In a boost for the South Lakes, the renaissance of a historic Lake District Hotel is about to take a further step, with the opening of a new spa facility honouring its origins at the forefront of Victorian ‘health tourism’.
Bowness-on-Windermere’s The Ro Hotel is one of the area’s oldest hotels, originally opened in 1881 as the Windermere Hydropathic Establishment. The Hydro, as it soon became known, offered spa breaks and water cures for health-seeking guests travelling from all over the country by the new railway network.
Like many large establishments, it was requisitioned as a hospital during World War I, and boys’ boarding school during World War II. Well-known to many from its prominent position overlooking the town and lake, the town was saddened to see the reopened Hydro Hotel gradually fall into disrepair, eventually going into administration. After a multi-million pound refit, it reopened in 2021 as the 87-bedroom Ro Hotel, fully restored to its striking white-fronted glory.
Now the Ro takes another step to reunite past and present, with the opening of its Hydro Wellness Club. Named in honour of the hotel’s original ‘hydropathic’ services, guests will be pleased to find the treatments updated from some of the originals! Where Victorian visitors sweated in the Turkish Baths, now state-of-the-art gym facilities, serene heated swimming pool, hot tub and tranquil relaxation areas with views over the Lake offer a balance of fitness, leisure and rejuvenation.
For those seeking a touch of indulgence, trained TEMPLESPA therapists are on hand to administer soothing body and face treatments, from tension-relieving massages to revitalising facials. For the ultimate treat, inside and out, spa day options include afternoon tea, or champagne and truffles: more relaxing than the terrifying-sounding original ‘electromagnetic baths’ (the latest in 19th-century technology!)
With a grand opening scheduled for Easter weekend, Ro general manager Adam Washbrook is thrilled that locals and visitors will once again be able to enjoy the wellbeing facilities that have been at the heart of the hotel for so long.
“While hotel guests will love the wellness facilities, we know the restoration of this historic element will feel extra-special to many locals. It’s important to us that this becomes an accessible, welcoming facility for our local community. That’s why we’ve designed a range of inclusive day passes, monthly and annual memberships, including cheaper off-peak rates; easy to take advantage of if you live in the area.”
Building up to opening, the Hydro Wellness Club has already created 3 new local jobs: spa manager and two therapists, with more to come.
“The Ro is such an iconic building, at the heart of Windermere tourism, jobs, economy and community for over 130 years, reinstating the Hydro feels like the missing piece of the puzzle” says Adam. “Although we won’t be reinstating the original practice of passing electric currents through the pool – we promise!”
For details of The Ro Hotel’s Hydro Wellness Club facilities, opening times and membership, see: https://therohotel.com/hydro-wellness-club
