April showers bring May flowers, November becomes ‘Movember’, and the arrival of October marks the beginning of Stoptober, a month of abstinence from smoking or any other habits you'd like to curb. If you’re not known for your willpower and think you might need a helping hand this month, then we’ve found a place that can help your detox dreams come true. If, however, you’d rather indulge your lack of will power with a particularly decadent afternoon tea... well, we’ve catered for that too. Whether you’re planning an abstemious or indulgent October, the Spa at Rookery Hall has it all. Just ask Posh and Becks…
The spa
Set amid 38 acres of stunning Cheshire countryside, Rookery Hall dates back to 1816. Having undergone a few updates over the centuries, this magnificent country house is now a lavish hotel, recognised as one of the best in the UK and the Republic of Ireland by the AA (who awarded it the coveted Inspectors' Choice Red Star). If that’s not prestigious enough, it’s also where David Beckham popped the question Victoria back in 1997. Meander along the tree-lined driveway and make your way through the grand main door, and you’ll discover a few of the hotel’s more recent additions; namely the state of the art Health Club and a spa so luxurious it was awarded 5 bubbles by the Good Spa Guide.
Treatments and facilities
If bubbles and Beckhams aren’t the kinds of recommendation you’re used to, rest assured that the Spa at Rookery Hall Hotel has everything a frazzled guest could hope for. Designed as a sanctuary for the mind, body and soul, facilities include a crystal steam room, traditional sauna, rasul, 17 metre Swimming Pool (with glass roof), hydrotherapy pool, individual and group treatment rooms, relaxation rooms and extensive health and fitness facilities. Phew.
Within these lavish facilities, guests can enjoy a range of treatments from luxury spa brands Elemis and Comfort Zone including facials, massages and an Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap. Other treatments on offer include waxing, manis, Fake Bake tanning and, for something a little more personal, a Body Sculpting Cellulite and Colon Therapy treatment - all of which are conducted in complete privacy within the spa’s many treatment rooms.
So what will it be this October? Four weeks of bean sprouts and bootcamp or pampering and afternoon teas? (Brings a new meaning to the whole ‘trick or treat’ thing eh?) If you're about to embark on a detox we, first of all, commend you then recommend you check out one of Rookery’s Detox Spa Days. From £69 virtuous guests will be rewarded with a Detox Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Detox Salt Scrub or Body Polish and full access to club and spa facilities.
If you’d rather treat yourself this month – it is getting very cold and Christmas is still a long way off – take a look at the spa’s more indulgent packages including afternoon tea for two (including a treatment each) or the Luxury Champagne Spa Day complete with bubbles, cream tea and a 55 minute treatment. We think we’ve made our choice.
Treat yourself
Need a bit of motivation this Stoptober? Or perhaps you’re after an escape from what’s shaping up to be a rather grey month. Take a trip to ‘football country’ to gawp at mansions (old and new), re-enact that precious Beckham moment or simply treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering. Take a look at the Spa at Rookery Hall Hotel’s page where you can book treatments and getaways now.