Rockliffe Hall Spa Review
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Hurworth, Darlington
Reviewed by Ruth Clements
Rockliffe Hall is a relatively new Hotel, Golf course and luxury Spa located in Hurworth on the banks of the river Tees in County Durham.
I was very pleased to be asked to review the spa experience at Rockliffe Hall and was delighted that I was able to be accommodated on my birthday.
Rockliffe Hall was easy to find, well signposted, with adequate parking just outside, and we found the spa with ease. On arriving at the reception we were welcomed by a member of staff, who explained what was to happen. She took us upstairs to The Spa Brasserie where we were given a welcome drink whilst we completed our medical/ health forms. We also chose our evening meal from the menu (although we were assured that it would be cooked freshly once we had arrived in the restaurant). The menu consisted of small and large plates and it was explained to us that we could have 3 small plates or 1 small and 1 large. The food all sounded delicious and we both opted for 3 small plates. With hindsight I would have preferred a large and a small as the portion sizes were on the small side (I do have a fairly good appetite).
That said the food was delicious. I opted for Tiger prawns and goats cheese roulade, a little salad would have made it a more complete meal.
Once our food was ordered we were taken back downstairs where we were given our robes and slippers and with a quick peak in the gym on the way past (far too energetic for us) our spa experience was to begin. We were taken into the changing rooms which were very clean and tidy, there were a good amount of lockers available with a clever locking system, no coins required, just punch in your own 4 digit code and it was locked. Great sized, with hanging area, a couple of shelves and even a little drawer for your jewellery.
We were told to keep ourselves hydrated, with a water cooler in the changing area and that we would find them dotted around in the pool area, with water and iced tea, there were also other beverages, fruit smoothies, wines, cold drinks and coffees available to purchase poolside. A tray of oranges was also available. I was disappointed to notice that the only water cooler I could find was at the bar area in the pool and in the changing rooms, I was very surprised that there wasn’t any available in the hydrotherapy area where we spent the majority of our evening.
We started off in the main pool area with a few lengths of the 20m pool, impressive stained glass windows formed one wall, and there were lots of comfortable lounges around the sides, with a lovely view over the extensive grounds and countryside. The pool initially felt a little on the cool side, but after trying out the good sized sauna it was a perfect temperature.
We then went through to the hydrotherapy area, where we spent the majority of our 3 hours.
The huge central hydro-pool was a lovely temperature, with a wide range of different underwater jets that turned on and off at various intervals. There were also some ‘swan pipes’ that looked pretty fierce, but just for the review I had to try them, and yes were fierce but did deliver a pretty good shoulder massage.
Around the outside of the hydro-pool were several therapy rooms, they all had a little sign on the outside detailing what the effects on your body / skin would be and the optimum time for staying in the room.
The tepidarium had warm tiled beds which were lovely to lie on and relax to the chant music, whilst warming you up, the ceiling was covered in tiny lights that slowly changed colour. The tropicarium is a little like a sauna but uses moist heat and next to that was the igloo room, that was cool, with a bucket of ice flakes. The purpose is to alternate the heat and the cold, rubbing ice into your skin to invigorate and refresh. I did try this a couple of times, but was a bit frugal with the ice!
The final treatment we tried was the foot spa, with 2 bubbling foot baths, one with cold water, the other hot, the idea was to alternate from the hot to the cold to invigorate and refresh your feet.
There was always a member of staff on hand, ensuring the spa area remained clean and tidy, they were attentive and visible, but by no means intrusive.
Once we had rested and relaxed for 3 hours, it was time to get showered and changed. During the day you can enter The Brasserie in your robe, but we were advised that the evening dress code was smart casual. There were lovely smelling toiletries available in the showers and even facial products and cotton wool as well as hair products and dryers.
The Spa boasts an extensive menu of treatments, which I hope to come back and try another time, many of the products used are available to purchase in the extensive spa boutique.
The Brasserie is an informal dining experience, with a balcony overlooking the golf course, we were shown to our table and offered water and the wine list, staff were knowledgeable about the wine, and we received good service throughout.
Overall a wonderful relaxing evening in a gorgeous setting, I would definitely recommend the spa and hope to visit again soon.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information of to book your spa treatment visit www.rockliffehall.com.
Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2DU | 01325 729999
