Say goodbye to stress as you unwind in the Dales
AS you step into the outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the stunning Yorkshire Dales you can almost feel the stress melt away. With drinks served to you as you kick back, it’s impossible not to feel relaxed.
Whether it’s submerging in the bubbling infinity pools or enjoying the view from inside – the most difficult decision is what to order from the menu.
For the tranquil surroundings of the Coniston Hotel in Skipton, North Yorkshire, are spectacular all year-round.
The hotel makes the most of its location on a picturesque and private 1,400-acre estate. Truly a world away from home.
Even in the rain – as was the case when we visited – the spa is the perfect place to unwind.
There is a garden experience for two with copper baths, for those wanting a little privacy.
But if the outdoors is not for you the breathtaking view can be enjoyed from the comfort of a lounger by the indoor pool.
There is also a selection of thermal experiences in the Nadarra spa including Finnish and Himalayan saunas, Aromatherapy steam room and indoor Jacuzzi as well as a selection of treatments to choose from.
For outdoor types the Coniston offers a range of activities on site. There are off-road driving experiences for the thrill-seekers, from a one-hour taster to a full day or even an escorted tour to enjoy the scenery.
Children aged between 11 and 17 can also get the chance to drive off-road, making it something for all the family.
Other activities include a shooting ground, guided bike rides, fishing, and walking and cycling routes. After a day in the spa, cycling or enjoying a delicious afternoon tea, guests can relax in one of the 70 beautifully decorated luxury rooms.
The hotel is also dog friendly so pets can join owners.
The double rooms have superking or twin beds, flatscreen TV, fluffy robes, hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities and most importantly, beautiful lake views.
The Dales is their premium room introduced in 2021 and offers the ultimate luxury experience. Guests need only take one step outside the sliding doors onto the private patio to soak up the countryside.
Food is available in the Nadarra spa Asian-inspired Blossom Kitchen with plenty of offerings from light bites such as seared tuna, wasabi aioli, chilli and ginger and rice vermicelli noodle and crispy won ton to main meals including beef blade, Szechuan glaze, charred sweet corn and Asian salad.
The View, an AA Rosette restaurant is the main dining area with – as the name suggests – a backdrop of the Dales.
Afternoon tea is available as well as an extensive lunch menu and when night falls, dinner can be enjoyed by the roaring fire in the restaurant in winter or on the terrace in summer.
The winter menu includes smoked cured duck breast with pickled blackberries, date, hazelnut granola, apple and beetroot and mushroom and chestnut tart with pickled walnut as a vegetarian option.
Ox cheek with oxtail potatoes, roast parsnip, celeriac, miso and crispy kale or pan fried oven roasted cod with butternut squash, sauteed potatoes, watercress and butternut sauce are among the meat and fish dishes while roast aubergine with confit tomato, charred red pepper, courgettes and tapioca is also on the menu.
If there is any room left try Baileys cremeux with pistachio crumb and Baileys ice-cream or a cheeseboard for dessert.
• The hotel is offering winter deals between January 8 and the end of February, excluding Valentine’s Day. From £189 per room enjoy two-hour spa access on arrival and breakfast before checkout. Spa days and treatments can also be booked without accommodation at www.theconistonhotel.com