Moddershall Oaks is a family run spa retreat set in the idyllic Staffordshire countryside that oozes charm and sophistication with a chic romantic twist. It’s the perfect escapism for couples or friends alike.
From the friendly staff, incredible rooms, mouth-watering food and wonderful treatments; Moddershall Oaks will leave you feeling calm and centred weeks after your trip.
Set in 72 acres of parkland this is the perfect retreat for anyone who needs to recuperate. My husband and I were certainly in need of some downtime after having only one night away since having our 17-month-old daughter.
Wanting to make the most of our baby free window we arrived early. Upon entering the spa, we were greeted by a clean, bright and airy reception with the aroma of Neom candles filling the air, as the cheery staff greeted us.
After a swift check-in, and spot of lunch in the gorgeous deli, we donned our robes and headed straight to the indoor spa. Boasting both an indoor and outdoor area, you’re left utterly spoilt for choice. However, for me, it was the décor and surroundings that made this spa so unique and enjoyable.
With spas in the past I’ve often found that the hotel’s décor jars against the spa. But this certainly wasn’t the case. Everything blended seamlessly – the changing rooms are in sync with the outdoors, all wooden with a slight Scandi vibe and what I loved most – everything is up-to-date and felt so new and clean.
The facilities on offer are fantastic – from the main pool, to the experience shower, heated loungers, to the steam room which is infused with eucalyptus milk for nasal and bronchial relief and the jacuzzi. After chilling out indoors for an hour or so we decided it was time to head outside and I’m so pleased we did!
The outdoor hydrotherapy pool has to be the stand-out feature for me. Enclosed by the buildings wooden exterior – this feature pool transports you to another world and calms your senses. With the wonderful staff on hand, my husband and I enjoyed a gin and tonic as the jets from the pool worked on our sore muscles.
I’m not sure we’ve done anything mildly romantic since we’ve had our daughter but with such a lovely setting it felt nice to be us, the couple, again.
After being in the pool for around an hour we decided to dry off in the sauna which looks out onto the pool. I’ve found saunas a bit claustrophobic in the past but again Moddershall steals the show.
The wooden hut like spa has floor to ceiling windows on one of the sides, leaving you able to take in the countryside and enjoy the landscape, or of course watch everyone else enjoying the pool.
After drying off, it was time for our treatments. I opted for a hot stone massage by the amazing Alison. I suffer from scoliosis so I basically always ache. Alison made me feel instantly relaxed. And I’m pretty sure I dosed off at one point enjoying the heat of the stones and feeling the release of all the tension in my back.
After our treatments, we retired to our bedrooms which are just fantastic! They’re modern, clean with the comfiest of beds. I love modern bedrooms and these rooms ticked all the right boxes.
From hanging bedside lamps, to comfy grey sofas and a large stand free bath with miniature Elemis products in the bathroom – whoever designed the rooms got it just right. After a quick dip in the bath – because I just felt I should, we got our glad-rags on for dinner.
We dined in the Lakeside restaurant, enjoying the view of the lake on a gorgeous spring evening, it was the perfect setting. The food was beautiful. Spoilt for choice (and wanting everything on the menu), we started with the heritage tomatoes, wasabi mascarpone, toasted pine nuts and focaccia crisp, as well as the chicken liver parfait, date and almond biscotti, apple gel, caper-raisin puree.
Presented beautifully it seemed a shame to ruin it but it’s safe to say we devoured the lot. The staff are wonderfully attentive, knowledgeable and always there at the right time to top up our wine glasses without being overbearing.
We both had steak for mains which was cooked to perfection and accompanied by thrice cooked chips washed down with a glass of red recommended by the sommelier.
With very full bellies we clambered into bed and had the dreamiest of sleeps. Waking up at least two hours later than normal, we headed down to breakfast and enjoyed the eggs benedict, then with heavy hearts and bellies it was time to leave.
I cannot recommend Moddershall Oaks enough – the service, the surroundings and the facilities are some of the best I have ever experienced.
Spa breaks start from £390 per night, visit moddershalloaks.com for more information.
Address: Country Spa Retreat, Moddershall, Stone ST15 8TG
Phone: 01782 399000
