I always say there’s no such thing as too much spa time and I have had the pleasure and delight of trying out a couple this summer. With so much going on in and out of work at the moment, if the opportunity to enjoy some peace and tranquillity arises, I’ll be first in line to take it.
Set in the beautiful Welsh countryside and just a short 10 minute drive from Prestatyn beach is the gorgeous Marian Resort and Spa. Having been a holiday site since 1909, the new owners have converted it into the resort it is today, reopening in March 2024.
The resort is made up of cabins and lodges that are kitted out for couples and groups alike. Some of the lodges come with hot tubs for you and your pals to relax and enjoy in. They’re dog friendly too, and we were lucky enough to stay in one of their lodges where dogs were allowed.
Keep your eyes peeled for their peacock who likes to have a potter around and nosey in your lodge.
The welcome to Marian was warm and welcoming – we’re handed a map to find our lodge (the resort is huge) ready to explore everything, including the main building which is home to the restaurant, cocktail bar, sports bar, gym, pool and spa.
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There are plenty of locals visiting Marian while we are there which gives the resort a community feel.
Our lodge has a modern design with brand new amenities, and feels fresh and light – perfect for us to kick back with a bottle of fizz and some beautiful balms from their spa.
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After a quick change, it’s straight across to the Marian Resort & Spa cocktail bar which is like stepping into the Great Gatsby movie. They have their Thirsty Thursday deal on (2-4-1 cocktails) even though it’s Saturday and we indulged in the bar’s recommendations. We drink them on the balcony outside and enjoy the stunning view.
Dinner in The View restaurant was fantastic. Like. Fantastic. Everything was delicious.
Heirloom tomato and mozzarella bruschettaAsian crispy beef saladFish cassouletGIANT sticky toffee puddingDinner at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
The ingredients were so fresh – we didn’t want the meal to end. We opted for the heirloom tomato and mozzarella bruschetta and the Asian crispy beef salad, as well as the butternut squash pappardelle and the special fish cassoulet.
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For dessert, we had the BIGGEST piece of sticky toffee pudding I have ever seen. The name of the restaurant The View, is apt as the view is stunning.
As darkness descends and the sun disappears, it becomes moody outside, making the whole restaurant become atmospheric.
There is a sports bar on the ground floor of Marian which was popular with the locals. It is clear that this is a destination for the whole community as well as for visitors to the area.
Views at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc GroupThe resident peacock at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc GroupThe entrance to the spa at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
We had a buffet style breakfast the next day which was of very good quality. We arrived at 9.30 and it was hectic, so I recommend getting there early if you can. All the food was of top quality again and they had Quorn sausages which is always a plus as a vegetarian.
The spa is located in a small outbuilding next to the main building which has been carefully curated to create a relaxing environment.
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There are reclining beds to relax on before or after your treatment with a clear view of the surrounding area.
My massage was one of the best I have ever had. The pressure was perfect and all tension simply melted away. After a chill in the relaxation room we went for a swim in the pool and baked ourselves in the sauna.
Although there is still evidence that Marian Respost & Spa is still fairly fresh, it is a great place to take your friends and family, and the sea is just 10 minutes away. For more information or to book your stay, check it out here.
First look at Heaton Hall’s ‘glittering’ restoration as it prepares to reopen to public
Emily Sergeant
Some new images have been released showing the inside of the historic Heaton Hall as it prepares to reopen to the public after its extensive restoration.
The impressive Grade I-listed property – also known as the jewel of Heaton Park – has been closed to visitors since summer 2025 for ongoing refurbishment to protect it from further deterioration, improve safety, and safeguard the building for future generations.
On top of that, the Orangery building – which is also set to reopen – has been closed since 2012.
The heritage-led programme, undertaken by MC Construction Limited, has followed best practice guidance from Heritage England.
Heaton Hall is undergoing a ‘glittering’ restoration programme / Credit: Manchester City Council
To respect the heritage interior, all rewiring, cabling, and other electrical services like improved Wi-Fi and data infrastructure – all of which forms a significant part of the restoration process to ‘future proof’ the building – have been discreetly routed through existing voids and behind skirtings to avoid visible surface wiring, wherever possible.
The chandeliers have also been returned to their glittering best following intensive works to ‘refurbish and refresh’ the ornate features as part of the major rewiring programme.
As part of the long-term investment into the estate, Manchester City Council also announced ‘significant’ works to the Orangery, with a vision is to bring the building back into use as a high-quality events and dining venue after being vacant for more than a decade.
The Grade I-listed Heaton Hall is the jewel of Heaton Park / Credit: Supplied
“Heaton Hall is the jewel in the crown of Manchester’s heritage buildings,” commented Cllr Basat Sheikh, who is Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods.
“The Council take its role as custodians of the property seriously and for some years a long-term programme of investment has been underway to protect the building and make sure it is safeguarded and future proofed so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.
“We know how important this building is to many of our residents and we can’t wait to welcome people back inside.”
Following the rewiring works, Heaton Hall will be prepared to welcome back visitors later this year with tours organised by the Friends of Heaton Hall.
The expert volunteers will take small groups through the property, providing visitors with fascinating historical insights about the hall and the various collections within the property.
More information about the tours will be made available in the coming months.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
Travel & Tourism
Even more of the Gay Village will be turned into outdoor seating this summer
Daisy Jackson
The Gay Village is set to get even more outdoor seating this summer, with the council moving to partially close several key streets to traffic.
The news lands mid-heatwave when thousands of Mancs are clamouring for a seat in the nearest beer garden or cafe terrace – with a huge proportion of those flocking to Canal Street.
Now, plans have been revealed to bring ‘a touch of cafe culture’ to the Gay Village, with even more outdoor seating space created for businesses in the area.
Initially running as a trial this summer, it will mean new terraces for New York New York, The Goose and The Eagle on Bloom Street, plus more locations on Richmond Street.
Manchester City Council has said that similar schemes on Thomas Street and Stevenson Square have been hugely popular with both punters and businesses, especially during the summer months, and can give local operators a huge boost.
So now it’s time for this thriving corner of the city to get the same treatment, as part of the ongoing work through the Gay Village Action Plan identified the need for more outdoor seating areas.
The two locations which will have the changes will be Bloom Street, between Abingdon Street and Chorlton Street; and Richmond Street, between Sackville Street and Chorlton Street.
In order to put these protected spaces into effect, some changes to the existing road network will be made:
Bloom Street becomes one-way from Chorlton Street towards Princess Street
Richmond Street is closed to through traffic between Chorlton Street and Sackville Street.
The scheme will initially run on a trial basis from 10 July throughout the summer to evaluate if it could be a viable long-term solution.
During this, plans will also be in place to ensure that deliveries and loading can go about unhindered, as well as daily waste collection and access for residents.
Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said: “The Gay Village is one of our most precious communities. For decades the queer community has been able to call this neighbourhood its own, establishing a long and proud place in the history of the fight against bigotry and discrimination.
“Needless to say, it’s one of the most-visited places in Manchester and sees thousands of people tread its cobbled streets every year. Because of that we’re always looking at how we, as its custodians, can continue to support its legacy and ensure that it meets the needs of people who live and work there.
“We’re excited to be trialling additional outdoor seating for these streets, and we hope to bring the same success that we’ve seen in the Northern Quarter after putting similar schemes in place.
“But, above all this has to work for everyone, so I would urge people to take part in this consultation and help shape the future of the Gay Village.”
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
6th September 2024 
