Repose & Recharge Spa Day at The Manor House Hotel and Spa, County Durham – review

18th May 2025 0 By Rachael Stray

I recently enjoyed a solo Repose & Recharge Spa Day at The Manor House Hotel and Spa, County Durham so thought I’d share an honest review.

As part of my five intentions for 2025 I want to focus on my health and wellbeing and decided I deserved to treat myself to a day to relax and unwind after a busy start to the year and a solo spa day was just what I needed!

About the Repose & Recharge Spa Day at The Manor House Hotel and Spa, County Durham

Nestled in the historic county of Durham, the Manor House Hotel was once a hunting lodge for Henry VIII and home to the Eden family which offers guests a unique experience steeped in history.

Facilities include:

32 comfortable bedrooms
A cosy lounge featuring an original beehive fireplace, exposed wooden beams, and complimentary Wi-Fi
A contemporary restaurant welcoming both residents and non-residents
A relaxing spa and health club
Comprehensive facilities for weddings, events, and conferences

The Repose & Recharge package is a fantastic way to kickstart your day and recharge your mind and body.

Here’s what it includes:

Spa Access (9:00am – 12:00pm or 10:00am – 1:00pm): Enjoy access to calming spa facilities, where you can unwind in the peaceful surroundings.
Welcome Smoothie or hot drink: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a detoxifying smoothie packed with superfoods to give you an instant boost and replenish your body with vitamins or a hot drink of your choice
50-Minute TEMPLESPA Treatment: Choose between a DRIFT AWAY massage, perfect for relieving stress and tension, or the MY KINDA SKIN facial, designed to rejuvenate your skin and leave it glowing.
2-Course Spa Lunch: After all that relaxation, enjoy a delicious 2-course lunch at the hotel’s boutique restaurant, making your morning even more enjoyable.

This package is a great option for a morning of full rejuvenation.

My overall thoughts on the Repose & Recharge Spa Day at The Manor House Hotel and Spa, County Durham

The Manor House Hotel is about a 45 minute drive from my home in County Durham and I regularly drive past it on my way to work in nearby Darlington.

Upon arrival just before 10am, I was warmly greeted by the friendly staff and asked to complete the standard forms before receiving my robe and towel.

While my robe was a little short in the arms, it was a minor detail in an otherwise seamless experience.

The changing facilities were spacious and well-equipped with hairdryers, straighteners, and secure lockers assigned at reception.

Settling into the spa, I found a comfortable lounger and curled up with my book.

A lovely staff member soon brought over my hot chocolate and a selection of delicious breakfast pastries, which was the perfect way to start my spa day.

After an hour of relaxing, it was time for my first treatment.

Since my husband had surprised me with an additional facial later in the day, the spa kindly upgraded my initial treatment to a full-body Drift Away massage.

The therapist was excellent, ensuring the pressure was just right, and the experience was truly heavenly from head to toe.

Following the massage, I enjoyed a refreshing cucumber-infused water in the serene waiting area before making my way to the sauna followed by a shower.

A bit more reading on my lounger helped me soak up the tranquil atmosphere before heading to the restaurant for lunch.

The two-course meal included in the package is fantastic value rather than a buffet which is usually on offer at other spas.

I opted for the Korean chicken burger with slaw and fries, followed by a rich chocolate dessert – both of which were absolutely delicious.

A crisp, refreshing Coca-Cola complemented the meal perfectly.

The restaurant itself is a lovely space with beautiful views of the gardens, and the staff were warm and attentive.

As the only solo diner, I chose a cosy corner seat and enjoyed the peaceful setting.

After lunch, I returned to the spa for another steam and some quiet reading time before my facial.

This treatment was a wonderful bonus, leaving my skin feeling rejuvenated and the head massage at the end was the perfect finishing touch.

I lingered a little longer to finish my book before heading home, feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.

Having previously visited The Manor House Hotel and Spa with my husband before our daughter, Elsie, was born, I was delighted to see the upgrades that have made the experience even more enjoyable.

The spa is beautifully maintained, and the service is exceptional.

Without a doubt, this was the best day I’ve had in ages, and I would absolutely return.

A spa day at The Manor House Hotel and Spa in County Durham is the perfect way to unwind, and the Repose & Recharge package truly delivers a morning of relaxation and rejuvenation for a really great price £89 (correct at the time of writing).