Read our latest review of the Moddershall Oaks hotel and spa in Staffordshire
Be sure to have a read of our Moddershall Oaks review if you’re thinking of enjoying a day off at Staffordshire’s lakeside spa.
Spas in Staffordshire have seen a huge surge in popularity in the last 10 to 15 years. But now as we face uncertainty in so many areas of our lives, being able to enjoy a few hours off from the world and work on ourselves is an even more intriguing prospect.
And so, when Living was invited to enjoy a spa day over at Moddershall Oaks, just outside of Stone, we couldn’t wait to clock up some uninterrupted ‘me-time’ hours.
Update: Living visited the spa earlier this year before lockdown restrictions were imposed. Moddershall Oaks reopened on Saturday 1st August and has taken steps to ensure visitors are safe. In line with government advice, you may find some treatments and facilities are not available during your visit. You can check this before booking by calling the spa or read up on its Covid-19 updates online.
Spa views
Moddershall Oaks is set in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside and offers a simple and relaxing retreat. It calls itself ‘your sanctuary in the countryside’ and we can’t argue with that.
Its pièce de résistance is a 25sqm outdoor heated vitality spa pool surrounded by a peaceful courtyard and a deli close by to serve you treats and nibbles as you relax. Spectacular views out into the countryside and the estate’s private lake set the scene. It’s set at a modest temperature – certainly not a hot tub – but definitely warm enough to take the chill off a February day.
We spent a lot of our time in the outdoor area – as I think most visitors to Moddershall Oaks do. With its cosy outdoor fireplace and ample loungers, it’s got a pool party vibe without the banging tunes and drunken revellers. And, come rain or shine, we think you’ll be tempted into the warm pool to enjoy the atmosphere. Most of the seating is sheltered and there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Moddershall does well to accommodate the right amount of people per visit, so you are not left waiting or too squashed into any of the spa facilities. In fact, the most waiting we did was for the dual reflexology foot spa, but that was only for 5 minutes.
You can also heat things up a little outside with the Kelo sauna located next to the vitality pool, it’s constructed from Kelo pine and also offers those breathtaking views out over the lush green horizon.
Although we didn’t stay for sunset, I can imagine it’s a pretty remarkable experience from here.
Tranquil indoors
Moving indoors and you really start to find that much-needed tranquillity. The 10m indoor pool is often quieter than outside, understandably, and great for getting a few gentle strokes in. A steam room boasts high humidity steam infused with Eucalyptus Milk. I particularly enjoyed this, but I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to these things and can only last around 10 minutes – but that 10-minute boost certainly gave my skin a lift. And a smaller more popular hydrotherapy pool sits adjacent – its temperature is controlled around 37 to 38 degrees with two airbed loungers, heated tiled loungers, and water cannons for the daring.
One of my favourite spots at Moddershall – and conveniently hidden a little walk away from the main drag of the spa – is the sleep room. A no-device policy, gentle music, and hanging chairs draped with blankets provide just the perfect setting. Gentle music playing in the background and a firepit warming the room completes the experience – lovely. A great spot for a post-lunch nap, for sure.
There’s also a lounging room just next to the outdoor spa which is a popular respite for spa-goers. This has a more relaxed vibe and plenty of comfy seating and magazines to help you while away an hour or two.
If you fancy a break from lying down or floating in one of the pools, you can embark on a stroll through the grounds – there’s 72 acres of parkland, a lakeside walk and relaxation area, and a woodland trail. For the more energetic, you can also make use of the tennis courts and complimentary cycle hire.
Afternoon tea
As part of our spa package, we were able to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, which was the perfect way to break up our day. Afternoon tea is served in the Lakeside restaurant. We enjoyed the classic afternoon tea and a glass of prosecco, still donned in our robes and slippers. A fresh and tasty selection of finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam and a choice of teas or coffee is served.
The restaurant setting is peaceful and we had a view out over the lake to watch the wildlife while we dined.
Finally, towards the end of our visit, I was offered a 25-minute Signature Calming Massage with one of the on-site therapists. The treatments at Moddershall are always a good experience. The therapists are professional, and the rooms are always clean with a serene environment. My massage was the perfect end to a lovely day out at the spa.
A ‘cocktails and catchups’ spa day offer is now running from £125 per person on a weekday and £135 per person at the weekend. This limited-edition package includes a choice of arrival times (8:30am or 9:30am), a welcome mocktail, use of the indoor and outdoor facilities, a 2-course lunch in the lakeside restaurant, an indulgent 45-minute scrub and massage treatment and an afternoon cocktail and cake.
