Feversham Hotel, Verbena Spa

My preconceptions of having to dive into a mud bath, permanently stain a bikini and get mud stuck to my contact lenses, was well and truly quashed after my visit to the Feversham Hotel and Verbena Spa.
By Claire Cheung

The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa is a luxury hideaway perched on the edge of the Yorkshire moors – perfectly located if you love hiking or a more languid mooch around the picturesque market town of Helmsley. There are some wonderfully quaint boutiques and cosy cafes, which is a real plus point.

Although, it might be difficult to tear yourself away from Feversham Hotel, the award winning former old coaching inn offers pure indulgence from head to toe. This is luxury in every sense of the word, from the divine restaurant where ingredients are locally sourced and changed seasonally and the beautiful homely suites, to the heat experience spa facilities including a salt vapour room, aromatherapy room, a sauna, outdoor heated pool and hot-tub.

The Spa

During my stay, I indulged in the Mud Glorious Mud package. The treatment includes an anti-stress back therapy, designed to relieve tension and overcome tight muscles. My therapist could sense that I was as tense as a plank and expertly massaged my back, neck and shoulders making me feel completely relaxed. As I was asked to lie back onto a mixture of marine mineral mud, the heat from my back reacted with the mud – making it bubble and pop (it sort of resembled yeast fermenting). I could feel it getting to work as it soothed and relieved. My feet and lower legs were then massaged to improve circulation.

Clear of any mud and contact lenses still in tact, I spent an additional hour getting the most of my spa heat experience. This included a soak in the 38 degree heat of the outdoor hot tub (under grey skies), whilst listening to the chimes of the village church visible beyond the hotel. It’s clear that the venue is not solely enjoyed in the summer but also in the winter months, thanks to the heated pool and hot tub which can be followed by a lovely afternoon tea by open fires.

Accessibility:

There is disabled access throughout, but on the occasion where areas might prove difficult there is no doubt that the staff will go out of their way to accommodate those who need extra assistance, whether trying to get into the hot tub or down a few steps.

Prices:

Although the prices aren’t cheap, the treatments available are extensive, ranging from ritual wraps to Indian head massages and stress-back therapy to manicures – there is something to fit everyone’s budget.

The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa is the perfect getaway treat, where you will fully indulge in luxury and quality. The only disappointment for me, was that the 15 hours there was simply not enough.

The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa
High Street
Helmsley
North Yorkshire
YO62 5AG