Part of my new routine is to take more time for myself. How can I fill every bodies else’s tank up when mine is running on empty. It’s taken a long time to accept that I don’t have to do and be everything for everybody. So, with this in mind, when I got asked to review the Spa at Ye Olde Bell, (Barnby Moor, Retford) I jumped at the chance. It was heaven to be able to switch off my phone and concentrate on just me for a change. (Although on the way there school rang to say Bobby was feeling sick and could someone pick him up!). I enjoyed a full day package, which started at 9.30 am, ended for 5.30 pm, and included a fabulous lunch. I also had a 30 minute treatment. I went for the mini Turkish ritual massage (which was completely magnificent).
From the minute I arrived at reception I couldn’t have received a better service. Jess greeted me at the front desk and was very helpful and attentive, she then took me through to the seating and bar area where she introduced me to Michelle, who again was super helpful and dealt with my drinks order. Everything about the room was beautiful, including the toilets.
After complimentary drinks whilst I filled in all the relevant paperwork, Michelle handed me over to Rebecca who would be taking care of me whilst in the spa area. Rebecca led me through to the changing rooms (where I got changed into the provided dressing gown and flip flops) and she then walked me around the spa, introducing me to each experience and explaining a bit about them all.
Rebecca was then around throughout the day if I required anything, including any drinks. She was very helpful and polite. I especially enjoyed the Teapigs Green tea, I’m usually not a fan of green tea but this was amazing.
The experiences included a
- Herbal Laconium
- Stone Bath™
- Alpine Sauna
- Foot Baths
- Shower walk and Ice Bucket
- Steam Infusion Room
- Salt Inhalation Room
- External Courtyard and relaxation areas
- Snowstorm Experience
My favourites had to be the alpine sauna, the snowstorm and the steam infusion room. I could have happily just stayed in these but then all the other experiences were just as good. I took my mum with me and we just kept looking at each other and grinning as it was all so exciting.
For lunch I was taken into the Brasserie where Michelle was my waitress. The food did not disappoint. It tasted even better than it looked and it looked good.
After lunch I went back to the spa to unwind further until my treatment. It was a very mixed clientele. There were young couples, a group of friends and what looked like a family including mum, daughters and grandmother. The atmosphere was very relaxed and because it was a super sunny day lots of people were chilling out in the outdoor pool area.
I have to say that I do love a spa and have been to quite a few over the years. The Ye Olde Bell has to be up there as one of the best. Such a fabulous experience and with all of it being so new (just over a year) everything was stunning, so clean and polished.
If you have a hen do, or special birthday coming up, or just want a girly day, I would most definitely recommend here.
Shelley x
