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Photo Credit: Photo is from Eden Hall
I grew up about five miles away from Eden Hall, over the last few decades it’s had a few incarnations, most memorably as a maggot factory (nope, not a joke) and in the late nighties as a bar and restaurant. 15 years ago it was developed into an extensive Day Spa by the group who own Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire.
Situated just outside the picturesque village of Elston, next to the old A46 road, the spa is about 20 minutes out of both Nottingham and Newark (for the train travellers). I’m a big fan of a spa break and always assumed a residential spa was my preference (Ragdale Hall is an old fave and not far from Eden Hall). The Hall have collaborated with a local B&B to provide accommodation, but it is first and foremost a day spa.
A day at Eden hall
My visit was a long overdue catch up with old friends, so we didn’t book treatments, although I did squeeze in a manicure appointment once I’d arrived. The check in process is a bit strange and the room and set up is slightly dated and claustrophobic… slightly reminiscent of a cattle herding pen (see that’s my rural roots coming out there). This initial poor impression was swiftly averted by the large, modern changing areas, I love the way the changing area is broken up, it gives a sense of privacy without feeling too squished. All the usual day spa changing room facilities were ticked off: toilets showers, privacy cubicles, vanity units with hair dryers etc. Toiletries were Elemis but not in a great state – oozing from where they’ve been re-filled, not all pumps worked etc.
For me it’s the wet facilities that catapult Eden Hall into a different league from other spas, as well as a pool with various water features (water jets that are strong enough to knock you off your feet) there is an extensive thermal circuit, including delights such as a rose and quartz room (wet heat), salt inhalation room (wet heat), sauna (dry), a Herbal Caldarium (dry), foot baths and cold mist showers all around a series of walk-through tropical showers.
With a maximum capacity of 160, the spa doesn’t ever feel packed busy (take notes Lifehouse) and we could get into every room we wanted to. The personal highlight for me though were the outdoor hot tubs that were actually hot (which is ridiculously rare in spas) – so hot I had to sit on the edge every now and again, a perfect contrast to the cold November day.
Breakfast is an optional extra and great value at £6 per personal (buffet – an additional supplement is payable if you want hot food, from memory my eggs were £4.00). There is a buffet of cereals, yogurts and pastries etc and you can order hot dishes: full English, eggs, benedicts etc. Lunch is a bit of a stranger system, you choose three courses from a set menu and in addition to this, there is a buffet where you can help yourself to everything from hummus, guac and other dips, olives, hot pasta dishes, hot vegetables and a wide selection of salads – all a bit odd in addition to the three courses you order. Saying this, I was however really impressed with the food though, often spas like these (Champneys I’m looking at you) have a vaguely tasteless, institutional vibe going on with bland, mass produced and over chilled food. This on the other hand was tasty, well served and the choice was extensive. I had bruschetta (ok) followed by braised beef (really good) and chocolate mousse (good). From the buffet I mainly ate hummus and olives and both were excellent.
The Treatments
Menu
Flicking through the menu, the offering is fairly standard ‘spa’ with facials, massages and basic body treatments – obviously there’s also a focus on relaxing type treatments.
Product house wise they have the spa favourite Elemis, alongside Clarins and (the under appreciated in my opinion) Spa Find brands. I was pleased to see Jennifer young making an appearance – Jennifer Young is a brand who strapline ‘beauty despite cancer’ resonates with me, they are the first brand (that I’m aware of) in the UK to create treatment protocols for cancer sufferers (cancer is still a contraindication in most treatments and spas).
I have to say though the retail area of Eden Hall is terrible. It’s away from footfall with crammed merchandising and groaning shelves which makes even the most premium brand look cheap. Talking of which, I think there’s room in the product portfolio to have a more premium brand, Elemis and Clarins are very similar in terms of positioning and treatments. Perhaps there’s an opportunity for a premium, active Product House and treatment protocols.
I enjoyed a manicure whilst I was there, fairly standard and wasn’t massively impressed by the lack of cuticle work but the fact you get to take the colour home is a cute touch. At £55 though it was expensive for what you got, I’m lucky I have half a dozen excellent quality mani places near both work and home where a long lasting Essie mani comes in under £30. This is a day spa so I do expect to pay a premium. The therapist was great, really passionate and very knowledgeable.
Will I go again?
Absolutely, overall I had a gorgeous day catching up with old friends and I’d love another chance to try out the facilities I didn’t get chance to enjoy this time – especially the slumber room which looks like a cosy piece of heaven.
The details:
Basic spa day: £90. Includes a three course lunch and buffet and all facilities (not treatments) Book here or give them a call, they are very helpful over the phone.