Portland Hall spa is a bit of a hidden gem. Located just off Lord Street in Southport, Portland Hall provides an altogether different spa experience to that which many of us may be used to. YBnews director Jennie Lewis visited recently and had this to say.

Based in a former synagogue on a residential street, Portland Hall has quite an impact on arrival, but it’s when you walk through the doors that you really begin to feel you’re somewhere a bit special. The reception boasts a period feel, with light streaming through two beautiful and imposing stained glass windows, and comfortable chesterfield seating that you can relax into right away.

Those stained glass windows are a theme throughout the building, even in the well-appointed treatment rooms, that help create a unique and inimitable ambience.

I took my sister along to Portland Hall last month for the Indulgent Pamper Treat for 2. Our day began with an hour in the candlelit spa pool – which is available for guests to use privately throughout their day – and I have to say, it was probably my favourite part of the day.

The spa pool is the perfect place to relax and unwind before treatments. We were handed robes and slippers and brought water and fresh fruit to enjoy while we bathed, and as I sunk into the bubbles I felt the week and all its stresses just melt away.

Next was lunch – three courses to boot! Which came as something of a surprise, we were rather more used to something light – possibly macrobiotic – certainly green, from previous spa day experiences. But lunch at Portland Hall was not that.

For starters I opted for honey and soy chicken skewers, main was a hearty haloumi salad and we shared a dessert – on the recommendation that chef’s homemade cheesecake was not to be missed (and we couldn’t disagree) – all washed down with a bottle of prosecco – well why not?

While lunch was perfectly enjoyable, part of me can’t help but feel it was perhaps not befitting of a spa venue. It was tasty and homely, but heavy; and left me feeling just a little sluggish afterwards. That said, I’d skip back to Southport for another serving of the light and airy cheesecake!

After a little rest time, we were called for our treatments, therapeutic back neck and shoulder massage followed by spa radiance facial. We were treated in the same room on beds that lay directly next to each other. The room was clean and warm, with original features (yes, another stained glass window) and dark walls – quite a contrast to the usual whitewashed rooms I’m used to seeing in spas.

Our therapists were friendly and experienced and we were given a full consultation prior to our treatments to ensure any concerns we had were being met and catered for.

Portland Hall is a contracted ESPA spa and with the help of my therapist, I chose the restorative oil for my treatment. The scent – a mix of lavender, sweet orange and geranium – was soothing to the senses and the PalmaRosa and sweet almond apparently helped to tone, firm and nourish my skin.

The experience was not wholly pleasant – only because such a long time had passed since my last massage (and, as my pilates instructor would testify, because my heavy handbag has caused a lot of tension in my shoulders). My therapist carefully kneaded out each knot in my back and shoulders, and whilst it caused some discomfort at the time, I woke the next morning feeling completely restored.

The facial, on the other hand, was a joy. I chatted through my skincare concerns and my therapist selected oils to combat red patches, brighten my skin and fight against fine lines. The treatment was heavenly – so much so that within minutes I could hear the deepened breathing (snores) of my sleeping sister (and I wasn’t far behind).

After we dressed, we were guided back down to reception where we perused the ESPA range before finishing the day with a wash and blow in the spas salon – just £10 for spa guests!

All in all, we had a wonderful time at Portland Hall. It is perhaps, (a little bit like Southport), in need of some TLC in parts (the changing rooms are small, there’s just one loo and some parts of the building would benefit from some sprucing up) but the essentials are all there. Friendly, experienced and attentive staff, a fantastic range of treatments and comfortable surroundings that put you completely at ease.

And there are some special touches at Portland Hall that separate it from its competitors – the quirky interior, period features (those stained glass windows really are beautiful), the authentic Moroccan rasul, the convivial staff and the comfortable lounging areas that almost make it feel like a home-from-home. It’s a charming place that boasts all the experience of a leading spa but in a setting that is far less clinical than many.

Portland Hall offers a range of treatments and packages, including an all indulgent Christmas Package priced at just £99 per person. For more information or to book email info@portlandhallspa.com