A spa haven set in nature
Soak up your surroundings at Wildwood Spa, says Nicole García Mérida
It was not until I was out in the countryside that I realised how much I needed to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It became clear while overlooking the woodland and listening to the birds from the heated infinity pool at Wildwood Spa, Ravendere Retreat’s latest offering.
The spa, made up of two cuboid spaces separated by the twinkling fairy light-lit pool, was built into the valley side of a 12-acre property in North Devon and overlooks a tranquil pond and running stream, as well as a vast expanse of greenery. It’s run by Helen and Kieran Fisher, a husband and wife duo who struggled to find adult-only luxury accommodation for countryside breaks, and so made their own. After our weekend stay, it’s safe to say they have delivered.
The first space is equipped with a kitchen and lounge complete with a suspended fire and a portable Alexa that allows you to play music throughout. There’s more than enough space for you to store food and drink for a couple of days, but if you want to indulge I’d recommend calling in the Coastal Cooks team (a £150 booking fee, plus the cost of your meal). The private chef company is headed by Graham Brundle, former chef to Richard Branson and the King of Jordan, who created a bespoke dining menu for Wildwood Spa. We had a fourcourse menu with wine pairing.
The highlights were the Exmoor beef carpaccio, the beef coming from just up the road, the whole Devon lobster thermidor, baked in a rich mustard, parmesan and whitewine sauce, and the dessert – a platter featuring a gooey soft centre chocolate fondant, creamy tartes au chocolate, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate dipped Viennese fingers and my favourite, Baileys cream-filled choux buns, paired with a rich dessert wine. This was all cooked and prepared in the kitchen while we sat fireside on the split-level deck, listening to the sounds of the forest at night.
Scandi-style comforts
The bedroom features a gorgeous stand-alone ceramic bath, big enough for two people and deep enough to fully submerge in – take advantage of the citrusy bubble bath. In front of the bed is a pull-down projector where you can log into your streaming service of choice after you’ve curled up in bed with a cup of tea (or a glass of leftover wine). The bathroom has an exit to the sheltered outdoor shower decorated with festoon lights. Both rooms, furnished by Wayfair, are exquisitely decorated in a minimalist, Nordic-inspired style combined with natural elements that blend with the lush, green landscape.
This is also where any added spa treatments take place. You can request anything from reflexology to aromatherapy massages to facials from the local therapists who will set up shop in the comfort of the cosy room. I was treated to the full body aromatherapy massage (£65) by Sheila Shepherd, which sent me into a peaceful slumber and left me feeling relaxed. You can also add experiences to your stay, such as surfing
lessons, sea and wildlife cruises, and kayaking. We opted for a Vinyasa yoga class with instructor Jessica Wright (£50 for an hour) on the top deck, soundtracked by birdsong and the sound of running water.
A walk and a pint
If you fancy a pint, head to Lee Bay, a village located a 15-minute walk away. The peaceful country road will lead you to The Grampus Inn, a friendly pub heated by two wood-burning stoves. They make their own ale as well as Grampus Gin, made from local ingredients. Local artists perform live music on Friday nights, too.
Or enjoy a beautiful walk to the nearby towns of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe for breathtaking views of the ocean and jagged cliff side. Woolacombe’s sandy golden beach stretches for miles, and Ilfracombe harbour is a beautiful place to sit down for lunch. If you don’t want to venture that far, a 1.5-mile walk will take you to Lee Bay beach (make sure to check the tide times!). Head through the rock formations to your left if you’re facing the ocean to discover a peaceful hidden cove.
Peacefulness was the general theme of this getaway, supplied in the form of birdsong, the sound of the ocean, exquisite comforts and a superb home away from home. The spa is booked until November 2023, and it’s easy to see why. It does, however, have a waiting list for cancellations, and I would highly recommend signing up.
“The full body aromatherapy massage sent me into a peaceful slumber”