We’re only a month into a new year, and I don’t know about you, but my body is already starting to ache, and all I want is to unplug, undress, and have someone massage all my troubles away. And as I’ve now discovered, there’s no better way to regroup than a spa break at Ye Olde Bell.
This spa hotel has everything, from a pool where you can swim from the inside to outside, an indoor beach that gives you a boost of vitamin D, a snowstorm therapy room, and loads of luxury treatments – plus, at the minute, a special offer which gets you a gorgeous overnight break on Sundays.
After a drive across the Peak District to the town of Retford, we arrived at the spa and my shoulders instantly relaxed. I was very ready to embrace a day of walking around in a dressing gown and flip-flops, my phone firmly locked away.
We were welcomed by the front-of-house team who gave us our itinerary for the day (the least scary or pressured itinerary I’ve ever seen) as well as the opportunity to pre-order our lunch and wine (carbs and a bottle, thanks). From sea bass to crispy pork belly, all of it sounded delicious – and don’t even get me started on the dessert options.
Before we even arrived at the spa, the changing rooms were beautiful. With dressing gowns, flip flops and fresh towels waiting for us in our lockers, the spa had really thought of everything, so all we had to do was strip to our bikinis and enjoy the day.
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Walking into the spa, we were given a little tour of all the thermal rooms, and we were set on our way for the day.
The roomy saunaIndoor beaches need to catch onWho doesn’t love a pool?Just look at this placeTake us back (Credit: The Manc Group)
Ye Olde Bell has everything from dry saunas ranging in different temperatures, salt rooms to ease allergies, to a cold bucket shower. My favourite therapy room however was the snowstorm experience (who doesn’t love snow in August?!) – it was so refreshing after being in the 90-degree dry sauna.
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After trying all the treatment rooms and hearing the occasional scream from the ice water bucket, we swam outside to the pool and ordered cocktails.
With a spa butler service, you can order a range of hot and cold drinks, but also wine and cocktails – we obviously sidetracked the soft drinks and opted straight for an Aperol spritz and a pineapple margarita. They went down a treat.
After our two-course lunch and wine, which was as delicious as the menu had promised, it was time for treatments.
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I opted for the ‘Experience Elements’ massage, which was based on Chinese philosophy and the oil selected is based on your sign. Amy opted for the ‘Taste of Germaine’ facial which is an introduction to facials – and seeing though she had never spa’d before it was the perfect treatment to start with.
30 minutes went so quickly and I honestly didn’t want to peel myself off the massage table, but we had the Sabbia Med to look forward to, which was like being at the beach and the perfect vitamin D boost needed.
At the end of the day, we didn’t want to leave – but luckily for us, we didn’t have to, with lodges and hotel rooms all on site. Ye Olde Bell really is the perfect place to escape Manchester and enjoy a weekend with friends.
Special offer at Ye Olde Bell
Ye Olde Bell is currently running a ‘Savour the Sunday’ spa break offer, which includes a three-course Sunday lunch, an afternoon in the spa, an overnight stay, and a hearty breakfast the next morning.
You’ll be staying in one of the spa’s charming rooms and making the most of its award-winning spa facilities.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads revealed
Emily Sergeant
New proposals which could transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been unveiled.
Oldham Road is one the key routes into the city centre, and sees upwards of 26,000 journeys a day via a combination of car, bike, and public transport, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), but these new plans are set to improve journey times, safer crossings, protected cycleways, better connections, and boost sustainability.
“We know that things can be better,” TfGM said in a statement unveiling the proposals this week, adding that change is needed.
In the last five years alone, there have been 36 collisions on Oldham Road between Great Ancoats Street and Queens Road, with seven serious injuries caused as a result, which is why Council believes, with a number of targeted improvements, the road can be made better for everyone.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been revealed / Credit: TfGM
When asked during the last consultation, hundreds of locals said what they wanted buses to come more often and be more reliable, safer places to cross the road, wider pavements for walking, and better-protected cycle lanes.
As part of the unveiled plans – which are currently out for consultation too – TfGM and the Council is proposing adding more bus lanes so buses don’t get stuck in traffic, as well making bus stops nicer with better places to wait, and building more cycle lanes that are separate from cars.
Proposals also include changing traffic lights to help people cross the road, and fixing busy junctions so they’re easier and safer to cross.
Proposals are aiming to make the road safer, better-connected, and more sustainable / Credit: TfGM
“Improving everyday journeys is a priority, and the proposals for Oldham Road are central to this,” commented Alison Chew, who is TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus.
“Through the Bee Network, we’re creating a joined-up, safer and more affordable transport system for Greater Manchester, reducing congestion for everyone and connecting people with places and opportunities.
“These plans aim to make bus stops safer and easier to use, improve the speed and reliability of bus services, and provide better walking and cycling routes with upgraded crossings and footpaths.
“As Manchester city centre continues to grow, improving the way people can move easily around the city is a major driver for change. We know that things can be better.”
You can have your say on the proposals on the Council website here.
Featured Image – TfGM
Travel & Tourism
Gary Neville’s five-star hotel is expanding, with 95 new suites
Daisy Jackson
Gary Neville‘s luxury Stock Exchange Hotel is expanding in a big way, announcing today the Stock Exchange Suites.
The expansion will see 95 new suites added to the five-star hotel, taking over the building just opposite the existing hotel.
As well as the new suites, the Stock Exchange Suites will add a new food and drink offering to the city centre, plus a boutique gym and spa.
Expected to open in early 2027, it will dramatically boost the capacity of the hotel, which currently has just 40 individually designed rooms and suites.
The Stock Exchange Hotel has become the go-to accommodation for the rich and famous visiting Manchester, with Hugh Grant, Madonna, Noel Gallagher, Ed Sheeran, and Rosalia all choosing to stay here for their respective events in recent years.
The 95 room addition aims to be a ‘seamless extension of the hotel’s outstanding guest experience’ and will triple its current capacity.
Gary Neville’s five-star hotel is expanding, into Stock Exchange Suites
Stock Exchange Suites – just like the main hotel – will be designed by interior design studio Autoban, with modern luxury touches from materials to furniture.
The luxury suites will span from the first to the fourth floor of the building, with a mix of the brand’s Arthur Hope Suites, Bradshaw Suites and Norfolk Suites.
There’ll also be flexible cluster rooms to accommodate larger groups, with the option to configure different bedroom arrangements and private lounges.
Every room will include super king-sized beds and stunning en suite bathrooms.
On the ground level, there’ll be an expanded Traders Lounge, a 1000 sq ft relaxed lobby space, cafe and bar, to grab everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
Plans also include a boutique gym and spa, with steam and sauna rooms plus treatment rooms.
There’ll be 48 car parking spaces and new meeting rooms included in the expansion.
Winston Zahra, Co-Owner of the Stock Exchange and founder of Troo Hospitality said: “We’re delighted to share more details of what’s to come at Stock Exchange Suites at such an exciting time for the city.
“An exceptional start to the year has only strengthened our belief in the opportunity to grow. Stock Exchange Suites is a natural next step — allowing us to enhance our offer and to meet demand for hosting groups and guests from across the globe.
“This expansion reflects both our confidence in the market and our continued commitment to investing in Manchester’s world-class hospitality offering.”
The Manc -
30th January 2025 
