It's halfway through the year, and I don’t know about you, but my body is starting to ache, and all I want is to unplug, undress, and have someone massage all my troubles away.
And as I’ve now discovered, there’s no better way to regroup than a spa break at Ye Olde Bell.
This spa hotel has everything, from a pool where you can swim from the inside to outside, an indoor beach that gives you a boost of vitamin D, a snowstorm therapy room, and loads of luxury treatments.
After a drive across the Peak District to the town of Retford, we arrived at the spa and my shoulders instantly relaxed. I was very ready to embrace a day of walking around in a dressing gown and flip-flops, my phone firmly locked away.
We were welcomed by the front-of-house team who gave us our itinerary for the day (the least scary or pressured itinerary I’ve ever seen) as well as the opportunity to pre-order our lunch and wine (carbs and a bottle, thanks). From sea bass to crispy pork belly, all of it sounded delicious - and don’t even get me started on the dessert options.
Before we even arrived at the spa, the changing rooms were beautiful. With dressing gowns, flip flops and fresh towels waiting for us in our lockers, the spa had really thought of everything, so all we had to do was strip to our bikinis and enjoy the day.
Walking into the spa, we were given a little tour of all the thermal rooms, and we were set on our way for the day.
The roomy saunaIndoor beaches need to catch onWho doesn't love a pool?Just look at this placeTake us back (Credit: The Manc Group)
Ye Olde Bell has everything from dry saunas ranging in different temperatures, salt rooms to ease allergies, to a cold bucket shower. My favourite therapy room however was the snowstorm experience (who doesn’t love snow in August?!) - it was so refreshing after being in the 90-degree dry sauna.
After trying all the treatment rooms and hearing the occasional scream from the ice water bucket, we swam outside to the pool and ordered cocktails.
With a spa butler service, you can order a range of hot and cold drinks, but also wine and cocktails – we obviously sidetracked the soft drinks and opted straight for an Aperol spritz and a pineapple margarita. They went down a treat.
After our two-course lunch and wine, which was as delicious as the menu had promised, it was time for treatments.
The best sleep we've had in agesYumThe old and the new
I opted for the 'Experience Elements' massage, which was based on Chinese philosophy and the oil selected is based on your sign. Amy opted for the 'Taste of Germaine' facial which is an introduction to facials – and seeing though she had never spa’d before it was the perfect treatment to start with.
30 minutes went so quickly and I honestly didn’t want to peel myself off the massage table, but we had the Sabbia Med to look forward to, which was like being at the beach and the perfect vitamin D boost needed.
At the end of the day, we didn’t want to leave – but luckily for us, we didn’t have to, with lodges and hotel rooms all on site. Ye Olde Bell really is the perfect place to escape Leeds and enjoy a weekend with friends.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
You can stay in a converted barn loft apartment in North Yorkshire
Thomas Melia
There's a converted barn staycation in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside that also double as a loft apartment which you can try out.
Ever wanted to live out your loft apartment dreams? Ever wanted to trial out rural country living? Well now you can in this converted barn which also doubles as a loft apartment.
This gorgeous staycation is situated in the cosy and quiet hamlet of Azerley in North Yorkshire just a one hour drive away from Leeds city centre and 40 minutes from the North York Moors National Park.
The holiday home has everything you could possibly wish for, from a perfect balance of rustic and modern elements with its interior to impressive views of the picturesque green landscape.
Inside the converted barn loft apartment situated in Azerley, North Yorkshire / Credits: Airbnb (via Supplied)
If that wasn't enough, there's a covered balcony at the front of the converted barn meaning you can enjoy sitting outside regardless of the weather, and being in North Yorkshire this is handy, especially if there's a downpour.
Inside you're spoilt for choice when it comes to cushions and throws with an array of these cosy companions adorning every piece of furniture waiting to provide you with the ultimate comfort.
This rural rental barn is suitable for two guests as it has one bedroom which has its own attached en-suite bathroom and due to its limited bed options is not suitable for anyone with children.
On this staycation's description, the host Jo mentions that she has her own sheep and hens meaning you might get to admire some adorable animals during your time at Chequer Barn Apartment.
The living space and en-suite bathroom at Chequer Barn Apartment / Credit: Airbnb (via Supplied)
One previous visitor even mentioned, "[I] loved sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine while watching the chickens run around in the garden, thanks Jo we had a great time".
If you want to stay in this converted barn loft apartment, Chequer Barn Apartment is available to book whenever and you can find a range of dates and more information HERE.
Featured Images: Airbnb (via Supplied)
*Airbnb is not the copyright holder of these images. Airbnb receives a limited licence from our Hosts who agree to our Terms of Service and upload these images. Airbnb grants you limited and revocable rights to use the images on your site for your article only, provided that you link to the listing, add the credit line “Courtesy of the Airbnb Community” and remove the images if the rights holder objects to your use.
The Hoot -
24th August 2023 
