For the ultimate in relaxation, head down to Cottons Hotel & Spa, located on a leafy road in the village of Knutsford, Cheshire. It’s a great location for exploring the local area, including Tatton Park or nipping into Manchester. With 138 bedrooms available and great facilities including a large conference room and a well-equipped gym, it offers fabulous amenities for local businesses.
A friendly receptionist greeted us and gave us a tour of the facilities before we were shown to the relaxation area, where fruit-infused water and treats awaited. This was tranquil – a great atmosphere to just chill out with a book.
As the weather was glorious on our visit, we decided to head out to the outdoor terrace to enjoy a coffee. Our first experience was in the outdoor bubbling jacuzzi, which was fabulous. Just the right temperature and a good size for several people to comfortably enjoy at once.
We then ventured into the leisure area, where we enjoyed a refreshing dip in the enticing pool. It was quiet when we visited so plenty of space to lap up and down. The sauna and wetrooms were well looked after. We also spent time on the loungers by the poolside – so no need to guard with towels, as plenty available for all guests.
And of course, it would be rude not to experience the treatments while we were there. There was an intriguing range on offer. My friend appeared after her Vinoperfect Radiance Facial looking suitably impressed. The treatment room was the right temperature and the therapist was knowledgeable, explaining what she would be doing and her reasons for using certain Caudalie and Temple Spa products. My friend said she was thoroughly relaxed afterwards and commented that the products were effective and left her skin feeling great – not tight at all.
I chose the Templespa My Kinda Massage and I wasn’t disappointed. Knowing I had knots galore in my neck, I was pleased to get a sports therapist to sort me out – and she was fabulous. She immediately sussed out my sore spots and used the perfect amount of pressure combined with a delightful massage oil that smelt like ginger and lemon to put the spring back in my step! She used Temple Spa’s juniper, lavender and cypress oil to sort my back tension out and it felt like a great detox. I was completely de-stressed after 50 minutes of full body relaxation.
When it came to food, there were some delightful options. First decision was whether to choose a booth, a table or a spot by the fire. Food offerings included light bites, seasonal dishes or cakes with pots of tea, with lots of local produce offered.
Lunch on our spa day was a two-course meal. While the menu didn’t particularly cater to intolerances, the chef was more than happy to prepare a gluten and dairy-free two-course lunch which was fantastic. I enjoyed a spiced cauliflower soup which was the perfect consistency and flavoursome. For the main course, I had a dairy-free seasonal vegetable risotto which was incredible – great texture with different beans and pea shoots
– and super tasty.
My friend opted for the Thwaites beer battered fish finger sandwich and chips, which looked sensational – and there wasn’t a crumb left on her plate. For dessert she chose the chocolate and orange tart with a creamy vanilla ice cream, which disappeared without a trace.
There are 138 bedrooms available including suites with lounge areas, all with fluffy white dressing gowns included, perfect for lounging about. Generally the rooms are well furnished but perhaps a little dark. Pop-up beds and interconnecting rooms are available for overnight stays, with family rooms able to accommodate two adults and two children. Whilst we didn’t go into the gym, there was state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment to take your performance to the next level.
The overall experience was very pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable – with the spa staff a particular bonus. Whilst we would definitely go back – the treatments were the highlight – we would say there were areas of the hotel and spa that were in need of a little attention, mainly to the paintwork around the corridors and to some tired areas including the loungers at the poolside.
To book spa days and breaks: Cottons Hotel & Spa, Manchester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0SU.
