful that someone took me there and introduced me to the spa manager. She proudly showed me all the well-equipped fitness facilities - pool, gym and brand new activity and exercise studios - which seemed popular. Classes were well attended. But I hadn't come to work out on this occasion.
I was running late, and I know that they like you to arrive 15 minutes before your treatment time. This gives plenty of time to relax, undress, and fill in a short medical questionnaire. The treatment area is upstairs with its own private changing rooms. If you want to swim, sauna or work out before your treatment without getting dressed in between, you need to pick up a gown from upstairs first.
The spa is small, the style modern but not clinical, all pale wood and glass, clean and bright but no pamper or calm particularly. I missed candles and flowers!
Which treatments did you have?
I had two treatments: a one-hour Hydrotherm Essentials Experience body massage followed by an Aromatherapy Luxury Hand and Nail treatment with hot stones which was even longer - an hour and 10 minutes. (I couldn't wait!)
What were the treatments like?
I enjoyed both my treatments. The relaxing, mountain-stream music was unobtrusive and distinguished the space from the musak in the hotel area and the thumping beats of the gym and fitness classes. I couldn't hear this from the treatment room at all.
The Hydrotherm treatment blurb read:
"Your entire treatment is carried out while you lie face up on warm Hydrotherms water-filled cushions, assisting in perfect spinal alignment."
And it was certainly comfortable to lie on my back on little cushions of warm water while Charlotte, my therapist, massaged me from underneath. The oils were unperfumed. I'm not sure I liked the sensation of oil on plastic on skin, it was all a bit sticky.
But I did like my skin feeling nourished all over and the areas that had just been massaged staying warm. Plus, it was nice not having my nose or my boobs crunched into the couch! Always a bonus. I also approved of the lack of awkward chit-chat; my therapist was very sensitive to my experience and let me relax without asking questions about my holidays or journey or anything.
My therapist told me that she liked it because she was massaging palms-up rather than pressing down, which she found more comfortable.
For the Nail and Hand treatment, Charlotte gently exfoliated my hands and forearms with warm flannels and massaged them with hot stones. After a light manicure, she nourished my nails with oils and left me in warm mittens, clutching a stone in each hand. Funny how when you can't scratch, everywhere starts to itch!
Charlotte reminded me that the nail treatment did not include a "polish", meaning nail varnish. That suited me fine. I don't like to stifle my nails with varnish. But, in the true sense of the word, they came out "polished" - buffed up, shiny and nourished.
How did you feel afterwards?
Relaxed and slightly light-headed as I always do after a massage. I know to sit up slowly.
I was glad not to have any post-treatment hard sell on the products, too. My therapist gave me only the information I asked for.
What happens afterwards?
I had a peppermint tea and a glass of iced water and caught up with the latest gossip in Hello!
Long-term effects
Nails still looking good after three weeks.
Was it worth it?
Yes, the nail treatment was, definitely. But the Hydrotherm massage is not really for me I like a bit more slap and pummel,. invigoration rather than relaxation. But I can see it would be good for older people or people who prefer not to have too deep a massage.
What else could you have?
My husband made full use of the pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, and was very happy with these. I used these in the morning before breakfast but, of course, the sauna hadn't had time to warm up. The saunas are single-sex, which some people prefer, but I like them mixed. I could have had a range of E'Spa facials, massages or body wraps (in algae, mud or clay), Indian Head Massage, a full-body Hot Stone massage.
For men the "Ready Steady Go treatment" is 2 hours 30 minutes of spa therapy and lifestyle assessment, including a "stress buster" massage and an aroma spa pedicure with Hot Boots.
You can also have waxing, St Tropez tanning treatment, electrolysis, manicure and pedicure, or a make-up makeover.
A full Spa Break is a two-night programme including all meals, four full-length treatments and full use of the Spa. Your partner can do the same or have a "without-treatments" option.
The new exercise studios offer a wide range of activities including:
* Body Pump - a "barbell-based workout combining high repetition weight training with aerobic conditioning" - sounds like good hard work!
* Spinning - which I know is an aerobic cycling class but I so much prefer to think of it literally.
* Body Balance - "East meets West incorporating yoga, tai chi and pilates...promoting a state of energising calm" - which you have to admit is tempting.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
That Hydrotherm was a recumbent treatment; it did take me by surprise. I hadn't expected not to have to turn over, even, and I'd anticipated the water being a more active part of the treatment, rather than just part of the mattress.
Any special features?
Our break included an evening meal with Cumbrian specialities, such as lamb, smoked trout, and cheese from local producers. We pushed the boat out and felt thoroughly stuffed, but there were lighter items on the menu marked with a heart for "lifestyle" dishes. This is an idea I'd like to see used more widely.
Who do you think would like it?
This spa isn't a complete get-away-from-it all. There are too many working people bustling around, either staying at the hotel on business or local members using the gym. Plus it's on Junction 40 of the M6 (although the double glazing does filter the noise out). However, it would be ideal relaxation if you were breaking a long journey to or from Scotland; you could book yourself an overnight stay and treatments or an exercise class in advance, turn up at about 3.30-4pm and leave late morning the next day.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
I gave the spa 3 bubbles. The treatments are good and the therapists and hotel staff were friendly. Everything is in good condition. But I wouldn't go there to escape.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Yes, certainly if I was in the area. I like the look of some of the other treatments, and want to try the Body Balance class. I constantly find myself in need of a "state of energising calm"!
See also:
* Contact Details for North Lakes
* Treatments for men
* Hot stone therapy
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