Review: The Spa at The Midland, Manchester

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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.

The spa

Tucked away in the refurbished basement of the building – where it cleverly retains period features such as the high ceilings and original tiles – the spa has its own private entrance, away from the bustle of Peter Street. There you’ll find eight well equipped treatment rooms; a spa café; a pool and jacuzzi; an Alder wood sauna with a Himalayan salt block wall, a rasul for two and a salt-infused aromatherapy steam room; a tropical shower; a private duplex gym; and a tranquil relaxation zone with plenty of nooks and crannies to allow you to put your feet up afterwards (including private rooms for 6-12 people and even a row of beds for sleepy guests).

Because of its prime location and the range of packages on offer, you can attend for an afternoon, the whole day or even longer, if you’re staying in the hotel. It’s no wonder, then, that The Spa at The Midland has been nominated at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2017 and previously won four awards at The Spa Traveller Awards 2015: Best New Refurbished City Spa, Best City Spa Break Manchester, Best City Spa Day Manchester and Best Hotel Spa Manchester. It also gained a Good Spa Guide rating of five bubbles and was named as ‘Best City Spa’ in The Candis 2016 Spa Awards.

The gym

We visited the spa with some serious meditation (read: pampering) in mind, so although we visited the gym, it was purely for the thoroughness of this review. It was clear that the facilities were excellent, albeit petite, with a range of equipment on hand. Thankfully, though, size is not really an issue, as you book into the gym anyway, meaning it retains its exclusivity and is unlikely to be packed out.

If you need a helping hand shifting those love handles or using the machines, there are personal trainers who can show you the ropes (and the bars). You could, if you really don’t like sharing your gym with too many sweaty bunnies, take a monthly membership to get access when you need it. Then, if you’re like us, you can at least work out without worrying that you look like a flamingo trying to lift the debris of a wrecked train.

The split-level gym only ever has 200 members, so you can be sure you’re in good company.

The treatments

Treatments include a host of anti-ageing facials using the celebrity-favourite 3D Skintech machine, as well as a number of face and body treatments using Espa products.

We were lucky to receive 55-minute treatments tailored to our needs – mine to revitalise, my companion’s to relax. Fitting each of these moods, then, the therapists slathered us in appropriate oils designed to wake and excite, or else soothe and calm.

It’s quite possible to cram in an hour of body bliss before heading back to the busy office, but we recommend that you take longer to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The spa also makes for a great group outing, if you and your girls want to treat yourselves without leaving town.

The food

The Midland has an award-winning food offering, with two restaurants to dine in. However, spa guests can also enjoy their healthy platters or decadent afternoon tea in the spa’s dining area downstairs. This way, you get to eat in your robe – an experience usually reserved for late mornings at home or holidays by the pool. I’m not going to linger on the image too long, but there’s something really special about eating in nothing but fresh quilted robes.

If you prefer to eat in the on-site restaurants, the French by Simon Rogan is exquisite. Likewise, the stinning Mr Cooper’s House & Garden can also be found in the hotel if you prefer something a tad less formal but no less special.