It was love at first sight for me and Ramside Hall. I have visited a few times this year and can confidently say, it is my favourite North East Spa. I love it so much that I am thinking about treating myself to a 3-month membership from Jan-March when I am not so busy work-wise. The only thing that is putting me off is the pesky traffic on the A1 during rush hour.
PS you can buy a voucher for 3-month spa membership as a Christmas gift. I don't know anyone who wouldn't appreciate that in their stocking (call/email the spa for details). If you are looking to gift a spa break this year, here are some of the other gift vouchers available. Prices start at just £10.
13 Reasons Why Ramside Spa is the Best Spa in North East England
1 - The Level of Service
The level of service at Ramside is on another level. The staff are all super friendly and down to earth and if it's your first visit they will give you a little tour.
What really sets Ramside apart is just how many staff are around to assist you. They are always by the poolside folding towels and clearing empty glasses, they keep the infused water station and complimentary fruit topped up and a couple of times a day they will bring fruit platters and dim sum for you to enjoy a nibble.
I also LOVE that the staff at Ramside will take drinks orders poolside for you so you can order a protein shake or smoothie without even leaving your lounger.
2 - They are a 5 Bubble Spa
Ramside Hall is a 5 Bubble Spa which means that the Good Spa Guide has rated the spa as one of the best in the UK. The Good Spa Guide has a 20 page audit book which is used to rate spas so very thorough! You can expect the best at Ramside and it's not just me who says this - it's the experts too.
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3 - The Outdoor Spa Pool
This is one of my favourite features of Ramside Spa - the outdoor spa pool is a large heated vitality pool with swan neck jets, herbal gardens and lots of room to relax.
Sitting in this pool under the stars is a little piece of heaven.
Steve and I were lucky enough to grab a double lounger in the gardens here over the summer and had the most relaxing afternoon snoozing in the sunshine and having a dip in the pool.
4 - The Flip Flops, Robes & Changing Rooms
There are lots of luxury touches at Ramside. Something I really appreciate is the basket of proper flip flops in the changing rooms. I hate those cotton slippers most spas give you as they just end up soggy! Ramside are all about the attention to detail.
The changing rooms are fab too, you help yourselves to fluffy white robes and towels, there are plentiful ESPA toiletries, the showers are super powerful and there are complimentary hairdryers etc...
5 - Bento Boxes from Fusion
I can never resist the Bento Boxes here - they are so tasty and well worth £21.50 for a treat.
Fusion is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and a bite to eat - it really adds to the spa experience.
6 - Specialist Treatments are Available
Ramside Hall offers a wide range of specialist treatments including double treatment rooms, maternity treatments and wellness for cancer. I love how inclusive they are.
7 - Spacious Thermal Suites & Pools
Ramside Spa is pretty big and there are lots of areas to choose from. There are 5 pools to choose from including a 25m swimming pool and one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the UK.
You will also find a range of thermal suites including a Herbal Infused Sauna, a Himalayan Salt Room, Aroma Sauna, Caldarium, Sunken Sauna and Rud Rasul Ritual. My favourite sauna is the one overlooking the outdoor spa pool and gardens.
The thermal suites are all super spacious and you never feel as if you are sitting on top of someone.
8 - ESPA and Natura Bisse Treatments
Ramside use ESPA and Natura Bisse products and treatments - they are world-class and feel super luxurious.
9 - Wristband System
I love the wristband system at Ramside. On check-in at the spa reception, you are provided with a digital wristband. This allows you access to the spa, works with your locker and if you are a member you can pre-load spending money onto your band to pay for drinks by the poolside. I love this cashless system and it works really well.
10 - No Alcohol on Weekends / Limited Numbers
Alcohol is only served poolside at Ramside Monday-Thursday after 12noon. You can enjoy a drink in Fusion outside of these times. With its outdoor pool and luxury setting, I do think that there is potential for Ramside to be ruined by rowdy groups or stags and hens over a weekend. Limiting alcohol really helps to nip this in the bud I think.
I also love that there is the option to enjoy a cheeky cocktail or glass of wine poolside during the week if you would like to.
When it comes to spa days, Ramside Spa is careful to limit numbers and during my visits, it has never felt too busy - we have always managed to find two loungers together.
I also love that there is the option to enjoy a cheeky cocktail or glass of wine poolside during the week if you would like to.
When it comes to spa days, Ramside Spa is careful to limit numbers and during my visits, it has never felt too busy - we have always managed to find two loungers together.
11 - Staying Over is a Treat
Ramside Hall often has special deals on their spa breaks and staying over is such a treat. If you do stay over, I highly recommend dining in the Rib Room in the evening - honestly, the steak there was the best steak I have ever eaten (check out this review for photos & more info).
Current spa break offers include a Stay & Spa deal from £149 per couple - check out the Ramside Hall website here for more details and offers.
Finally, if you would like the ultimate treat, some pretty special treehouses are opening up at Ramside Hall soon. They look dreamy and the introductory offer below looks like the ultimate way to enjoy the spa. Find out more about the treehouses here.
Current spa break offers include a Stay & Spa deal from £149 per couple - check out the Ramside Hall website here for more details and offers.
Finally, if you would like the ultimate treat, some pretty special treehouses are opening up at Ramside Hall soon. They look dreamy and the introductory offer below looks like the ultimate way to enjoy the spa. Find out more about the treehouses here.
12 - The Infinity Pool
Ramside Spa has a secret infinity pool up on the roof which can be privately hired. The pool offers views across the estate and gardens and is the perfect retreat.
13 - Normal People Use This Spa
Finally, and I cannot stress this enough, normal people visit Ramside Spa. Yes, you do get some people who look like models and pose for Instagram shots (and good on them I say) but there are plenty of people in the spa who look just like me too - I never feel out of place at Ramside and it does not have a pretentious atmosphere at all.
What do you think? Have you visited Ramside Spa?
Do you fancy it? Let me know in the comments x
Love this review! We've been a couple of times and it's always been lovely, perhaps it's time to plan a return visit. Winter spas are the best!
ReplyDeleteSounds great,sounds like they have more facilities than I thought. I'm tempted to try it instead of Seaham hall
ReplyDeleteThe thing I really really love about Ramside is those flipflops - genius idea and I don't know why other spas don't do them .. so much better than walking about in soggy slippers!
ReplyDeleteEarlier this year I enjoyed a day visit with a massage and lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the experience immensely.
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