There’s something about the Lake District that slows your heartbeat the moment you escape into the jewel in the heart of Cumbria, says Karen Morley-Chesworth.
The air feels clearer, the light brighter, and the rolling fells seem to promise adventure and tranquillity all at once. Perched on the hillside above Bowness-on-Windermere, The Ro Hotel & Spa captures this spirit beautifully—an inviting base where wellness and wanderlust meet.
A Window on the Lakes
The Ro’s location is hard to rival. From its windows, you glimpse the rooftops and chimney pots of Bowness village set against the expanse of England’s largest lake (yes, I know technically speaking if you are a geography scholar you will say this is not a lake but a mere) .
Step outside, and you’re only a short stroll from the bustle of the waterfront—where launches and steamers glide across Windermere, the World of Beatrix Potter sparks nostalgia, and the historic ferry beckons you across to the quieter western shore.
We boarded the Windermere Ferry, letting the water and the breeze set the pace for the day. Across the lake lies Claife Viewing Station, a restored National Trust gem designed to frame one of the most iconic vistas of Windermere. Standing in its stone arches, gazing out across the glittering surface to the distant ridgelines, it feels like time pauses, an unforgettable reminder of why the Lakes are beloved by poets and painters alike.
The Hydro Club: A Haven of Calm
Exploration here has its rewards, and at The Ro those rewards are found in The Hydro Wellness Club. Bathed in natural light, this is a sanctuary designed for slowing down. The pool stretches invitingly towards the jacuzzi, which hums softly, and the atmosphere is one of hushed serenity.
After a hike in the fells, sliding into the warm water feels almost medicinal—like the landscape itself is coaxing you to rest. For some, the Hydro is a place for swimming lengths and clearing the mind; for others, it’s simply a space to float, breathe, and let the world drift by.
The adjacent restroom gives a perfect view over to Windermere, and the aromas of the TEMPLESPA products used in the treatment rooms – pure bliss.
The Spa Days offered, which promise to rebalance, recharge and relax you, sound perfect:
- The Champagne and Truffle Spa Day, which includes a 60-minute TEMPLESPA Champagne and Truffle Facial, with a two-hour wellness pass, luxury afternoon tea and of course a class of Champagne (£150pp)
- The Hydro Signature, which includes a choice of any 60-minute treatments plus a glass of Prosecco, afternoon tea and a two-hour wellness pass (£120pp)
- Treatment & Wellness, offering a choice of one 30-minute TEMPLESP treatment (£85pp)
- Wellness & Afternoon Tea, where you enjoy a classic afternoon tea with a two-hour wellness pass (£50pp)
There are options for locals to join the Wellness Club, and if we lived nearer to Windermere, we would definitely be joining with a monthly membership starting at £30.
Eating Well, the Lakeland Way
Evenings bring their own pleasures. The Ro’s restaurant feels relaxed yet refined, offering a set menu that makes choosing easy. Dishes are fresh, seasonal, and deeply satisfying—food that feels like a reward after a day outdoors, yet never heavy. Dining here mirrors the rhythm of the Lakes: unfussy, nourishing, and rooted in simple pleasures.
We dined from The Ro Set Menu, which gave an excellent choice of five starters, five mains and five desserts.
I started with a dish that celebrates local seafood – the Muncaster crab croquette with mussels in a light curry sauce and mustard cress. This delicious dish looked as beautiful as it tasted, and the heat did not overpower the flavour of the seafood.
For man course, I went for the Breast of Cumbrian chicken with new potatoes, peas and spinach with a woodland mushroom sauce, truffle oil and crispy leeks. The succulent chicken was perfectly cooked, and the earthy nature of the sauce and truffle oil elevated the taste of the local bird. The crispy leeks added that extra texture that completed the dish beautifully.
For dessert, the Raspberry Crème Brûlée with shortbread was perfect – not too sweet, and a crisp snap to the shortbread.
This was a most delicious meal, which was ideal after an energetic day discovering the local area. The restaurant is open to non-residents, and we will be returning here again to eat in this stunning dining room.
More Than a Hotel
Perhaps the most appealing thing about the Hydro is that it isn’t reserved only for those checking in. Spa days and flexible memberships (from just £30 per month) open the doors to locals and regular visitors, making it a true part of the community.
Whether it’s a pre-work swim, a weekend escape, or a retreat after a day on the fells, The Hydro offers a slice of wellness that feels both indulgent and accessible.
A Different Kind of Escape
At its heart, The Ro Hotel & Spa is more than a place to stay—it’s a place to restore.
From the morning mist rising over Windermere to evenings spent dining well and sleeping deeply, everything here feels like an invitation to pause.
The Lake District may be known for its rugged landscapes and literary heritage, but at The Ro, you discover another layer: a gentle reminder that wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a path you can choose each day, whether that path takes you across the water, up a fell, or simply into the stillness of a warm pool with a view.
The Ro Hotel & Spa, Windermere: where the journey to wellness begins.
See more of our adventures at The Ro on Instagram – follow Karen on Instagram @GaddingaboutK
Thank you to the team at The Ro for inviting us to be your guests.
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