Your Yorkshire Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 41)

All the latest from around the region Nearlywed NEWS R&R IN THE HEART OF HARROGATE Editor Hannah Faulder checks out DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and its fabulous new spa development With a word like majestic in its name, this venue has to have the wow factor, and it truly delivers. Nestled in pretty landscaped gardens and taking a prominent position overlooking the spa town, it’s no wonder the four-star hotel is affectionately known as the jewel in Harrogate’s crown. The imposing brick façade houses stunning interiors brimming with Victorian features. As my sister and I sit down for a three-course dinner we marvel at the incredible dining room. Huge windows, impressive floral arrangements, and my favourite feature: the decadent, shining champagne bar. It feels as though you’re sat in a film set for a period drama, but thanks to a £15m renovation it has a thoroughly modern edge. We also got to take a peak at the glorious Carriage Suite, with light streaming through the huge windows and grand pillars accenting the space, it’s the perfect spot for wedding celebrations with up to 500 guests. I’m an avid spa-goer, so the thing I was most excited about was visiting the incredible new Harrogate Spa. Part of the hotel’s major renovation project, and joined to the main building, it is a haven of calm and befitting of the town’s spa heritage. Inside, it’s clear it has been designed and built with expertise. “It’s been a pleasure and a dream of mine to be heavily involved in the creation of The Harrogate Spa,” says spa director Lynn Roach. “The entire team have put their heart and soul into it, and I feel that guests will sense that.” The changing rooms have all the facilities you could need, and stepping into the main pool area it has a wonderfully serene feel in warm yellow stone with twinkling ceilings to create a cosy atmosphere. There’s also a Jacuzzi, salt wall sauna and steam room. It wasn’t long before I was totally chilled out on a lounger, only to be stirred by my therapist coming to collect me for my hot stone massage. The spa uses ESPA products, and I was able to smell the different oils available and choose the one that I was most drawn to. Then, I soaked up the relaxing scent coupled with the most incredible full-body massage. I was once told that it’s a compliment to your therapist if you fall asleep during a massage, and I hope that’s true because she did have to wake me up at the end – bliss! Find out more at theharrogatespa.com and doubletree3.hilton.com nataliehamiltonphotography.com Happy anniversary! The remarkable Birdsall House is celebrating its two-year anniversary as an exclusive wedding venue in April. It’s been a whirlwind two years, with the venue being nominated for Best New Venue in the UK Wedding Awards 2019, receiving acclaim from national newspapers for its renovation and being used as a location for an upcoming Netflix film. As well as this, it has of course been host to plenty of beautiful weddings. Sitting in its own private valley on the edge of the Wolds, the house has been in the Willoughby family since it was built in 1540. The family decided to share this incredible building with the public to ensure the longevity of such a spectacular setting. Lady Cara Willoughby says, “To be involved in a couple’s memorable wedding day is something myself and the team will never tire of.” To find out more, head to birdsallestates.co.uk LET THE PARTY BE-GIN After taking beer lovers for tours across the region, it’s now time for gin lovers to get in on the action with Brewtown Tours’ new offering. Perfect for pre-wedding celebrations, you’ll visit three independent gin distilleries each with its own approach and its own signature flavours – including the Yorkshire favourite: rhubarb gin. During your gin journey you can taste samples, buy bottles and get up close to the action. What’s more, transport from York station is included in Ginnifer the gin bus! Why not add an elegant gin afternoon tea at York’s renowned Grays Court Hotel to round off a wonderful day? Visit brewtowntours.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9