“Fit for a Prince and Princess”: Super Spabreaker, Catherine Gladwyn, continues her year of pampering by heading to Wales to a luxury spa with a past at Ruthin Castle Hotel …

Spa three of 12 took me to beautiful North Wales and for this one I went alone. It was a three and a half hour journey, so I packed some food for the trek. Unfortunately, I ate it within the first 45 minutes, but that gave me time to reacquaint myself with Bruno Mars through the power of radio and re-establish that love. Once I entered North Wales all thoughts of the long journey and rumbling tummy disappeared; what a beautifully scenic part of the world! At this point I wished I hadn’t travelled alone so that someone else could drive and I could take in the views.

First Impressions

You arrive at your destination just off a high street through a grand stone entrance. On arrival, and I don’t know why I was surprised given the name, you are greeted by an impressive ‘castle’. Once inside you’re welcomed by a history filled entrance/reception area; it’s like stepping in to a National Trust building!

The Hotel

Caked in history Ruthin Castle feels very warm and inviting. The place is spotless and the staff offer individual attention and a good service. No one walks around in the hotel, outside of the spa area, in their dressing gowns and slippers unlike other spas I have been to. I found this out the hard way as I bounded in to the bar area!

The Spa

Spotlessly clean, tastefully modern, relaxing and warm with many treatment rooms, a gym (with a few classes, mainly weekdays),  steam room, a room of hot tubs, sauna and a quiet room. I had a hydrating facial and full body massage and I am sure I looked 10 years younger afterwards – ‘friends’ the next day were less than convinced, but that was probably jealousy. The quiet room was beautiful, with a couple of double beds, comfy sofas, cushions and blankets. The room would benefit from the same rule Grayshott Spa Hotel has on display – ‘no books or magazines’, because it can be quite disturbing as you go off into your slumber while someone noisily fumbles with their Chat magazine. I was surprised there was no pool, but the spa area does have a few hot tubs.

The Restaurant

At lunch time I sat in front of a roaring fire with my camomile tea and over indulged in carbs, total bliss. The lunchtime menu is vast, just perfect for anyone who’s travelled a long way and couldn’t stagger their treats for the journey – like me!  The restaurant is beautifully decorated with the character of the building taken into full consideration, while the food is well presented and portions are a generous in size.

The Location

The grounds are full of history, as one would expect when staying at a castle dating back to 1277. If I’d have not been a lone traveller I would have ventured further in to the surrounding area to enjoy the open space that lies beyond. There are quite a few peacocks around, and it was mating season so I was greeted throughout my stay by a very handsome male who was very proud of his feathers.

The Verdict

Ruthin Castle is a lovely place and absolutely somewhere I would want to return with a companion.  I was surprised there was no pool or a ‘proper’ Jacuzzi, but this is a place to luxuriate in the treatments available and enjoy the unique surroundings.

Top Tips

–       Take advantage of the wonderful treatments on offer so you get to experience the spa area.
–       The website does not do Ruthin Castle justice; you will be overwhelmed when you arrive, make sure you take a little time to explore the grounds.
–       Enjoy!

Next stop, The Scotsman in Edinburgh, which I have managed to combine with my running club’s trip to the beautiful city for the Edinburgh Half Marathon; I am very excited about this one as I’ve never been to Scotland!