Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa Break Review
Whittlebury Hall
Northamptonshire
Reviewed by Julia Allen
Whittlebury Hall is an impressive hotel and spa in Whittlebury, Northamptonshire set in acres of beautiful grounds and a golf course. It opened in 1999.
I put my name forward for this review thinking I didn’t stand a chance. The excitement when I got it was amazing. For some people a spa break is a regular bit of relaxation, for me and my husband it was an escape from 4 children, our own business and he works 50+ hours a week. I went into meltdown – who will have our 4 boys overnight. Luckily our friend came to the rescue. Our last night away no kids was 7 years ago so we had high hopes for this to be an amazing experience and didn’t want to be let down!
My review was for a spa and stay which included a hot lunch use of the spa, a back massage, dinner, bed and breakfast (and the gym if we wanted to, but we forgot our trainers!!).
We arrived a little later than their suggested time but it wasn’t a problem and we were accommodated well. We checked in at the spa which is sumptuous and beautifully decorated. The reception staff were extremely helpful and after a few essential health forms we were given our itinerary for the day and a tour by the spa manager. As we were staying in the hotel she suggested we checked our bags in at reception so we weren’t doing a dash to the car in our bath robes. A great little detail – which we found is what Whittlebury is all about – the small detail and little extras. Our plan of action was to try EVERYTHING!!
We had our lunch at 1 so decided to start in the pool area which has 2 saunas a steam room and hot tub. The pool is separate and within the leisure club. The facilities are clean and well-kept and the pool is the warmest pool I’ve ever been in. The highlight of the break for my husband was sharing the hot tub with 10 women!! I think after the hot tub we had finally relaxed and let go.
We dried off in the sauna and went for lunch. A room full of people in towels and bath robes – the odd person who did get dressed looked out of place. Purely for research purposes (honestly) we tried a little of everything from the hot and cold buffet!
There was vegetable soup, jacket potatoes, a selection of salads, cooked meats and fish including poached salmon and mackerel fillets. From the hot selection was a delicious lasagne, pasta a vegetarian dish and a courgette and mushroom side dish. The food is of a very high standard and not at all “buffet” like. It is hot, fresh and tasty with something for every taste or diet.
After lunch it was time for our treatment. With our package we could choose a 30 minute back massage or mini facial.
We had a little time to kill so visited the whisper area. There are big comfy swing chairs, bean bags and a few heated water beds. This was one of my favourite experiences. Just snoozing on a warm bed where your body is so relaxed. I think this is the point where I completely switched off.
We had our choice of back massage in a double room together. This is the bit that was a busman’s holiday for me. I’ve worked in the beauty industry since 1992 and own a salon so I’m a really fussy customer! Our therapists were confident and friendly. The room was clean and the treatment couches were large with fresh bedding/towels. We were asked to choose a relaxing or revitalising oil. I asked for a firm massage as I can’t stand a wishy washy massage. My massage with Roxanne was really good, she had really good technique and was very competent. My husband was a little disappointed as he asked for a firm massage and said it was almost a tickle. From experience I would say it is more down to matching the staff to the client, to do a good massage on a man you need to be more experienced, stronger and confident. The down side of treatments in spas and health farms is that it is pot luck with who you have do your treatment on the day.
We then checked Into our room which was brilliant. There were the usual things you would expect like tea and coffee tray but I was impressed with the little extras like an iron and ironing board, fridge, his and hers sink and an impressive room service menu if you needed it. After a quick cuppa we went back for the final part of our relaxation – the hydrotherapy spa and heat and ice experience.
As we left this until the end of the day we had it almost to ourselves. The hydrotherapy pool is amazing. There are a selection of high powered water jets and underwater bubbles which target the whole body giving a water “massage”. It was relaxing and invigorating all at once. The heat and ice area is all different hot and cold experiences including traditional sauna and steam room, salt steam room, caldarium, different plunge showers and an ice cave (not exactly a cave more an ice machine in the wall but fun anyway. You are meant to combine the heat and ice to invigorate the body. Our version was setting off the ice shower squeezing with just our foot in it then going off to get warm again. A personal highlight for me was a sneaky handful of ice thrown at my husband when he wasn’t expecting it!!! Another nice touch was a big bowl of iced water and flannels to refresh you when you’ve got too hot.
This was our favourite part of the day and we wish we had spent more time there. It is open until 8pm. Another nice little extra in the changing rooms was cleanser and toner with cotton pads. The therapist in me was freaking out after all that heat and open pores – I was a little over excited when I realised I could cleanse and tone my face.
Finally after going back to our room and getting ready it was time for a few drinks then dinner.
We went to the sports bar as the World Cup was on. We enjoyed a few drinks. It is a little pricey with a glass of wine and a pint of larger costing £11.50.But you don’t mind when it’s a treat in lovely surroundings. A Spanish man called Antonio working in the bar was the nicest person we met during our stay. He was so friendly and genuinely nice and lovely to talk to.
Our meal was in Astons restaurant. The menu is a mix of classic and contemporary food with a Mediterranean influence. We had a 3 course meal and drinks. Even though it is really big and seats lots of people the service and food was that of a small restaurant. There were tables of couples, small groups and big groups of 15+.
Our starter was served quickly and the waitress was very attentive. We both had the Mediterranean meat platter. For mains I had a chicken dish and my husband a lamb dish. Our choice of pudding was apple pie and Eaton mess.
Overall the meal was delicious. A little posher than the type of restaurant that most of us go to but not snooty!
We had a great night’s sleep – it was quite hot and another lovely detail was a fan which we needed.
The best bit when you stay away is a big breakfast and someone else cooks and cleans up after. A fantastic selection of continental and full English breakfast with free flowing tea or coffee and fresh juice. The food was hot and fresh and tasty.
Our overall impression of Whittlebury Hall is it is luxurious and indulgent but not at all pretentious or stuffy. Everyone was treated equally and none of the staff gave the impression they were better than you or looking down on you (like some other well-known spas).
There were groups of girls and families and couples. This is a suitable place to stay for all ages and occasions. Even though my husband was the minority it’s still a great place for men too. I noticed their themed party nights which include spa and stay. It’s my 40th birthday soon and I know where I’m going with the girls!
I would have to rate the hotel 4.5/5, meals 4/5 and the spa 5/5.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
For more information or to book online visit www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call 0845 400 0002.
Whittlebury Hotel and Spa. Whittlebury, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH | 0845 400 0002
