Alchemist Spa at The Woolacombe Bay Hotel

Set back from Woolacombe’s sweeping three-mile beach, this Victorian hotel pairs period charm with a contemporary spa – Scarlet Spy

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Located in North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woolacombe Bay Hotel is set in the seaside town of its namesake, famous for its award-winning three-mile stretch of sand and rolling Atlantic breakers. Despite its mock-Tudor appearance, the 64-bedroom hotel dates back to the Victorian-era; original features include a striking double-height ceiling in the dining room (where breakfast is served) with views across the immaculate sweep of sea-facing lawns. In contrast, the décor is fresh and modern, with statement wallpaper and a laid-back vibe.

Refurbished in 2019, The Alchemist Spa can be found at the back of the hotel, past the quirky NEO cinema with its cosy sofas and plush armchairs.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

Use the map to locate the spa area (this is a Victorian property, after all) and you’ll find the heated indoor pool through a door on your left. Purple lights line the reflective ceiling casting a glow over the space. At the back of this area you’ll find the compact thermals, consisting of a bubbly hot tub, sauna and steam room; cool off in the experience shower. This area is open to hotel guests, along with those on a spa day/stay, so grab yourself one of the pairs of comfy oversized loungers sharpish, for optimal chilling.

A separate door leads through to the large, airy spa reception, where we received a warm welcome from the team. Here, you’ll also find The Larder, serving complimentary tea and coffee (cocktails and Champagne can also be arranged). On this floor, too, are the compact yet stylish changing rooms, complete with TempleSpa products, Dyson hair dryers and straighteners, and plenty of towels. You’ll find soft, grey robes and flip-flops inside the code-operated wooden lockers.

Couples or small groups of friends can book the private Rasul. Get your mud and scrub combo from the scrub bar and slather yourself in hand-harvested, mineral-rich mud before steaming away for silky smooth skin

For optimal wallowing, there’s an oversized copper tub for two; your bath butler will draw it for you, adding your choice of oil, so you can sink beneath the bubbles with a glass of something sparkly.

If the sun is shining, make a beeline for The Bay Lido. Bag a poolside lounger – beneath the wooden pergolas - and order an Aperol Spritz from the smartly-attired waiters. The Med-style outdoor pool, gently heated at 22ºC, is tucked behind a wind-breaking wall, so you’re protected from the sea breeze here but can steal glimpses of the heavenly blue bay beyond.

Active spa-goers should head to SALT Gymnasia and sign up for a hardcore Versa Climber class – a high intensity upright workout with zero impact and one of the first of its kind to be found outside of London.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENTS

We tried the Radiance Reset (80 minutes, from £150), The Alchemist Spa’s brand-new signature head-to-toe ritual.

My therapist, Charlene - who had the loveliest, nurturing presence - collected me from spa reception and led me up the stairs to one of treatment rooms.

Once I was comfortable on the heated bed, the treatment began with a gentle body brush, before a sugar scrub was applied to the back of my body.

Next, came a bespoke full-body massage tailored to ease tension. Charlene worked intuitively, melting away tight shoulders and gently coaxing my overworked mind to switch off.

Turning onto my back, Charlene continued the scrub-then-massage on the front of my body, before the facial element began. The TempleSpa Trufflesque products felt (and smelt) rich and delicious, leaving my skin lightly scented and glowing.

After a heavenly scalp massage using oils, Charlene gently brought me back to and led me through to The Optimist, a relaxation room with four plush leather studded daybeds. While she fetched a pot of lemon & ginger tea and tasty pastry, I admired the statement pendant lighting with exposed bulbs; vintage prints of butterflies, plumes and bees adorned the walls.

The result? Glowy skin and a zen-like haze. Impressive.

FOOD FACTS

For super-relaxed dining in a stylish but spacious setting, The Bay Brasserie and Bar delivers. The food is varied with pizza from the pizza oven, gourmet burgers or local seafood on the menu. Barista-style coffee is here, too alongside handmade cakes and the obligatory Devonshire Cream Tea. Don’t miss the cocktails – the Margarita got a big thumbs up - best served with a sea view.

For lunch, we plumped for the grilled free-range chicken breast with tomato, gem lettuce and an indulgent bacon jam on home-baked focaccia. Our spa partner’s homemade fish finger sandwich with tartare sauce hit the spot. Our lovely waiter even supplied us with takeout coffee to accompany a post-lunch saunter on the beach.

As we were staying overnight, we returned and ordered two beautifully cooked steaks, served with broccoli, mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and a generous green salad, all washed down with a glass of Malbec.

SWEET STAY?

We took the charming Edwardian-era lift up to Room 105 – a sea-view double (and what a view it was) located at the front of the hotel. The décor was simple and comfortable, allowing the real star - the coastline framed by the window - to take centre stage. We quickly discovered that the windowsill was wide enough to perch on with a good book, whilst listening to the rolling waves. It’s also the ideal spot to sip morning coffee from the mini cafetiere and ground coffee supplied.

WE LOVED…

The setting: Woolacombe Bay Hotel has its location nailed - set just back from the three-mile stretch of sand; a private path leads through the hotel grounds delivering you (almost) directly on the beach. VIP vibes indeed.

The Radiance Reset ritual: an indulgent, glow-giving signature worthy of its name.

The relaxed yet attentive service throughout the spa and hotel.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Alchemist Spa at Woolacombe Bay Hotel a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its coastal setting, nurturing treatments and relaxed charm.