This relaxing spa can put the boot in, too . . .
THE room is cavernously dark, the music blares and I’m pedalling furiously on a stationary bike. Am I road-testing the spin studio at London’s latest boutique gym? Trying out Michelle Obama’s favourite SoulCycle in a smart part of New York?
No, I’m in Staffordshire in the cycling cave at Made — a £1.5million ‘360-degree wellness centre’ and recent addition to Moddershall Oaks, a country spa near Stone, which is a 15-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent.
Up next on my agenda is a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free lunch at the centre’s cafe, followed by an energising dance class, outdoor bootcamp, and then, if my trembling hamstrings will allow, sunset yoga.
This will either sound like exactly the kind of re-boot you need — or a good spa weekend spoiled, more distressing, than de-stressing. In which case, rest assured that Moddershall still caters as much for sloths as it does for Duracell gym-bunnies.
W HILE the self-flagellation set avail themselves of Made’s fitness classes and rainbow-hued lattes (from matcha green tea to turmeric), there’s plenty for those who prefer their spa experience unreconstructed.
I’m with the wellness warriors, hoping to leave feeling lighter and brighter. That means spinning, squats and smoothies.
Made is self-consciously trendy — all shades of grey, white metro tiles, copper fixtures and branded everything. There’s a well-stocked, airy gym and classes on offer in various immaculate studios.
In the pristinely turfed outdoor bootcamp terrace, I am put through my paces by former Royal Marine Mark. I swing kettle balls and wrestle with something called ‘battle ropes’ (two heavy cords, anchored to a wall, which I have to wiggle).
Spa treatments are available, thank goodness, and there are conventional anti-ageing ablutions to be had, using Elemis products. I manage to squeeze in a mini facial post-workout.
One of the potions used on my skin smells so delicious, I have to ask what it is. ‘Super-food facial oil.’ Of course it is.
My room has access to a shared hot tub, but I’m content to watch the drizzle as I knock back my watermelon smoothie.
It’s packed with antioxidants that will revive and wake me up, apparently. With yoga in ten minutes, I need all the help I can get. I chase it with a black coffee, just to be on the safe side.
That’s the beauty of the place. While the new wellness centre means Moddershall offers everything fitness fanatics could want from a weekend trip or spa day, it still appeals if you’re in it for the pudding, not the Pilates. And there’s no reason why you can’t have both.