The inspiration behind a new luxury Derbyshire day spa 

The Spa at Breedon Priory opened in October 2021, and is a beautiful new addition to the UK spa scene. Having chatted to the team recently, it was interesting to learn about the vision and motivation behind this luxurious, contemporary day spa in Derbyshire, launching as the world of wellbeing began to open up once more post-pandemic.

What’s the ethos behind The Spa at Breedon Priory?

The site originally operated as a health club and had been here for about nine years with an operating golf course. When that closed and the golf course was decommissioned, we saw it as an opportunity to create something really special in the area. There wasn’t really a luxury day spa close by, and we felt we had the right location and vision to create something special. The landscape was really the defining feature. The new spa looks out across what used to be the first fairway, including a small lake.

What was the process of bringing it to life? 

We purchased the clubhouse and 22 acres around it. We then spent six months working with an architect on plans to redevelop and refurbish it. However, it became apparent that the building wasn’t well constructed, so we decided to demolish it and build a brand new spa.

It went from being a small project to being three or four times the size! Now though, it’s designed specifically to be a spa. We went to lots of spas around the UK to get ideas (which was tough research!) and brought our ideas together through that. A lot of the design influence has come from the view though, for example, the rear elevation of the building is almost entirely glass. 

What was your vision for the day spa experience? 

We wanted it to be a boutique experience. We looked at all sorts of spas from those that welcome 150 guests a day to smaller ones with a more personalised experience. That’s where we wanted to be, so at the moment we are limiting the number of guests per day to 40, or 50 in the summer when the gardens are open. 

What sets The Spa at Breedon Priory apart?

Obviously the fact that it’s brand new is important, and also that it’s a luxurious, boutique day spa. There are some beautiful hotel spas in the surrounding area, but no day spas quite like this. The location is utterly beautiful, as well as being really well located and accessible for people in Nottingham, Derbyshire, Birmingham and Leicester.

A number of customers who are really well travelled, have said that it has a very European wellness spa feel to it, especially with the addition of the outdoor heated pool, which is a favourite feature.

We have also paid a lot of attention to the details. So, for example, when guests arrive we do a Welcome Hands ritual, which starts by offering a complimentary drink of the day (tailored to the winter or summer). We then sit down with the guest and cleanse the hands using a personal, biodegradable hand towel and beautiful scents. It’s a lovely way to relax into the spa experience.

What do guests say about the food?

Guests love the food. All guests get a two-course lunch or an afternoon tea as part of their spa day, and feedback is has been excellent. It’s delicious and there’s a mixture of options, so you can go down the more healthy route, we cater for vegans, but we also offer really hearty food. Our head chef has a vast amount of experience, and has worked at Ragdale Hall and independently before coming here.

How did you choose the treatments that you offer? 

We wanted to use a British brand, and while doing our research we came across Temple Spa and loved it. We also work with spa expert Claire Caddick who has her own brand, tRiBe517, and we use Pinks Boutique for our hand and feet treatments, as well as Proverb for our mens’ products, both brands were founded just a mile away from the Spa. We wanted to be as natural and organic as possible and all three fell into that category too.

The most popular treatment so far is definitely massage, but we try to encourage guests to explore the menu. We opted for a shorter range of treatments but a really fantastic experience rather than offering hundreds of different things, and so far guests seem to appreciate that approach. The standard of therapists is something we’re really proud of, and as we always leave a 15 minute gap between clients, guests are always guaranteed a full 60-minute treatment, which isn’t always the case.

Tell us about The Hideaway?

The Hideaway is a private space where guests can come for the day and hire it for four hours in the morning or afternoon. It includes a private garden with a hot tub, is beautifully decorated and has its own lounge with a mini bar, a shower, toilet facilities, and a dual treatment room. Guests who hire the hideaway will always have their spa treatments with a member of the senior therapist team, and it’s really fantastic for couples on a romantic spa day or for a couple of friends spending quality time together.

Tempted? Find out more about The Spa at Breedon Priory