0
Portland Hall Spa, situated in a beautiful old Synagogue in Southport town centre, makes for a truly unique spa day destination.
Portland Hall’s name is somewhat misleading as it is not a hotel but rather a purposefully marketed dedicated day spa. Owner Lyn Siddle’s vision began over six years ago, having visited several hotel spas which failed to meet her standards. Since leaving several venues feeling disappointed with her experience, having shelled out a lot of money for the privilege, despite no prior experience or training in the beauty industry, she knew she could do better.
Staff employed by Lyn are trained to concentrate solely on the visitor’s pampering needs as opposed to a hotel spa, where staff can sometimes feel in a rush to get clients in and out of their treatments as soon as possible.
Portland Hall provides a comprehensive service for women and men looking for traditional and holistic treatments as well as beauty treatments, hairdressing as well as a spacious dining room for all guests so a full day can be spent in the blissful surroundings.
Siddle aims to take each client on a personal journey through the space from the moment you arrive in the reception area, through to a luxurious dip in a private candlelit hot tub, before moving onwards to receive your pamper of choice in the individually decorated treatment rooms dotted around this gorgeous venue.
This precious space was threatened by an arson attack earlier this year, yet thankfully the old synagogue remained untouched and Siddle and her dedicated team worked tirelessly to re-open the spa in record time last March.
As we enter the wintery months, everyone needs a little perking up. Visiting on a blustery October afternoon, I arrived with my mother as her birthday treat. As soon as we entered, engulfed by warm dark wooden tones and the glorious stained glass windows, the cares of the outside world drifted away.
Seated on comfy leather sofas while we were served two steaming cups of tea, admiring the varied artwork on the surrounding walls. At first we thought they were just for decor but Portland Hall Spa is currently hosting the Northwest’s Best Artists Exhibit at Portland Hall Spa until October 31st.
Serenity is the watchword at Portland Hall, without a single sight of another visitor for our entire 3 hour visit, we were treated like princesses by Siddle’s friendly staff as we sampled the incredible private hot tub before being led up to the Red Room to have our treatments side by side, on two separate beds.
Having had trouble with aches and pains in my lower back recently, I decided to indulge in the Heavenly Hot Stone Therapy. And even the enticing description doesn’t do it justice; “This treatment is to die for, helping even the most tense person relax and unwind! Hot volcanic basalt stones are placed on key energy points and used to massage the body together with traditional techiniques to heal and balance the mind, body and soul. (1 hour 5 mins – £79.00)
For well over an hour my therapist used the stones to provide a smooth, golden touch concentrating on all the key pressure points, knowing exactly where to pin point and alleviate the stress that often builds up without us taking the time to unwind. Bliss!
My mum chose the Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift – for fine lines and wrinkles. “More than just a facial, this signature Elemis treatment will leave you looking absolutely glowing and feeling fabulous. Not only does this fantastic anti-ageing face and eye treatment instantly firm, rejuvenate and plump up the skin, it will leave you extemely relaxed too, with a luxurious hand and arm massage and de-stress scalp treatment included.” (£79 for 1 hour 15 min). With visibly fresh skin from the moment our treatment ended, my mum was delighted with the facial, exclaiming afterwards that it had been ‘like Heaven!’
After dressing and enjoying a refreshing glass of water in the comfort of the lounge, we were led up to another brightly decorated room dedicated to manicure and pedicures. Both of us booked in for a manicure at the same time, we were able to chat away 45 minutes along with our amiable beauticians’ in lively conversation while our nails were preened and polished to perfection.
By now, 3pm had ticked around and although food is available, from light bites to mains and desserts, smoothies and tea and coffee in the dining room, once our nails had fully dried we decided to make the most of our day out in Southport. Lyn graciously agreed that we could leave our car parked in the grounds while we explored the shops before settling down to a delicious afternoon tea along Lord Street Boulevard, which is a mere stone’s throw from Portland Hall.
As we reflected on the day’s excursion one thing was for certain – it was a day trip we’d be happy to take again, and again!
9/10
Please call 01704 53 77 33 to book EXCLUSIVE use for you and your party!
Portland Hall Spa
17a Portland St
Southport
PR8 1LR
Email: info@portlandhallspa.com
Opening Times
Mon, Fri, Sat 9am-6pm
Tues, Wed, Thurs 9am-8pm
Sun 10am-4pm