Hotel and spa review: Moddershall Oaks, Staffordshire

Moddershall Oaks health spa
Adam Lowe

Moddershall Oaks is a gorgeous slice of luxury, just 15 minutes’ drive from Stoke-on-Trent. Comprising 70 breathtaking acres and a luxurious in-house spa, Moddershall Oaks makes for the perfect relaxing getaway.

The hotel

We had a gorgeous suite (one of ten) with a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom and the usual mod-cons. The decor was stylish and the room was spacious, with a seating area, a desk, a TV and plenty of wardrobe space. The decor varies from room to room, and we’re aware there’s also a gorgeous Moroccan suite too.

A great bonus was our access to the residents-only hot-tub out back. That’s the kind of thing that makes all the difference – who doesn’t enjoy lounging under the open sky among soothing bubbles? We were lucky that the hotel was pretty empty on our visit, although we imagine that during peak season the hot-tub will be busy – so it’s a good thing there’s a larger heated outdoor pool and even an indoor pool too (see below).

But it gets better. Our suite also had a private patio with a bench overlooking the hot-tub. We could watch the sky shift colour from cool blue to warm pink from the bench – with a glass of fizz in hand. This was just the right size for long romantic conversations for two.

I was very impressed to see that the suite had both a tub and a shower. My partner loves showers and I love baths, so both of us were catered for. The toiletries were all Elemis, so you’re guaranteed a top-notch lather too. I had the most blissful soak here listening to Angie Stone in the deep, deep tub (and I mean deep!).

The spa

But while the hotel is great in itself, the spa takes it to another level of fabulousness. There’s a Vitality outdoor heated pool that’s large enough for approximately 20 guests, in addition to a sauna and relaxation room with log fire. There’s also an air-conditioned gym, a tennis court, various treatment rooms and a second indoor spa area with swimming pool, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, heated tile loungers, experience shower and reflexology foot baths.

Moddershall Oaks health spa

Treatments range from facials, full-body massages and beauty therapy, all with the familiar Elemis products. Prices were very reasonable (£40 for 25 mins or £70 for 55 mins for massages), and you can get inclusive spa breaks from £390 per night. I enjoyed the most exquisite hot stones massage here, floating free of stress at the hands of an expert therapist while my partner had a reviving deep tissue massage.

A pair of thick robes are located in the bedrooms, and size-matched flip-flops are available at the front desk. Importantly, guests can use all the spa facilities until 5pm on the day of checkout.

If you fancy venturing further afield, Moddershall Oaks offers complimentary use of bicycles and cycling equipment, or you can take a walk into nearby Moddershall to visit the local pub.

The food

The Deli, located next to the main reception, offers drinks and light bites throughout the day. It also serves cocktails and other refreshments to those in the spa and relaxation areas. Upon arrival, we were greeted here with a glass each of fizz, which was a nice touch.

However, if you want something more substantial, the in-house restaurant is well worth a visit. Breakfast is served here for residents with the usual buffet of cereals, pastries, fruit and smoothies, alongside a menu of hot dishes.

Dinnertime is an experience all in itself, with a well crafted country menu done to perfection. Wine pairings appear next to each dish, which is another nice touch. (Check back later in the week for our full restaurant review or read our last review if you can’t wait.)

The verdict

Moddershall Oaks provides a wonderful retreat from everyday stress, with more than enough to do in the various spa and relaxation areas, a great in-house restaurant and sublime surroundings. The staff were exceptionally professional and helpful, and the whole property was excellently maintained.

Moddershall Oaks is located near Moddershall, Staffordshire, ST15 8TG.

For more information about Moddershall Oaks country spa retreat visit moddershalloaks.com.

About Adam Lowe

Adam Lowe is an award-winning author, editor and publisher from Leeds, now based in Manchester. He runs Dog Horn Publishing and is Director and Writing Coordinator for Young Enigma, a writer development programme for LGBT young people. He sometimes performs as Beyonce Holes.