Wild Swimming, hot tubs and Bloody Marys: A wellness retreat at Yorkshire Spa Retreat

Checking in

I went with my mum, on one of the hottest days of the year so far. We set off at lunchtime and it only took an hour and 40 minutes from Newcastle. Our lodge was immaculate. Clean, well-appointed, and quiet, with its own outdoor space and BBQ – the kind of set-up that makes you feel properly looked after before you’ve even unpacked. But what struck me most was the atmosphere on site. There was a real buzz. Strangers becoming a little community right from the start. It set the tone for everything that followed.

Dinner in The Dome

The bar and restaurant were a highlight I wasn’t expecting to enjoy quite so much. It’s a lovely size – not too big – and on summer evenings it opens out to overlook the spa and outdoor seating, so the whole thing feels connected rather than contained. There was a DJ, which gave the evening an energy that felt celebratory without being a night out. The food was very good – the retreat works to set menus – which sounds limiting on paper but is actually a relief. You don’t need to think too much, you just need to choose. Everything that arrived at the table was fresh, tasty and very generously portioned.

After dinner we went back to the lodge, slipped into the hot tub, and did very little else. Perfect.

Movement and mindfulness

The wellness sessions woven throughout the stay – Pilates, yoga and meditation – were a real pleasure, and never once felt like hard work. The small-group format makes everything feel almost like a private class, and the intimacy of it gave us a chance to properly get to know the other guests. This is one of the unexpected pleasures I hadn’t thought about in advance – the community aspect isn’t something you think to look forward to, but you’ll leave with friends. Equally though, if you want to keep yourself to yourself, there’s no pressure to mix.