It features luxury indoor spa with a large serenity pool and an outdoor spa garden
Emma is the parents editor for the Manchester Evening News. She covers news and events for families across Greater Manchester.
The Spa at Manor House has the UK’s first swim-up bar(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
The school holidays are a mixed bag of emotions aren’t they.
One minute you’re relishing the opportunity to ditch the usual morning routine, the next you’re craving some normality and just five minutes without someone opening the blasted fridge.
Add in anticipation of exam results, this summer felt a little longer than most. Which is why the opportunity to try out the The Spa at Manor House came as a welcome distraction for my daughter and I as we awaited her fate.
Just 40 minutes from Manchester Airport, the independent family-owned four star hotel is in Alsager, east Cheshire, and underwent a 12-month redevelopment, opening a new luxury indoor spa and outdoor spa garden at the end of 2022.
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The heated outdoor vitality pool and swim-up bar(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
The English country garden boasts an array of unique experiences, the highlight of which has to be the UK’s first swim-up spa bar, inside the heated outdoor vitality pool, offering a new level of luxury.
There’s so much to this place that makes it so special though, not least the tranquil setting with idyllic views over the surrounding countryside landscape.
Having seen the advert showing people relaxing on a hanging day bed, I guessed there would be a couple of them, and little chance to actually bag one while you’re there. So it was a pleasant surprise to find that the pool is surrounded by them and, even on one of the warmest weekend’s this summer – where we actually felt like we were abroad – we didn’t struggle to get one.
One of the hanging day beds(Image: Manor House)
In fact there are so many spots to chill out here. From hammocks on the lawn to a Summer House meditation lounge and other stunning outdoor seating areas to relax in, there’s something new to discover around each corner – including a second outdoor heated pool and another swim-up bar.
And the pampering opportunities are plentiful too. We lasted as long as we could inside the Salt Steam Inhalation Chamber and Potting Sauna Shed, but despite the heat, we weren’t quite brave enough for the icy cool plunge bath and shower experience.
After a few hours of relaxation it was time to head to the Pool House where we could keep our towelling robes on to enjoy the afternoon tea – a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes beautifully presented in a bookcase display and accompanied by a glass of prosecco or a refreshing mocktail.
Our afternoon tea (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
Following a little more time in the spa – including a rather glorious Tribe517 back, face and scalp massage for yours truly – it was time to check in to our room, which, given the experience we’d had so far, came with some high expectations.
It certainly didn’t disappoint and with a dreamy king-sized bed each, we knew instantly we were in for a comfortable stay.
Dinner is served in the Stables Bar and Grill, where we enjoyed delectable main courses of maple bourbon glazed pork tenderloin and chicken supreme followed by a heavenly triple chocolate brownie and ice cream.
The cosy setting is as relaxing as the rest of this place and it was there we returned in the morning for a hearty full English breakfast which is included in the stay.
Each twin room comes with two king-sized beds (Image: Manor House)
After checking out we had a little more time to enjoy the spa, which gave us the opportunity to discover the indoor facilities consisting of a large serenity pool with floating beds, surrounded by loungers and an even bigger hanging day bed, a Finnish sauna, and an aromatherapy steam room.
And even with the weather taking a turn, it was still enjoyable to enjoy the outdoor spa as we discovered each bed has a heater above it to keep toasty warm when you’re out of the water and there are blankets to use for some extra comfort.
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Stables Bar and Grill(Image: Manor House)
Heading home from what was quite possibly the best spa experience we’ve ever had, we felt pampered and primed to within an inch of our lives.
When even the madness of the M6 – and that impending results day – can’t spoil your serenity, you know you’ve found something pretty special.
The indoor serenity pool(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
The Manor House Hotel is in Audley Road, Alsager and described as ‘peaceful and tranquil rural spa hotel’.
Full day spa experiences start from £80pp (Mon to Friday) for the Wellness Spa Day, which includes access to the Indoor Spa and Outdoor English Garden from 10am-2pm, an English Garden Mocktail, a Seasonal Platter served in The Pool House Bar and 10% discount on treatments booked.
The limited edition Autumnal Glow Spa Day is available now from £209pp. This includes spa access from 10am-7pm, the choice of lunch – either afternoon tea, mezze platter or ploughman’s – a 30-minute massage and 30-minute facial, free spa gift and more.
Bed and Breakfast Spa Breaks start from £249pp for a one night stay, which includes welcome drink, 60-minute spa treatment, 7 hours Spa Garden afternoon access, dinner in the Stables Restaurant & Bar, an overnight stay and full English breakfast. To book, visit the website here.