The way that you view your own birthday tends to depend on which stage of life you are at. Children love them, of course. Younger adults covet them too. In the early stages of life, they signify progression: increased authority and gravitas.
Once you have a half century under the belt, however, they certainly become less appealing. Another year older? Already? Surely not.
Acutely aware my sofa was not a favourable battleground to wage the war on aging, my wife Lisa and I headed an overnighter at Oulton Hall. Time to see if their revered reputation for relaxation might put my fading youth syndrome on ice.
To say our first impressions were positive would be an understatement. The short drive through the estate showcased sweeping, immaculately kept grounds.
Just South of Leeds and easily accessible from the North-East, Oulton Hall exudes an understated elegance. It is thoroughly British in every aspect, including its rich history.
Now a Grade II listed building, the estate was built at the beginning of the 18th century. Notably, it was used during World War 1 as a hospital for recovering officers and Belgian refugees, before falling into disrepair in the latter half of the 20th century. It was not until the 1990s that the building was restored to former glories and fitted with the facilities which make it the luxurious resort that it is today.
With minimal fuss and help from friendly staff, we checked in to the Wensleydale Suite. The room exuded the opulent character expected in an 18th century building but did not go wanting for any of modern life’s luxuries. Fully stocked tea and coffee, mini-fridge, fluffy bathrobes, slippers and enhanced toiletries are just some of the indulgences available.
Beautiful, white paned windows let in extraordinary light and allow a view of the lush, 27-hole golf course. We fought the temptation to have a mid-afternoon snooze on the four-poster and prepared for the spa treatment that I hoped would make me feel 21 again.
On the way down to the spa, we were briefly waylaid by a quick detour to The Champagne Bar. The well-equipped bar offers a wide range of wines and cocktails and is smoothly operated by its friendly staff.
Being warm enough to sit out, we enjoyed a crisp glass of white on the terrace. This gave me a chance to inspect the golf course in more detail. The immaculate, versatile course offers something for every golfer. Custom club fitting and PGA professional coaching is even available for those most keen. If I had not been fully committed to the de-aging process I was about to undergo, I may have been tempted to break out the clubs – there’s always next time.
We visited the on-site spa, where we enjoyed the sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and cold plunge pool, ensuring maximum pre-treatment relaxation. Lisa was treated to the Elemis facial while I had a back massage – quite literally, just what the doctor ordered.
After treatments, we took half an hour to enjoy the ‘Relaxation Room.’ The dimmed lights and tranquil music make the room the perfect place to continue to unwind post-treatment. Despite feeling as close to 21 as I have in a while, I must admit that I showed my age by dozing off on the comfy lounger.
After changing, we made our way down to the Calverley Grill restaurant. The menu boasts a great selection of dishes. I opted for grilled scallops followed by fillet steak, whilst Lisa chose the Stilton Panna Cotta and grilled salmon.
The hotel offers a range of beautiful lounges, where most guests choose to while away their evening. Amongst the traditional furnishings, in deep armchairs, we reflected on another year spent together. The deep state of tranquillity that Oulton Hall had plunged us into in our short stay had enabled us to understand something about getting older.
The spa treatments, The Wensleydale Suite, The Relaxation Room, The Calverley Grill – they had all helped us to realise that, although it is impossible to freeze the ageing process, it is certainly possible, if you find the right place, to enjoy it.
For more information, visit www.oultonhallhotel.co.uk