There are a number of things worth travelling for in life, notably, food, culture, and really great landmarks; but with so many spas on the doorstep of London, hopping on a two hour train to Manchester might seem a little elaborate. Wrong. I’ve just got back from a day trip to The Spa at The Midland Hotel, where 7 hours spent in its lower ground spa retreat, being pampered and relaxing, proved that sometimes it’s worth going the distance to find a spot that, well, goes the distance.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 The venue
The spa is located inside The Midland Hotel, an easy place to get to from the train station (Victoria and Piccadilly). It’s city-centre position means the shops are nearby for a different kind of therapy, post-treatment – retail, that is. The spa itself is pretty big, but maintains a warm atmosphere throughout with clean, modern and pared-back interiors. Despite its size, it’s easy to navigate – properly furnished with relaxing in mind – so I could strut about in my towel robe and slippers, feeling entirely comfortable (and a little bit boujee).
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2 The treatment
Since I’d headed to the spa with a friend, we were offered a dual treatment room (great idea for a gift, right?). I opted for the ‘Relax in Manchester’ treatment; labelled ‘the treatment for time out in the city’, combining gentle exfoliation, with an aromatherapy back, scalp and face massage, while my friend chose the ESPA facial, tailored to her skin concerns. My massage was truly up there with one of the best. As always, the therapist asked if I had any areas of tension I’d like her to focus on (back pain, always), and she got to work on relieving it. I felt so relaxed, like could-nod-off-easily relaxed, which is just how a treatment should be.
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3 The food
Some say the most important (me). There’s an extensive food menu at The Midland Spa and, while afternoon tea is usually my top choice – you’ll find it with a glass of bubbly, and selection of sandwiches and cakes here – we went for a trusty sandwich, crisps and salad. Good portion, properly scrummy, with a coffee on the side. Thoroughly satisfied with our choice of dish, it was straight to the pool afterward to
burn off the caloriesfloat. -
4 The facilities
Two words – sleep pods. Once I’d stopped sniggering at trying to get inside one, they were a real treat for relaxing. The pods featured in the relaxation room, obviously, alongside actual beds, cocoon chairs, and separate suites – with closing doors – for a proper chinwag with your plus one. The spa also boasts a heated pool and jacuzzi, a Himalayan salt wall sauna, aromatherapy steam rooms (I tried, I couldn’t), and an invigorating shower experience. The Arctic rain setting was definitely an experience. In short – everything you’d want from a spa was there. Even that machine that dries your bikini.
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5 The experience
Like a private slice of bliss from the lift doors opening, our time at The Midland was a proper treat. I think being ‘underground’ really added to the escapism experience – we spent 7 hours in there, and time flew. If you’re outside of Manchester, it’s worth the travel, and if you’re inside the city, you have no excuse. Just go.
With Treatwell, you can book spa days and breaks online at all your favourite spas – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go.