Twilight Spa @ Ramside

Spa trips are always a good idea, right?!
The last couple of weeks I've been feeling pretty run down, with a constant cold lingering around and just generally feeling unwell. So a twilight spa visit sounded like exactly what I needed.Ramside Spa, just a short drive from Durham city centre, opened in August of last year, as part of an 8 million pound investment from Ramside Hall - the hotel attached, which also boasts a golf course and a few different restaurants. I'd been for a cheeky look around, and a few times for food in their spa restaurant, Fusion, but never for a spa visit.
After tucking in to some Asian treats (a mix of pieces from their Afternoon Tea) and the biggest platter of sushi, we had a quick tour of their gym and the spa facilities before it was time to head to the changing rooms to pop bikinis on and cosy up in giant fluffy robes.
The spa has five pools in total, so whether you want to go for a swim, enjoy a bubbly massage in the hydrotherapy pools, or just dip your feet, there's something to suit everyone. They have a private infinity pool area available upstairs, near to the treatment rooms, which you can hire out. It sounds like it would be perfect for a girly day, hen party or special treat! 
Knowing there was an outdoor pool, I ventured out there first. It was a cold night - we're talking less than 5 degrees, the kind of cold where you can see your breath in front of you. So I quickly whipped off the robe and headed into the pool. It was lovely and warm, with bubbly jacuzzi jets and the clear night sky above us, I could even make out some stars. I imagine it'd be pretty special to visit if it was snowing and sit there with a glass of fizz. Pure bliss. I've already been hinting that I'd like to go back soon, so hopefully my boyfriend is taking notes!
Offering everything from massages and facials to rasul mud treatments, Ramside Spa pride themselves on using ESPA products and are also a wellness spa, focusing on treatments for cancer patients too which is pretty lovely.
Memberships are available which allow full access to the spa, gym and a range of fitness classes - there's my favorite Body Pump on there, alongside Metafit, a few different Yoga classes (even Aerial Yoga) and Sh'Bam which sounds so up my street. A high energy dance workout! More information is available on their website alongside the full list of fitness classes and spa treatments.
Have you been to Ramside Spa? What's your idea of a perfect spa trip?My Twilight Spa visit was complimentary. All photos my own.