How often can you honestly say you completely switch off, relax, and do something that’s 100% just for you? Life always seems to be running at a million miles an hour, so when I was kindly invited to spend some time at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa in Nottinghamshire, I took this as the universe sending me a sign!
THE ARRIVAL
Situated in the rural village of Barnaby Moor on the border of Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, it took around an hour and a half to get to Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa from Leicester. Easy to find, with plenty of free parking, I headed straight to the spa to check in and make the most of the day.
The entrance to the spa was impressive – light, bright and airy, with the most divine smell wafting through the doors. I was greeted by one of the lovely team, who sat me down to talk through my day and the facilities, before pointing me in the direction of the changing rooms.
THE SPA & TREATMENTS
The spa itself is small, but perfectly formed – and never felt busy or overcrowded at any point in the day. With an indoor/outdoor vitality pool, 11 thermal spa experiences (including a Stonebath steam room, which is one of only three in the country), relaxation spaces, personal Spa Butlers on hand and six treatment rooms, there was plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind.
I chose to treat myself to both a massage and facial when at the spa – both of which were wonderful and left me floating on a cloud!
THE FOOD
Lunch was served in the Theatre Kitchen Brasserie, which is part of the spa. We were given specific sittings to choose from on arrival, as well as menu choices for the day, so when lunchtime came around everything was super organised and pre-prepared by the kitchen. I chose the fish dish for my main, followed by the pana cotta – both of which were full of flavour, beautifully presented and the perfect portion size to fuel the rest of my afternoon in the spa.
For my evening meal, I chose a delicious steak served with chips, onion rings, grilled tomato and mushroom, alongside a crisp glass of white wine. And of course, being someone with a sweet tooth means I couldn’t resist another dessert – this time, cheesecake! Again, both dishes were absolutely delicious.
THE ACCOMMODATION
All that relaxation and scrumptious food left me completely exhausted (it’s a hard life!), so having a beautiful space to retreat to at the end of the day was gratefully received – “space” being the operative word… I was kindly given an upgrade to one of the lodges and subsequently spent the rest of my evening feeling like the lady of the manor! Comfortable, quiet and spotlessly clean, it was the perfect place to rest my head for the night. Breakfast the following morning was a treat, too, with plenty of options to choose from, including fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, various hot dishes, tea, coffee and juices.
THE STAFF
I have to give a special mention to the team at both the hotel and spa. From the minute I arrived, everyone I came across was kind, friendly, helpful and accommodating. I took this trip on my own and was a little unsure about sitting alone in the restaurant for my evening meal, but the team tucked me away in a quiet corner and checked on me regularly. The customer service here was exemplary.
THE DETAIL
Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restaurant is located on the borders of Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Close to National Trust Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest, as well as the market towns of Retford, Bawtry, Newark and the Cathedral City of Lincoln.
Boasting 59 bedrooms in total – including 53 rooms; 4 suites and 2 self-contained lodges – prices start from £99 for room and breakfast, or £149.50pp for a spa and stay break.
There is also a fantastic selection of Christmas events and offers, which you can find out more about, here.
Visit www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk or call 01777 705121 for more information, or to book.
The spa day, massage, overnight stay and evening meal were kindly provided on a complimentary basis by Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa. All opinions and views are our own.
