Secret Spa - A day of pampering at The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey

The Secrete Spa, nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales village of Bolton Abbey, is a proper hidden gem. In a converted barn, tucked behind the traditional Devonshire Arms Country Hotel, sits the Secret Spa. The spa itself is small and simple yet ample. It is understated and traditional with exposed brickwork, beams and lots of natural light. You won’t find all the fandangle, ultra-sleek and modern thermal rooms here. Instead, there are the main facilities you want from a spa session; a pool to swim lengths, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, experience shower as well as treatment rooms. What you do get however, is your very own place to retreat to, away from others, which really adds to the Secret Spa’s appeal.

During covid the Devonshire Arm’s team thought cleverly about how they could continue and opened up the Secret Spa. 6 bell tents were installed on the old tennis courts out back. This meant that each couple had their own special retreat for the day and could navigate the spa on a given timetable without bumping into anyone else. This has proved so popular that they have continued this ethos, although slightly more relaxed with timings now. It really does feel like you have the whole place to yourselves for the ultimate relaxation package.

This is my second visit to the Secret Spa and I can definitely say I will be back again. We were on the ‘Winter One’ which was priced at £195 for 2 and we were in from 9am til 2pm. This not only included access to the facilities and having our very own bell tent to spend the day in, it also included lunch, a glass of fizz AND a treatment. Looking at the prices of other spas in the area I think this is value for money but also fair pricing as it does not have as many facilities as some of the other new ones.

My Spa day was so relaxing. I took along a good friend of mine who you can thank for these great photos! We had the best time chatting, chilling and actually managed to finish every conversation. Now that is worth it’s weight in gold when you are surrounded by kids constantly!

The pool area, jacuzzi and rooms were all clean and tidy. The service was great, we were payed enough attention without it being overpowering and there was always someone about if you needed anything. The bell tents were superb too. You had bean bags with blankets that you could get cosy in around the log burner inside, chair and tables outside to eat on, there were also tea and coffee making facilities, cold drinks, hair dryers, straighteners and also your own robe and onesie to wear around the Spa.