Woodland Spa – Relaxation, wellness & self-care.

Recently significantly expanded, the spa I’ve visited previously was a fraction of their current offer. You enter through a plush reception and shop, the scents of the trusted brands they use in their treatments hitting you the minute you walk through the door.

It’s the smell of relaxation, of wellness, of dare I say it… self-care.

We’d gone big, and decided to kick start our day with a Templespa skin smoothie facial. This was a delicious 30 minutes of therapist Kelly hydrating, exfoliating, and smoothing my slightly weathered face, completed with the most relaxing of scalp massages.

My only expectation of a facial is that, even if just for one day, I look ever so less grey afterwards…and three days later I was still glowing. Well worth the extra £57 to start the day as we meant to go on.

From there we were led into the relaxation lounge. From your first step into the facility, you feel like you are being spoiled, and like you’re there to fully unwind.

And let’s face it, we’re all a million miles an hour all the time, so that’s what we’re there for. If like me your mind is a constant whir of meeting prep, World Book Day outfits, and the low-level anxiety that follows many of us around, you need the Woodland Spa in your life.

Once we were robed up, we headed into the spa itself. It’s made up of four areas; you get a map and there are lovely attendants in all areas, but it’s easy to orient yourself once you’ve been there a little while.

To the left of the changing room, you find the “old” facility, but shabby it is not. A hydrotherapy pool is surrounded by foot baths, saunas, steam room, ice shower (no thanks), and it’s here you’ll find the entrance to the serenity pool - aka the quiet zone. This is a lovely space for peaceful bobbing.

You can also access the first of the two outdoor areas through this side of the spa. It was a typically bright but cold Burnley day, so we didn’t attempt the outdoor pool, but there are two hot tubs, spa pools, a lovely decking and lounger area for warmer days, and their outdoor tapas and bar area.

I hit the tapas bar hard with my sister for my 40th a couple of years ago; it’s superb food - as it is in the whole estate (more on that later).

Heading out of this space and back past the changing rooms, you enter the new world of Woodland.

It’s an absolutely stunning high-ceiled room, centred with a pool complete with waterfall fountain and hot tubs in each corner. Along the side of the large space is an ice zone, more foot spas, and another sauna. There are also a number of heated loungers, which were very popular.

Upstairs on the split level is a large open space that partially looks out onto the pool area below. Here you can find what I dubbed the giant eggs, relaxation pods for you to lay your towel down and have a post-lunch nap, have a read, or get your Insta pics in. Absolute heaven.

Follow the doors round and you’re in the piece de resistance. The outdoor terrace with infinity hot tub come whirlpool, fire pits, and pizza bar. There’s also a spacious decking area in case it’s ever warm enough in Burnley to sunbathe. We definitely needed our sunglasses, but I kept my gown firmly on given that it was February!

So when you’ve done your exploring and you’re heading towards lunchtime, as well as your tapas and pizza options, you have a third choice for dining - and this is what is included if you take the Thermal and Dine package.

This takes place in Bertrams, the adult-only restaurant located above the spa. You don’t have to be a spa guest to dine there; as a result, I’ve been there more times than I can count. It’s quite simply the best food in the area.

Your package will get you a two-course lunch and a glass of wine— red, white, rose, or fizz— and it’s a filled-to-the-top glass, not a measure (One to note if you are driving. You can, of course, ask for a small or a non-alcoholic alternative).

We went for the club sandwich and the hot beef baguette, both with triple-cooked chunky chips. Now I have an appetite, but I could have happily waived dessert— the portions are more than decent. But I’m also not one for turning down a dessert I’ve paid for, so crème brûlée and mango fruit salad later, we were laid in a giant egg trying to stay awake.

We were in good company; all around us were couples, families, friends, books on chests, and AirPods in, snoozing away in a state of bliss.

We had an hour or so up there, before heading to the outdoor area to round off the day. We were so grateful that the sun was out as we bobbed around the infinity pool.

A power shower in the impressive changing space later, we were ready to hit the road in time to pick my son up from after-school club. Not even the return to domestic duties could dampen my high, and I spent the evening utterly relaxed and calm – which doesn’t happen often.

Whilst we didn’t on this occasion, you can also team your visit with an overnight stay in the estate hotel. They’ve got yet another restaurant, Wilfred’s, which serves a similar menu to Bertram’s, largely classic cuisine cooked incredibly well. There’s an extensive cocktail menu, and it’s a gorgeous, city-chic atmosphere.

I’ve stayed once before and the cooked breakfast down in Wilfred’s is excellent, the bedrooms spacious, and there’s a residents’ bar for those of you who like to stay up later.

An overnight stay gets you access to the pool, sauna, and gym attached to the spa. It’s a really popular membership option for locals and has a really good set up if you fancy being active after your day of relaxation.

Being located where it is, there’s also a network of country paths both within the estate and branching out from it, if a gentle river stroll is calling you after a big breakfast (and a late night in Wilfred’s bar!).

Either way, the Crow Wood estate has got more than enough for whatever you’re looking for from your visit.

Whilst it’ll be a little while before I’ll be able to consider such a luxurious Wednesday again, I’ll definitely be heading to Bertram’s as soon as an occasion demands it…or maybe just for one of their mid-week special offers.

The possibilities are endless… check it out immediately!

• Take your own water bottle; part of their environmental considerations includes not providing plastic cups by the water foundations.
• It’s a completely cashless site, and bags aren’t allowed into the spa - so popping your phone in your robe pocket or setting up an account on arrival is advisable if you’re going to be eating and drinking outside of your spa package.
• It’s really welcoming - you’ll see your share of Stanley cups and thong bikinis, but also a great blend of ages and people - it’s got a very comfortable atmosphere and isn’t a poser’s paradise despite the price point.
• Our spa package cost £139 per person; this was for full use of the spa until 9.30pm, a two-course meal + drink, mid-week. Prices for the same package go up to £169 at weekends.
• Treatments vary in prices and length; you can find all the details on their website but would recommend booking your treatment when you book the spa to avoid disappointment.
• The rooftop bar and tapas restaurant do not require booking, so you can get pizza and tapas at any point during the day. Bertrams can be booked as part of your package.
• Finally, we had an early lunch by choice not design, but as a result it meant we beat the rush for the relaxation area afterwards – recommended if you fancy a giant egg.
• Follow the links at the bottom of this article to find out more.

And most importantly, enjoy!

Thanks,
Amy

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