publication date: Sep 19, 2007
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author/source: Lucy Daltroff
For
recharging the batteries and
de-stressing, Matfen Hall certainly ticked all the
right boxes and I
returned home totally
invigorated - more than
ready to face any family
teenage angst that could possibly come my way.
This
award-winning 4 star hotel is
set in its own grounds and
parkland, not far from
Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and is the
ancestral home of Sir Hugh and
Lady Blackett, who still
own it and play an
active role in its
management. It is their
attention to detail that
ensures that the
service and
facilities are of such a
high standard.
Highlights of the
weekend were the beautiful
walks, including opportunities to
visit Hadrian's Wall, a short
car-ride away; a less than
distinguished performance on the
pitch and put course, the
tastiest local kipper at breakfast I have
ever eaten and a 90-minute
Signature Treatment in the Spa that included
exfoliation of the back, followed by a
back massage and a
rebalancing facial. I must also
mention here a
memorable dessert at dinner - a
passion fruit soufflé with mango sorbet -
worth every
calorie!
What first attracted me to
Matfen was the
range of facilities on
offer:
16 metre heated indoor swimming pool with whirlpool;- bespoke Fire and Ice Thermal suite incorporating tropical shower, ice fountain, crystal steam room, salt grotto and herbal sauna;
- fully air-conditioned aerobics studio;
- spacious gym with 32 pieces of the latest cardiovascular and body building technogym equipment and wellness programme;
- five treatment rooms plus a duet suite;
- large range of face and body treatments including “New Life” for mums- to-be promoting relaxation or “New Mum” to restore body shape and firm the skin;
- hairdressing studio and nail bar.
- juice bar, relaxation area and lounge;
- 2 AA Rosette restaurant in the Library and Print Room, overlooking the front lawn and one of the leading places to eat in the region, using whenever possible, local and seasonal produce;
- 18 and 9 hole golf courses and golf academy driving range and practice ground, together with a challenging pitch and put course;
- selection of rooms with four-poster beds;
- 25 minutes drive from the shopping facilities of Newcastle.
Prices
A residential
Spa Escape includes
two treatments, accommodation in a classic
double or twin room, dinner and full English breakfast and full use of the
spa facilities. One night:
£180; two nights
£285
Full
package details can be found at www.matfenhall.com
Telephone 01661 855 708
