This week we visited the newly refurbished spa at Saltmoore. If you are not aware, Saltmoore is the new name for the hotel that used to be called Raithwaite Sandsend. In 2023 we visited and reviewed their family room and you can see that review here.
The name was changed as part of a rebrand and was chosen because of the hotel’s unique position between the North Sea and the North York Moors. I wasn’t sure at first (we don’t like change!) but now I’m used to it, I really like it.
We were greeted warmly as soon as we entered the hotel, in fact, all of the staff were warm and friendly. As it was our first time in the spa, we were given a short tour and shown where all the facilities were.
We were also given a generously sized and extremely fluffy robe and slippers. Now, I have to make particular mention of the changing facilities as these were slightly unusual and very impressive. The main locker area is gender neutral but with private booths (which I will go into detail about in a second!). Each locker is activated by a personally selected pin number, so there is no need for a key, card or wristband.
The main thing I am excited to tell you about though are the private changing spaces or booths.
These are really small bathrooms with a shower, a sink, a mirror, a seat to sit upon and a hidden toilet. Yes, you read that right! Underneath the seat is a hidden toilet! I think this is a very cool and clever use of the space!
Back in the main area there are two banks of mirrors with various GHD hair appliances. These included a hair dryer, straighteners, curlers and a hot brush.
The spa itself is beautiful with a real classic luxe vibe.
Decorated in beautiful neutral tones, the spa includes a good size pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
There is also a Brass Monkey Ice Bath (that’s not me being cheeky, that’s the name of it!!). My friend Sara loved this and sat in it a lot. I got in, sat down, shrieked and then got out again!
If getting cold is your thing though, you really must try the Cryo experience. It looks like a simple shower cubicle, but the temperature inside is a bracing -75°! You do need to wear some safety equipment to experience this room and you are only in there for 3 minutes. When I say safety equipment, what I mean is a woolly hat that covers your ears, a face mask that covers your nose, warm socks, thick slippers and gloves. You also have to be completely dry so plan this around your spa stay or treatments for when you are dry again or perhaps before you enter the pool area. Oh, and no metal is allowed as the cold can make this burn you.
I will be honest, I was a little bit scared using the chamber but with a help of a kind member of staff, some loud music (I chose Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger) the 3 minutes flew past and I loved it. It’s an unusual experience and not one I have seen before, so do try it if you are there. There is a charge for it but do check the spa day offers to see if you can get it included.
I also want to mention the beautiful spa beds around the swimming pool. These were extra wide and double for two people and soooo comfortable. What was also nice was that our spa bed was reserved just for us and had a sign with our names on it to show us which was ours (no sunbed wars here!).
After a morning spent pampering ourselves in the spa, we headed into the Wellness Cafe. I was very impressed with the menu. Sometimes I feel a spa menu can be a little ‘hair shirt’. As well as many healthy options, there were some more substantial meals. You can see this reflected in the menu here.
My guest chose the Cobb salad, which included chargrilled chicken breast.
While I went for the less worthy option of a hot dog and fries (excellent quality hot dog – very tasty!).
If you wanted to go even more indulgent I believe that the cafe upstairs sells an afternoon tea!
The final thing I want to tell you about is the most wonderful facial I experienced. My therapist was quite young but absolutely lovely and her name was Leia (like Princess Leia from Star Wars she informed me)! She made me feel very comfortable and that I would be looked after. The facial itself was just amazing and one of the best I’ve had in a very long time (and I do try a lot of facials!). The fabulously smelling products used are by Wildsmith.
Afterwards, we were shown to the relaxation room and left with a pot of herbal tea.
All in all, a simply wonderful spa day in a beautiful location. It’s not the cheapest spa out there, but it’s certainly one of the most special, and definitely one to add to your list. Even better if you plan to stay over too! I will leave you with photos of the gym (I didn’t use it!).
We were invited to visit and review the spa at Saltmoore. As always, all opinions are my own.
