Spa Hotel Review: Wynyard Hall, Billingham

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Review: Michael Jones

Wynyard Hall sits grand on the outskirts of the North East Tees Valley, just 17 minutes from Durham’s beautiful heritage coast. This impressive building is nestled within a scenic setting of 150 acres of historical landscape. The hotel has three private cottages and 19 luxurious bedrooms and suites – all individual in décor and reflective of the country manor location. Enjoy a spot of Afternoon Tea in The Library and dine at the 2 AA rosette Wellington Restaurant. The lavish Lakeside spa is visit by appointment only for guests to secure exclusivity in tranquil surroundings. This is a perfect country escape – luxurious but with all the comforts of feeling right at home.

 

We were greeted the moment we walked into the entrance by friendly reception staff. We were earlier than the standard check-in time but our room was ready so we were taken straight upstairs and given a tour of the hotel facilities on the way. We were lucky enough to be staying in The Wellington Suite; one of the hotel’s signature suites which had velvet and heavy cotton furnishings and high ceilings.

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The bathroom was spacious with a rainfall shower, stand-alone bath and a selection of Temple Spa toiletries. Our favourite touch was the LORD & LADY monogrammed bath robes. My partner asked if we could get some for our own bathroom at home! All the rooms have Freeview TV with DVD player, wi-fi and tea & coffee making facilities.

 

We headed down to The Library for Wynyard Hall’s signature Afternoon Tea, were we had a selection of sandwiches mini pastries and finger desserts. This really was the ‘fine-dining’ of Afternoon Teas’ as you can also choose from a selection of 12 specialty loose tea’s from luxury English tea brand, Ronnefeldt.. There is also an option to team your Afternoon Tea with a class of Prosecco or Champagne.

 

We went to check into the Lakeside Spa where allocated 2-hour slots are provided for each guest as to avoid overcrowding of the spa and keep an air of exclusivity. This is a great idea as there really is nothing worse than finding yourself unable to squeeze into the sauna or be greeted by a pool full of people on a Saturday spa day. This concept is one of which more luxury spas’ should follow suit. The spa experience suite included Herbal Sauna, Salt Inhalation Room, Ice Fountain, Rasual Mud Chamber and a fantastic outdoor hot tub with beautiful views over the lake and a lounging area.

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The spa menu is extensive with the brand partner being Temple Spa (one of Harrods’ stocked beauty brands). My spa treatment was a 60 minute Go Guy – Male Executive Facial (My therapist, Faye, used Breakfast Smoothie exfoliator and the hydrating Quench Mask), which was excellent.  I emerged feeling relaxed. My partner had a Champagne & Truffles Facial using Be Gone Cleanser, the iconic Skin Truffle, Eyes Wide Open and Be Calm mask – to name just a few of the products used in this extensive – and so I’m told – really luxurious treatment.

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After an afternoon of rejuvenation, we had a dinner reservation in The Wellington Restaurant – a grand room, much as you’d expect and keeping in with the overall grandeur of the hotel (oversized oil paintings and chandeliers). There was an option of two menus – A la Carte and Brasserie.

We opted for the Brasserie menu, which was definitely of 3-Rosette standard. For starter we enjoyed Charred King Prawns, burnt guacamole, coriander and curried lime oil. For mains I opted for the Aged 10oz Sirloin Steak, crispy fries, smoked blue cheese and roasted avocado. My partner had the signature Wynyard Burger with apple-wood cheddar, pancetta with fries in a toasted sesame bun. We teamed our starters with a bottle of Prosecco and our mains with a bottle of Picpoul de pinet. The food and service standard was excellent.

Breakfast on a weekend is served from 7.45 – 9.45 in The Wellington restaurant and has a good selection of continental options and a made-to-order cooked menu available. I’d recommend the omelette and the full English to set up your day.

 

An overnight stay starts from £195. The Wellington Suite is £275 per night

Go Guy Male Executive Facial – £65

Champagne and Truffles Facial – £65

 

Spa time is usually £30 per person for 2 hours or complimentary when guests spend over £100.

2 courses from the A La Carte menu are £30.

The Restaurant is open 7 days a week, with the Brasserie menu served Sunday – Tuesday and the A La Carte menu served Wednesday to Saturday.

The Spa is also open 7 days a week, 10am – 6.30pm Monday – Wednesday and 10am – 10pm Thursday – Saturday.

 

Afternoon Tea £21.50 Per Person.

Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Sun, 12pm – 1.30pm & 3pm – 4.30pm. Advance booking is recommended.

 

Wynyard, Billingham, Cleveland TS22 5NF

www.wynyardhall.co.uk

 

G&G RATING:

5STAR