Kirsty MacCormick curating world-class destination spa in the UK’s Lake District

The Swan Hotel & Spa in the UK’s picturesque Lake District is set to reveal a world-class wellness experience in December 2021 with the launch of a brand-new spa.

Following a multi-million-pound investment, an extensive transformation is underway which will produce an 8,000sq ft destination spa with six treatment rooms, as well as 30 new spa bedrooms – all perched on the shores of the River Leven at the tip of Lake Windermere.

Named Holte Spa, the new wellness facility is being curated by Kirsty MacCormick of The Spa Consultancy.

Her vision is to pay respect to the natural beauty of the destination’s surroundings with the concept drawing inspiration from the outdoors and with an emphasis on natural materials, holistic treatments and sustainable practices.

Bringing the best of the outdoors in, Holte Spa will provide a multi-sensory wellness experience blending modern spa treatments with authentic bathing traditions that connect guests with some of the core natural elements of the Lake District – woodlands and lakes, fog and rain, fresh air and woodfires.

This emphasis on nature is at the heart of the wellness concept which will extend to a new spa garden with an outdoor/indoor chemical-free vitality pool, outdoor hot tubs providing a woodland bathing experience, waterfall showers, a Finnish sauna and a relaxation cabin complete with a fireplace.

The spa garden will offer a thermal circuit consisting of three bathing options depending on their wellness objectives – gentle, refreshing or intense.

MacCormick says this approach to personalisation and tailoring of individual wellness is a strong part of the Holte Spa ethos.

Indoors, guests will have access to a sauna, steamroom, experience showers and a vitality pool.

Soothing relaxation spaces will also be available both indoors and in the spa garden.

MacCormick told Spa Business she’s most excited about the spa rituals, outdoor spa garden and brand partnerships with sustainable brands including Ground wellbeing, COmfort Zone and OTO.

“The range of unique treatments and services from our spa partners along with the authentic bathing journeys in the garden will be quite unique to the UK and give our guests fantastic results,” she said.

Rituals will include a Bamboo Massage, A Redwood Foot Reflexology, sound therapy and a CBD massage therapy.

Guests will be able to enjoy wholesome, healthy dishes at the new Spa Café & Deli, using produce from the hotel’s kitchen garden.

And to continue the wellness journey at home, there will be a carefully curated spa boutique offering a selection of lifestyle products, ranging from books to bath and body products.

To realise the spa, MacCormick has chosen to work alongside the following suppliers – Unique Pools, Finnmark, Anapos, REM and Gharieni.

The Swan has commissioned award-winning architects DLG to design the extension of the landmark hotel, and specialist contractors Medlock to bring the vision to reality.

Interiors will be designed by the celebrated Fiona Parke of Johnston Parke Interiors.

The Swan remains open while the transformation is sensitively underway with guests able to enjoy the hotel’s recently renovated bedrooms, brand new outdoor terrace for drinks and dinner.

James Houlston, MD of BH Group commented “We’re delighted to be investing and bringing an ambitious vision to life at The Swan.

“The addition of 30 new bedrooms and a spectacular new spa will bring exciting new elements to the Lake District, as well as utilising local resources and generating jobs within the community. We can’t wait to show guests and locals the end result at a time when health and wellness has never been so important”.