BALANCE_WINTER_2024 - 127

RE S TORATIVE ESCAPES
MODDERSHALL OAKS, STAFFORDSHIRE, UK
SOAKING UP THE
RUSTIC CHARM OF A
FORMER FARMHOUSE
Quick - think of an outdoor pool. Bet you don't
picture a giant hot-tub in a timber-framed
courtyard at a converted farmhouse? But since
my stay at Moddershall Oaks Country Spa, I can't
forget warm water contrasting delightfully with
a chilly breeze across my shoulders, cocktail in
hand and conversation bubbling around me.
BRING THE CHEER
This retreat is reassuringly unpretentious, with
a convivial ambiance that is more welcoming than
Zen silence. Owners Phillip and Delia Holland
spent three years converting School House Farm
before opening the spa in 2000. Its heritage is
celebrated: the Neom-scented hotel's singlestorey
bedroom suites retain characterful patio
dividers, harking back to their time as stables.
It must be noted the site is on a slope, so
access is difficult for visitors who can't use stairs.
This trait also divides the property into distinct
sections: the laid-back café, outdoor pool and
sunbathing area is cheerful and chatty. Move
downhill into the spa proper and the atmosphere
gromore peaceful. Finally, indoor swimming and
hydrotherapy pools, saunas, a steam room and
the Oak Room restaurant are the reward reaching
the bottom of the hill. After a blissful half-hour
in the sleep lounge, dozing by an open flame pit,
skilled massage therapist Katie works 25 minutes
of orange-and-fennel-oil-induced magic on my
back and legs for the Demi-Calibrate treatment.
GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT
Dining in the smart-causal Oak Room is a treat,
looking over a thoughtfully landscaped, lilypadcovered
pond. The menu is interesting and
varied: think goat's cheese bonbons, pan-seared
sea bass, crispy sesame beef and horiatiki salad.
Overnight guests get access to the spa for the
full second day so to help my breakfast of maple
syrup and bacon waffles digest, I head downhill
and take my time enjoying the 'experience
shower' - switching from cold mist to Caribbean
rain to Atlantic ocean. Eventually the lure of the
outdoor tub pulls me back up to the courtyard
for Prosecco and a cheese-filled Staffordshire
oatcake. And that's Moddershall in a nutshell: an
ideal choice for anyone who prioritises fun food,
a friendly welcome and time for a good catch-up.
From £197.50 per person/half board based on two
people sharing a Studio Suite | Reservations:
enquiries@moddershalloaks.com | 01782 399000
HOW
TO GET
THERE
By car: The
hotel's postcode
is ST15 8WF
- it's roughly
three hours and
15 minutes from
London via the
M40 and M6.
By train: The
closest stations
are Stoke-onTrent
and
Stafford, with
taxi trips taking
12 or 20 minutes
respectively.
127
Words: Natalie Bowen

https://moddershalloaks.com

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