If you’re looking for a late summer spa break, then look no further than the wonderful Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa. Located on the outskirts of Leeds at Thorpe Park, within walking distance of The Springs shopping park. This hotel is the perfect staycation destination.
We sent our writer, Rachel McAlley and guest along to experience the hotel spa, treatments, food, and accommodation at Thorpe Park. Here’s what she thought.
We arrived at 10.30am and left our luggage at reception, ready to check in later in the day. The receptionist told us where to find the spa and that the spa team would look after us throughout the day.
The Spa
Upon arrival we were given robes, towels, and a key fob for the lockers. The lockers are spacious, clean, and are easy to navigate. The changing facilities are second-ton-none with private changing rooms, plenty of seating, and a hair drying and styling area.
Once we had changed into our swimwear we headed to the swimming pool, getting a quick shower beforehand, then popping our towels on a sun lounger. The pool was relatively quiet, so we took the opportunity to swim a few lengths before relaxing on the loungers.
The reason the pool was quiet was because the sun was shining and it was hot, so many of the spa visitors were enjoying sunbathing on the outside loungers. It was a glorious day, and everyone was happy with the weather, which as you know can be hit and miss here in Yorkshire!
We ventured into the jacuzzi, then for a session in the sauna, followed by a stint in the steam room. Complimentary water was offered by the spa team as it was such a hot day, which was a lovely added touch.
Relaxation Lounge
The day’s heat was too much so we headed to the brand-new relaxation lounge, a beautiful room overlooking the pool. This lounge is designed with complete tranquillity in mind. A serene space including bed loungers with blankets to relax on, plush chairs, guided meditation to listen to, heated stone loungers, and a rehydration counter with refreshments.
After spending way too long sleeping in the relaxation lounge it was time for a spa treatment. I made my way upstairs to the treatment reception and was taken to the relaxation room upstairs, with complimentary tea, coffee, water, and sweet treats, along with comfy beds, sofas, and curtained loungers. Another beautiful room to relax before or after a treatment.
Treatments & Relaxation Room
I booked the Foot & Leg Energiser, which was a pure indulgent treatment for the lower part of my body. The room smelled divine, with warming oils that were used in this calming leg massage. Each leg was treated to a luxurious 20 minute pamper, that ended with my feet being pressed gently to reveal that I had lower back problems! The therapist knew exactly how to find issues simply by massaging my feet – she was amazing.
From the treatment room I chilled for a while in the upstairs relaxation room before heading for lunch in the courtyard. A stunning room with vast open space, and beautifully light and airy. The perfect place to enjoy lunch.
The Courtyard
There were other spa visitors dining too, dressed in their robes just like us, plus hotel guests and walk-ins too, it was a great mix of diners. We ordered the open prawn and crayfish sandwich with chips, and the chicken Caesar salad for our lunch and finished with a homemade scone that was served with jam and clotted cream. Lunch was so good especially the prawn and crayfish sandwich, which was beyond excellent.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent lounging by the poolside and in the relaxation lounge, listening to mindful music and reading books. It was simply a wonderful day spent at Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa.
Once dressed we returned to reception to officially check in for the night. We picked up our luggage and headed straight to our lovely room on the first floor. We overlooked the spa entrance and watched as locals nipped in to the gym and to use the spa facilities. The hotel not only caters for guests but for locals too, as it is in such close proximity to a residential area.
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa has the option to purchase annual gym memberships, spa memberships, one off spa breaks, spa days, gift cards, restaurant meals, weekend breaks and so much more. If you keep your eyes peeled on the website there’s also plenty of offers too.
The Bedroom
Our double room had a separate lounge area with sofa and coffee table, plus a dressing table (also office desk), coffee making area, wardrobe, and good-sized TV. The room was extremely comfortable, fully air-conditioned, with fridge and fresh milk on each corridor. We couldn’t have asked for anything better, it was exactly the right room for us.
As dinner fast approached, we went for a stroll around the hotel and enjoyed a drink in the lounge bar before going into the Curious Kitchen at Thorpe Park.
Curious Kitchen
The Curious Kitchen is the hotels well-known restaurant, and we were booked for 6pm. It was already very busy when we arrived with a few parties taking up many tables for 10 and 12 guests, the atmosphere was buzzing. The front of house waiting team were exceptional, considering there must have been 60+ people dining at different tables. Nothing was too difficult for them to manage, and they were on top of everything.
We ordered main courses and no starters as we were both still full from lunch! The hand-crafted steak and Thwaites ale pie with chips, mushy peas and gravy was our first choice. Second choice was the handmade rosemary gnocchi with Jerusalem artichoke, braised chicory, watercress pesto, confit garlic, and crispy skins. Honestly, the pie was to die for! Filled with chunky pieces of steak and a rich ale gravy was just perfection.
We watched the world go by whilst enjoying dinner at the Curious Kitchen, and opted to have dessert outside on the restaurant terrace. There was a party of 12 dining outside in the garden, which was wonderful to see, they were enjoying cocktails and dinner for someone’s birthday in the evening sunshine.
Our desserts were both epic, I chose sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and English butter toffee ice cream. My guest opted for the summer special of Annabel’s strawberries set in a brandy basket with vanilla ice cream and strawberry syrup. What a great way to end a fantastic day at Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa.
Our bed beckoned, and we were sound asleep well before midnight!
Breakfast Buffet
My alarm went off at 8am, we showered and ventured for breakfast, again in the Curious Kitchen. Another great morning for people watching as the restaurant was full of business men and women, families, parties, and couples. It was a buzzing hub of life before everyone headed on their way to spend the day doing whatever they had planned.
We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast as it was my guest’s birthday, so we relaxed and spent our time chatting and tucking into a hearty selection of breakfast foods. Fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and pastries were closely followed by a cooked breakfast, toast and plenty more juice and coffee. It was a lovely morning in the hotel restaurant.
It was time to pack our suitcases, check out, and leave the hotel. No sad feelings for either of us as we had enjoyed every single moment at Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa.
To book a room, a spa day, or a spa break visit Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, and don’t forget to keep your eye on the website as there are always some amazing offers to take up.
More Hotels and Inns by Thwaites around the Yorkshire area include: Middletons Hotel York, The Judge’s Lodging York, The Beverley Arms Beverley, The Lister Arms Malham, Red Lion Burnsall, and The Golden Lion Settle.
A Wonderful Experience at Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa – Words by Rachel McAlley aka @LadyRach
