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From hydrotherapy pools and private hot tubs with poolside service and to serene snooze lounges, steam rooms and outdoor saunas – the award-winning Staffordshire wellness retreat Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat has it all.
Tucked away in the countryside between Trentham, Stone and Alton, Moddershall Oaks offers everything you could possibly need for a weekend of relaxation, rest and rejuvenation.
Tranquil by name, tranquil by nature, Jake and I indulged in one of the resort’s Tranquility Spa Days, which offers the chance to experience all of the centre’s exemplary facilities at your own pace, as well as enjoy a two-course meal and 50 minute treatment, all from £170 per person.
Indoor Spa at Moddershall Oaks
Following a welcome drink on arrival at the family-run complex, we made our way down to the indoor spa where we were met by a compact but beautifully laid out area of luxurious facilities which flowed really well from one space to the next.
Those looking to dip their toe into serenity can take a swim in the crystal blue 10 metre pool, or for something a little more invigorating, take a seat – or underwater bed – in the heated hydrotherapy pool and let the water cannons and jets melt away tension. The pool is kept at a comfortable temperature of 37-38 degrees, with a star-like ceiling that glitters above. One thing I really love though is the way the sunlight shatters through the foliage outside and gently reflects off the water’s surface, creating a beautiful, shimmering ambiance that tricks you into thinking you’re a million miles from home.
If there was one thing I could pick up and take home with me, it would be one of the heated loungers, which are contoured for ultimate comfort and warmed to relieve tired, aching muscles. It’s almost impossible not to succumb to a brief slumber as you listen to the peaceful sound of the waters around.
The two reflexology foot baths help stimulate blood flow with gentle bubbles, while the experience showers are perfect for waking up with relaxing mists, tropical rain water massages and bursts of fragrance. But the ultimate aroma experience comes in the form of the steam room, infused with eucalyptus milk which helps ease nasal congestion and improve breathing. Quite often Jake and I will skip out on the steam rooms or saunas, but the temperature here was really comfortable and not at all stifling, instead simply encouraging soothing deep breaths that leave you feeling refreshed.
The final room in this part of the spa is the Sleep Lounge, which is perfect for retreating to after your treatment. Designed to be a deviceless space for calm and quiet, it’s a dimly-lit chill-out area filled with loungers, blankets and wicker pods, complete with a bioethanol fireplace creating a cosy atmosphere where you can truly switch off.
Outdoor Spa at Moddershall Oaks
On our way through to the outdoor spa area, we were able to swap our towels for fresh, which I thought was a really thoughtful touch. At the start of your spa trip, you’re given your grey fluffy robe and a white towel. At most spas, these will be the towels you keep for the day, but at Moddershall you can swap your towel for fresh as many times as you’d like throughout the day, which means you can really immerse yourself in the facilities without worrying about lugging around a wet towel.
Outside, Jake and I enjoyed the spring sunshine in the 25sqm heated vitality spa pool – the jewel in Moddershall’s crown – where you can order nibbles and drinks from the deli without even needing to leave the water.
Jake lounged on the outdoor patio with a Staropramen while I tried out the Kelo pine outdoor sauna. My experience with saunas previously have been dimly lit, sweltering and a little claustrophobic, but this one is bright, spacious and airy with a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the pool. The pine interior makes it feel like you’re in the alps, and while the thermometer reads 65 degrees, it doesn’t feel too hot or uncomfortable. There are even little wooden headrests with guests encouraged to lie down, sweat out any stress and allow muscles to loosen.
Treatments in The Sanctuary at Moddershall Oaks
At 11am, we headed down to The Sanctuary, Moddershall’s newly refurbished couples room for our 50 minute treatment. Quite often Jake and I have had spa treatments either in different rooms at the same time, or have had to wait for one another while we have treatments at different times, so this dual room is really quite special, making for a private and immersive experience.
