Spa Hotel Review: Three Horseshoes Country Inn & The Mill Wheel Spa, Staffordshire
Review: Mary Foulds
We arrived at the Three Horseshoes Country Inn and Spa, which was situated in a lovely setting with views across Staffordshire Peak District. The reception area was very welcoming and we were checked in immediately with the friendly and helpful receptionist. The Inn has 26 rooms and we were shown to our ground floor Superior style room with an impressive large 4-poster bed. The room was compact but featured beautiful, traditional Inn style décor and furnishings with flat screen T.V, desk, wardrobe and a selection of refreshments. The bed linen was crisp white with fluffy pillows and was very comfortable. The bathroom included Jacuzzi bath, fabulous power shower and a selection of Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, with excellent quality fixtures and pristine white towels.
We were shown to our enclosed private patio area, which housed our very own private hot tub along with and a table and chairs. Robes and slippers were on our bed ready for use, so we spent a relaxing afternoon drinking chilled Prosecco on the patio and in the hot-tub as the sun tried to break through the clouds.
Our dinner reservation was arranged for 8.15 in The Stables restaurant. We visited the cosy, traditional hotel bar for pre dinner drinks where the drinks selection was ample. The bar was busy with a mixture of locals, visitors and many attending the ‘ Tina Turner Tribute’ evening in Kirks restaurant, however there were plenty bar staff at all times and no delays with drinks creating a relaxing atmosphere. Food was also served in the bar area with menus available on request.
On arrival at the restaurant we were shown to our table and had a great table overlooking the gardens and Staffordshire Moorlands – a fantastic view as the sun set. The restaurant had an open kitchen, and a very cosy atmosphere. As we browsed the menu we ordered drinks, which were teamed with a selection of canapés served on silver spoons all delivered promptly by friendly attentive staff. The menu was small (never a bad thing) with a choice of four starters and four mains. I chose Asparagus with Serrano ham and my partner chose Chicken and Morels with wild garlic. For mains I couldn’t resist the Sea Bass & Crab with cannelloni and saffron whilst my partner chose Lamb & Jersey potato with peas and crispy pressed belly. From the wine list we ordered a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc from the excellent choice available. Our Amuse Bouché was foamed jacket potato which was tasty, interesting and a delightful start to our meal. The starters arrived and were well presented, with an delicious combination of flavours. Service was consistently good with our wine glasses topped up frequently. The main courses soon arrived and again food was excellent especially the Sea Bass. The whole dining experience was enjoyable, totally relaxed and friendly. The desert menu was offered to conclude our meal and we chose the Chocolate and Orange Combination – with textures of blood orange and bitter chocolate biscuit. Coffee and liqueurs were offered but we had to resist and returned to the bar for a final nightcap.
At 8.30 am we returned to The Stables for a buffet breakfast prior to our spa treatments which were booked at 9am. There was plenty choice of juices, cereal, fruit, pastries, yogurt and hot drinks complimented by a hot buffet selection, again staff were friendly helpful and promptly cleared plates/dishes although breakfast service was not as well honed as our previous nights dinner experience.
We returned to reception to be guided to the Mill Wheel Spa – we were introduced to our consultant and guided to treatment rooms. My Heaven Bee Sting Facial which promised instant anti- ageing effects using organic products (Heaven By Deborah Mitchell) really did deliver results. All products were fully explained and applied creating a pleasant experience with soothing aromas around the room. The neck and shoulder massage was firm and particularly enjoyable. The foot massage was an added bonus and complimented the facial ensuring a truly outstanding experience. As the treatment ended all products and natural benefits were explained further and I was advised to drink water after the treatment. I also received a selection of samples of the used products although it would be impossible to re-create the lovely signature facial and massage experience at home! My partners Herbal Steam Massage was well received and we both returned to the reception area for an induction to the spa itself.
We were taken down the corridor to the spa where we received a comprehensive overview of the spa facilities which including Sauna, Stone Steam Room, Plunge Pool, Shower Wheel, Relaxation Room and fantastic outdoor hot-tub. All spa areas were immaculate, clean, inviting and a lovely aroma of essential oils circulated the air. Towels and robes were waiting in lockers ready for use.Jugs of water were constantly available and refreshments could be ordered from the menu cards on each table.
The Outdoor Vitality Pool and Spa Garden was a great place to enjoy the (fingers-crossed) fabulous British summer. It rained just as we left the hot-tub but even that could not spoil our experience so far.
Our first Spa Experience was to be ‘The Beach Hut Experience’; we entered the ‘beach hut’ and laid on course sand where we experienced an immediate trip to a warmer climate with the sound of the sea all around as lighting changed from darkness to bright sunshine and the temperature increased. It was a truly fascinating experience – calming and tranquil. After 25 minutes we were soon back to reality as the light came back on! It created a realistic feel and gentle taster of that long awaited summer holiday. This is also a great experience to help elevate the symptoms of S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
We had a 45 minute wait for our next treatment but spent time in the sauna and steam room followed by the hot-tub. We were not brave enough for the icy plunge pool but relaxed on the comfortable sofas prior to our next Spa Experience which was the ‘Mud Rasul Treatment’ which was quite a heavenly experience. The treatment was described by the spa assistant where each mud application was explained, including the content and benefits for every part of the body. The treatment was calming, soothing and left us relaxed for the journey home. After a final warm shower we left the spa chilled, refreshed and invigorated.
As we checked out, the same welcoming reception team greeted us. Overall the 3 Horseshoes Inn provided excellent dining, fantastic staff service while the Mill Wheel Spa was an outstanding spa experience.
G&G RATING:
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
Blackshaw Moor
Leek
Staffordshire Peak District
ST13 8TW
01538 300296
Twitter: @3_horseshoesinn
Prices:
Spa Days “Serenity” Spa Day – £99 per person
- Full use of spa Facilities from 9.00am – 4.30pm
- Luxury Robe, Fluffy Towel & Slippers
- 25 minute Beach Hut Treatment
- Choice of one of the following: 55 minute treatment Full Body Herbal Steam Massage Heaven Angel Facial Cleopatra Full Body Treatment (also suitable for mums to be) or Caesar Body Treatment for the guys
- 2 course lunch in Award Winning Stables Restaurant Monday – Saturday.
- Or on Sundays a traditional 3 course Sunday Dinner*.
Spa Breaks – Rise & Shine Spa Break from £120 per person
(Available for arrivals Sunday – Friday only)
Includes
- Overnight Accommodation in a superior style room
- Full English Breakfast
- Full use of the spa facilities
- 25 Minute Beach Hut Treatment
- 2 course lunch in the 2AA Rosette Stables Restaurant
Treatment Brochure
www.3shoesinn.co.uk/millwheelspa/treatments.php
Heaven Bee Sting Facial £55 (1 HOUR)
Herbal Steam Massage for body £65 (1 HOUR)