Staffordshire spa retreat receives its own fabulous makeover

Sitting in a spa pool with drink in hand looking over the Staffordshire countryside all was good with life. We had shut the door on the outside world 24 hours earlier and dissolved into the tranquillity of Moddershall Oaks, near Stone.

After a manic week, we had booked into country spa retreat and were looking forward to seeing the many changes since our last visit. The new development had cost about £1 million and opened last June.

A member of staff showed us to our five-star boutique suite, which is one of 10 at the family-run retreat. All of the suites are inspired by the Orient and have under-floor heating, an LCD flat-screen TV with a DVD/CD player and a lounge area with soft seating and patio doors leading to a private deck with covered seating. Every suite has an en suite bathroom with luxury toiletries and bathroom products from Elemis – a favourite of mine.

Overnight guests can also use the outdoor hot tub, but the rain was pouring so we never ventured out on the evening we were there.

Following a few drinks in the bar, we were taken through to the restaurant. You could almost feel the stresses and strains evaporate. The restaurant has lovely views, overlooking a picturesque lake. Such an ideal setting for a wedding with your reception in The Venue.

As part of our overnight stay we had a two-course meal – I had mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce with homemade bread, followed by chargrilled 28-day aged Staffordshire fillet steak served with tomato stuffed with garlic mushrooms, watercress and triple cooked chips with smoked paprika & Malden salt; with pepper sauce.

Neil had courgette and stilton soup with chargrilled dry aged sirloin, slow cooked steak pie with red wine & cepes, béarnaise sauce, watercress, gratin potato, mushroom ketchup gel, vine roast cherry tomatoes. The meal was delicious and unfortunately left no room for dessert.

Following a restful sleep and a delicious cooked breakfast, it was time for our 55-minute treatments, mine being an Elemis Advanced Customised Facial.

Karen went through all my options and guided me step-by-step through the treatment. My face was deep cleansed and a serum which tingled was applied.

During the treatment I also had a scalp and shoulder massage, which ensured I was in totally at peace with the world.

Neil had the deep tissue and firm full body massage, which he tells me was invigorating.

The beauty of Moddershall Oaks is that you would never have to stick your toe out the door, if you didn't want to. But with 72 acres of beautiful, peaceful Staffordshire countryside to take in, including a woodland trail, it would be wasteful not to.

There are tennis courts and if you feel particularly adventurous you could cycle to the nearest village. It's all there whether you want an active break or not!

Inside there is a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool with forceful jets of water, reflexology foot baths, steam rooms and heated loungers.

We didn't go far – my husband tackled the gym but I didn't have the inclination. While he was exercising, I kept myself amused by wandering along to the new landscaped outdoor spa garden, developed and opened last year.

The new area is stunning with its raised 25 square metre vitality spa pool, Finnish kelo sauna cabin known for its beautiful scented wood and outdoor log fire to keep you warm. After a dip in the pool, I relaxed in the cosy fireside spa lounge with a drink and read a few magazines.

I was later joined by my husband in the pool. All this pampering had made us hungry, so we shared a continental meat and cheese platter from the new deli and bar area while relaxing on sofas.

Moddershall Oaks also created a glamorous Express Beauty Suite during its latest expansion. The chic pampering zone includes a luxury treatment bar dedicated to manicures, pedicures, make up classes and product sampling. This room is available for private use by small spa groups of between eight and10 people. The new facilities show that Moddershall Oaks is moving with the times and creating a completely new environment for visitors. While relaxing in the new spa area, I would never have recognised it as the retreat I had visited previously.

Events held at Moddershall Oaks, such as Posh Pool Parties and Vintage Garden Party, manage to keep the retreat's calendar fresh and interesting too. I think you can always be assured of five-star treatment during a rejuvenating visit to Moddershall Oaks.

Factfile

• Moddershall Oaks’ Summer Sensation Break, available until September, is a package for two people. It includes arrival at 3pm, a two-course evening meal, overnight stay in a five star boutique suite, cooked breakfast, 25-minute limited edition summer treatment and use of the spa until 5pm on the day of departure. Packages start from £323.10 for two.

• Call 01782 399000 or visit the website at moddershalloaks.com