Last Thursday, I visited the Manor House Hotel spa in Alsager, East Cheshire, on what turned out to be a gloriously sunny February day. Despite the slight chill in the air, it felt rather Mediterranean, making it the perfect escape from the usual grim winter weather.
Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted at reception and given a map of the facilities along with a practical hessian bag containing my robe and towel. My sister was joining me later, so I headed to the impressive changing rooms first. I was particularly impressed by the thoughtful touches – hair dryers, straighteners, and luxury TEMPLESPA products in the showers. Brilliant if you’re planning to head straight to dinner afterwards!
The spa complex is absolutely massive, featuring 18 indoor and outdoor experiences. What caught my eye immediately was the outdoor vitality pool – and I must mention it’s home to the UK’s first swim-up bar! I thoroughly enjoyed sipping my complimentary elderflower and berry mocktail whilst soaking in the warm water. One can order everything from fizz to luxury hot chocolates without leaving the pool.
The facilities are cleverly designed for all weather conditions. Outside, there are heated loungers with glass covers to protect from rain, complete with plush cushions and snuggly blankets. I particularly loved the gorgeous round hydrotherapy tub with its deep benches and therapeutic jet sprays. There’s even a delightful summer house that doubles as a meditation room, where you can plug in your headphones and listen to music or podcasts.
I must confess, neither my sister nor I braved the cold water therapy area. While millions swear by its mental health benefits, I dipped my hand in and decided that risking a heart attack wasn’t on my agenda! Instead, we explored the indoor serenity pool, a stunning space naturally lit by a giant skylight, accompanied by hanging beds and calming music.
The food was a highlight of our visit. We cleverly ordered both the Ploughman’s and Afternoon Tea to share between us, accompanied by G&Ts. The afternoon tea stand was laden with finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, Bakewell tarts, cakes, and fruit scones with jam and whipped cream. Simply divine!
We particularly enjoyed the Wood Shed, a cosy retreat with an open flame log burner where we snuggled under blankets with magazines. The Panoramic Laconicum was another favourite, offering countryside views from both lounge beds and swinging chairs while gentle music played in the background. We also indulged in the aromatherapy sauna which was divine and followed that up with the aromatherapy steam room, where we could relax and get rid of the knots in our aching shoulders.
We were then lucky enough to have treatment booked I went for the Tribe 517 |Hypnotic Back & Sol. The 60 minute back massage that thinks it’s a reflex treatment Spinal pressures aromatherapy style and iconic reverse effleurage kneading for a muscle easing back massage, coupled with healing pressure point treatment for the feet, clearing body energy pathways, promoting natural self-healing and extreme relaxation. Using our Hypnotic Sleep Balm with black pepper & petitgrain to help induce deep sleep and relaxation. I’m sure the lovely masseuse was reallmpressed with my snoring as drifted off and felt utterly relaxed afterwards
Niki booked the Temple Spa | All About The Glow – Vitamin C Radian facial
This advanced, skin transforming facial turns up your glow with instant and visible results for firmer feeling & brighter, healthy-looking skin. With your complexion is transformed thanks to intelligent active ingredients boosted by vitamin c and the glycolic acid complexes. It includes a unique skin-lifting massage techniques and the results are even better skin. She said it was the best hour she had spent in her life.
We stayed overnight, and our twin room was wonderfully peaceful – a benefit of the countryside location. It came equipped with an espresso machine, tea facilities, and Border biscuits. The bathroom featured more of those lovely TEMPLE SPA products, which smell absolutely divine. But the best thing was the amazing beds . I slept like a baby
Dinner at the Stables Bar & Grill, set in a 17th-century farmhouse, was a treat. We both started with a prawn cocktail followed by perfectly cooked Sea bass, which came with a side of potatoes and some amazing green veggies, and Nickie opted for Chicken. I was quite naughty afterwards. opting for the Ferrero Roche cheescake. Niki could not fit any more food in, so she went with a lovely cop of coffee. I was full up afterwards, so we went off to bed, and both dropped off within seconds. The next morning’s breakfast was equally impressive, with an extensive menu ranging from Full English to Staffordshire oatcakes, plus a diverse buffet of pastries, cereals, and fresh fruit.
I was particularly taken with the restaurant’s decor – silver stags and exposed wooden beams creating a proper country house atmosphere. The whole experience was truly luxurious and thoughtfully designed. Whether you’re visiting in rain or shine, this Cheshire spa offers the perfect retreat, with plenty of indoor areas and covered outdoor spaces to ensure a relaxing stay whatever the weather.
If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend booking dinner in advance as the restaurant is quite popular. Also, do note that you can’t reserve the loungers – the staff are quite vigilant about keeping them available for everyone. But with 18 different experiences to try, you’ll find plenty of spots to relax and unwind throughout your stay.
To book our experience or any of the other variations, you can be sure that this spa hotel should be your go-to for a spa day or short break. It is an amazing place and you will not be disappointed.
https://www.manorhousealsager.com/
reservations@manorhousealsager.com
01270 884000
