As the winter months drag on with their short days and chilly weather, many Brits seek a cosy escape to recharge and relax. A luxury spa break has become a favoured staycation choice, offering a sanctuary from the seasonal gloom. For those dreaming of warmer climes while summer holidays remain a distant plan, destinations like the four-star Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa in Retford provide a much-needed respite during the off-season grind.
A Welcoming Retreat for All, Including Pets
My wife and I, accompanied by our well-behaved greyhound Jojo, embarked on a 'three-in-one' weekend of stay, spa, and dine at Ye Olde Bell. This dog-friendly establishment warmly welcomes four-legged friends, with affable staff and ample green spaces nearby, including a small public park conveniently located near the A1. After a slight delay due to an unscheduled diversion, we arrived eager for a mix of great hospitality, luxurious relaxation, and delicious food.
Cosy Accommodation in the Grove Lodge
We checked into the two-storey 'Grove' executive lodge, set just off the courtyard a short walk from the main hotel building. With its modern interior, cosy features, and striking character, it felt like an ideal overnight retreat. Rich fabrics and opulent furnishings helped melt away daily stresses. The ground floor boasts a lounge and kitchenette, while a handcrafted oak staircase leads to a galleried double room and a luxury en-suite bathroom complete with a roll-top bath and walk-in power shower.
Unwind in the Unique Spa Facilities
While my wife relaxed indoors with a glass of prosecco, I headed to the hotel spa for hours of blissful relaxation. The spa offers an impressive range of saunas and steam rooms, with refreshing dips in indoor and outdoor vitality pools. Notably, Ye Olde Bell is one of only three spas in the country to feature a stone bath steam room and one of a few worldwide to offer a unique 'snowstorm' experience, making it a standout retreat destination. I enjoyed complimentary herbal teas and fruit-infused waters, resisting the temptation of poolside snacks, which left me feeling invigorated.
Gourmet Dining at St Leger Bistro
After returning to the lodge, we changed for an evening meal at the hotel's St Leger bistro. Nestled on the border of Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, the head chef and his team use the best local produce to create AA Rosette-awarded menus. We savoured starters of smoked salmon on crispy polenta with a poached egg, followed by mains of chicken, ham and leek pie with vegetables, and an 8oz sirloin steak with creamy stilton sauce and giant onion rings. Both dishes were complemented by giant triple-cooked chips, eliciting quiet groans of satisfaction. Desserts of apple and cinnamon tarte tatin and sticky toffee pudding, paired with a bottle of house red, capped off a delightful meal.
A Peaceful Night and Leisurely Morning
Our greyhound Jojo snoozed contentedly nearby, a testament to the UK hospitality industry's growing embrace of dog-friendly establishments. After a wonderful night's sleep, we enjoyed a leisurely morning thanks to a pre-arranged late check-out. Breakfast featured a Full English, Eggs Royale, and copious coffee, with an extra sausage for Jojo devoured without fuss. As my wife took her turn in the spa, I packed up, braving a rain-splattered dog walk, but nothing could dampen our spirits.
Travel Facts and Final Thoughts
A stay at Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, including spa time, lunch, and a Full English breakfast, starts from £190 per person, with spa access only from £75. This retreat truly feels a world away from the everyday, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, gourmet dining, and pet-friendly hospitality to beat those winter blues.
