By Laura Turner
Looking for a spa hotel in the Peak District? Buxton Crescent hotel is the one to book.
With its geothermal spring waters that are a naturally toasty 28C, Buxton is the ‘Bath of the Midlands’. And the fact it looks like Bath, with its Georgian architecture and cultural landmarks, is no accident.
Buxton’s famous ‘Crescent’ was built by William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire, in the 18th Century in a bid to rival ‘The Royal Crescent’ in the Somerset city of Bath. He did rather a good job and these days, Buxton Crescent has its own spa hotel, which recently reopened following an £80 million refurbishment.
Chosen for it unique thermal waters, it is the first UK hotel from the Ensana Group, a collection of 27 health spas each located in areas of exceptional rich natural resources. Think salt baths in Romania to mud pools in Slovakia.
Here’s what happened when The Boutique Handbook team checked in for the night…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Valet and street parking is available at Buxton Crescent hotel, but go green and get the train instead. It’s worth it for the beautiful scenery alone.
Perfect if you live up north, it’s only an hour on the train from Manchester. If you live in London, you can get a train to Buxton with one change. Or in under two hours you can be at Macclesfield, a 20-minute drive from the hotel, which can arrange transfers. This is what we did. Along the way we were spoilt with breathtaking views of the Peak District.
When we arrived at Buxton Crescent hotel on a glorious Friday afternoon, the building was more spectacular than we could have imagined. Passers-by were stopping to take pictures of the sweeping ‘Crescent’ outside and we couldn’t help but join them.
Stepping inside, we were equally impressed. Many of the original Georgian features of the hotel have been loving restored, from the sparkling chandeliers that adorn most rooms to the ornately painted ceilings.
THE ROOMS
The 81 luxury bedrooms at Buxton Crescent hotel range from cosy Attic rooms beneath the eaves of ‘The Crescent’ to Superior rooms. All are tastefully decorated and come with complimentary toiletries, chilled Buxton water and tea and coffee making facilities.
For a special occasion, book one of their Junior or Crescent Suites. We stayed in a Crescent Suite on the second floor with views across the Buxton Slopes, a pretty public park opposite.
More than just a room, you get your own private living area with a fireplace. There is a four poster bed for a dreamy night’s sleep. But the standout feature is the roll top bath. The perfect spot for a glass of champagne.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are several drinks and dining areas to choose from at Buxton Crescent hotel – The Lounge bar, The Dining Room restaurant or take Afternoon Tea in the parlour.
To celebrate the recently released third series of Netflix period drama Bridgerton, Buxton Crescent hotel has launched a special Regency Afternoon Tea. It’s different to other afternoon teas in the UK as you get to play Bridgerton-inspired games, as well as eat finger sandwiches, scones and bite-sized treats from cake stands.
The Bridgerton: Love Letter card game features beloved characters from the series. Players are set the challenge of investigating Lady Whistledown’s identity. Drink tea from the Artisan Tea Box or add a glass of fizz. Prices start from £35pp.
Classic British food with a focus on seasonal produce is served in The Dining Room. Reasonably priced, you can get a three-course meal here for £50pp or choose from the main menu, which we did. Starters include Goats Cheese Mousse and Seared Shetland Scallops. For mains we ordered the Truffled Wild Mushroom Risotto and Loin of Herdwick Mutton. Puddings come in the form of treats, such as Chilled Banana Soufflé, Caramelised White Chocolate Parfait.
Breakfast is included in the room price at Buxton Crescent hotel. Highlights include fresh fruit, Peak District natural yoghurts and pastries. If you want a cooked breakfast, choose from specialty eggs, a full English, pancakes and porridge.
THE SPA
Set across three floors, the spa at Buxton Crescent hotel is a feast for the eyes.
The thermal pool area still has the original 1920’s Art Deco tiling. A new addition is the stunning stained-glass canopy above. Made up of varying shades of blue and green glass, this has to be one of the most breathtaking features of the hotel.
There are also eight treatment rooms, a salt cave, several steam rooms and saunas, a relaxation pool with a starry sky, gym and fitness studio and an indoor to outdoor rooftop pool.
Unique treatments on offer here include the Underwater Jet Massage (£45 for 30 minutes), which was unlike anything we’d tried before. The therapist adjusts the jets depending on your preference of pressure and we felt the tension in our muscles just melt away. For anyone who is particularly active, this is the perfect alternative to a deep tissue massage.
Using mud from Lake Heviz in Hungary, the Therapeutic Thermal Mud Pack (£85 for 50 minutes) also left us feeling totally zen. Containing high levels of minerals, the 40C mud is applied to the joints to relieve aching and aid relaxation. While the mud is working its magic, the therapist also carried out a lovely scalp massage. We couldn’t have been more relaxed if we tried.
Spa days start from £75 for spa access only. The Crescent Relaxing Spa Day includes spa access, a 50-minute treatment and two-course lunch. It costs £185 in the week and £215 at weekends.
EXTRAS
It’s worth nothing Buxton Crescent hotel offers a 24 hour front desk and concierge services. The hotel can also arrange transfers from nearby airports and train stations by private car (prices on request) and it accepts well-behaved dogs at an additional £20 per dog, per night. Note, dogs are not allowed in the spa or bar or restaurant areas.
OVERALL VERDICT
After spending a night at the Buxton Crescent Hotel, our only complaint is that 24 hours wasn’t long enough. With its prime location on the edge of the Peak District, it’s the perfect stay for a spa weekend, delicious food and drink or going for long country walks – or maybe all three. We’re already planning our next trip back.
Rooms start from £170 a night, including breakfast and spa access
Book a stay at Buxton Crescent hotel here
Read more: New UK spas to book now
Read next: UK spas with outdoor swimming pools
Comments are closed.