Jake opted for the Enlighten Signature Massage – a full body and scalp massage at your choice of pressure, using fresh, natural butter balms for a wonderfully fragranced and deeply relaxing treatment. Soothing sounds emerge through the speakers to create a calming mood as you are ‘charmed into an empowering stupor’ – Jake actually found his massage so relaxing that he drifted in and out of sleep throughout.
Meanwhile, I enjoyed the Tribal Ablution, which had been recommended to me by the Moddershall Oaks staff, and a friend who had visited a few weeks earlier and raved about the full body cleansing and buffing ritual.
This treatment combines elements of massage and facial with a gorgeous Himalayan salt exfoliation, which means you get to enjoy a little bit of everything. It starts with a stress-relieving massage to settle you into a state of unwind before going in with the pink salt scrub and soft bubble cleanser. For anyone who loves a bit of ASMR, it’s a sensory dream, from the soothing sounds of foams and scrubs to the sensation as they’re massaged into the skin, revealing smooth and nourished skin.
After having my back, legs, arms and stomach scrubbed and smoothed, it was onto the face and décolleté, with my therapist gently working away tightness in my cheeks, exfoliating and rehydrating my skin with a blend of stunningly scented products.
Private Hot Tub booking
One of the highlights of the day was without doubt our half-hour slot in the private hot tub, set back behind the 10 boutique rooms away from the main spa area. Hidden away in a quiet corner of the resort with views of the surrounding countryside and rolling hills – nothing says luxury quite like it, especially since you can order cocktails, champagne and beer to the tub and sip from the comfort of the underwater jets. The seclusion of the hot tub adds an extra layer of indulgence to the day, giving an opportunity to really be in the moment without distraction, and it’s definitely something I’d recommend adding on to your booking.
Dining at the Oakhouse Restaurant
All of this relaxing is surprisingly hungry work, so we headed to the Oakhouse Restaurant on site for a decadent two-course meal in the newly renovated lakeside venue. The space itself is beautifully furnished and modern, and is as detail-centric as the rest of the spa, nodding to the area’s rich heritage with each meal served on Churchill pottery.
But it doesn’t end there, with the county’s beloved oatcakes served on the menu – though not like you’ve had them before, ditching your traditional cheese and bacon for shredded duck, cucumber and spring onion strips with poached plum for a classy and Michelin-worthy take on the iconic Stokie staple.
Jake went for the Asian style pork spring roll Asian slaw, sweet chilli sauce, which was equally as vibrant on the plate, with every dish as visually gorgeous as the last.
Moddershall Oaks are committed to using locally sourced ingredients in their menu, and it’s prevalent in the resulting dishes that are absolutely packed full of flavour, with tender cuts of meat and seasonal veg.
My mince beef ragu and ricotta cannelloni was rich and creamy, complete with herb roasted new potatoes and a garlic flatbread to mop up with, while Jake’s Moddershall beef burger was stacked high with melted cheese, bacon, homemade slaw, sautéed Cajun onions and house salad, finished with a pot of golden skin-on triple cooked chips.
And as for cocktails, well, you can never go wrong with a passionfruit martini, can you?
What else does Moddershall Oaks have to offer?
Having opened in 2000, Moddershall Oaks is set in 72 acres of lush parkland, which includes its own tennis court, lakeside walk and woodland trail, with the option to hire a bicycle to take in the picturesque scenery.
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything at Moddershall, with their own boutique fitness gym at their MADE centre, which is filled with spin bikes, custom-made fitness equipment available to use as part of your spa package, as well as a full class timetable that guests can enjoy at a discounted rate.
Our Tranquillity Spa day was nothing short of bliss, offering unparalleled luxury and exclusivity. The attention to detail and commitment to convenience at Moddershall Oaks is second to none, and the attentive staff make you feel so well looked after and pampered. The facilities are modern and luxurious, and I was particularly impressed with the sauna and steam rooms as I’m not typically a huge fan but thoroughly enjoyed them both here. The intimacy of the dual treatment room and private hot tub are such a wonderful touch for couples and something I haven’t seen offered elsewhere, either.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a day of relaxation, Moddershall Oaks offers an escape like no other. Book your own visit here via their website.
