BY ALLISON LEE
When an invitation arrived in my inbox to attend the Sakura Spa Launch at Gisborough Hall, I was happy to accept. It had been many years since I last visited the Hall, and I was intrigued to see how things had changed.
Gisborough Hall is a country house retreat set a short distance from the coast and tucked away in the beautiful North York Moors. The Hall offers accommodation in 62 rooms, suites and shepherd’s huts, providing a peaceful and tranquil stay, perfect for relaxing after exploring the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside and all it has to offer.
Sakura Spa opened in August, and Nikki Kurran has overseen the project as a consultant. Nikki has over 35 years’ experience in the spa industry. After training as a beauty and holistic therapist, she worked in various roles before moving to Champneys Health Resort in the mid-90s, where she played a major role in developing the spa’s treatment rooms. She then started her own consultancy business in 2008 and worked on spas including Lifehouse Spa, The Langley, Nadara Spa at The Coniston and The Spa at Carden.
Sakura Spa at Gisborough is nestled in peaceful woodland grounds. It is an immersive wellness retreat designed to reflect nature’s beauty and encourage visitors to slow down, reconnect, and take stock of life’s simple pleasures. Inspired by the beauty, serenity, and symbolism of the Japanese cherry blossom, Sakura Spa has been thoughtfully created as a sanctuary where guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace mindful wellbeing. Every aspect of the experience has been carefully considered, blending contemporary spa facilities with tranquil woodland surroundings to create a place dedicated to relaxation and renewal.
Inside, the spa’s calming interiors reflect Japanese-inspired design principles, with a soothing palette of soft, muted tones complemented by tactile textures, natural stone, and warm wood finishes. Japandi-influenced furniture strikes a harmonious balance between Scandinavian simplicity and Japanese minimalism, while the spa’s signature cherry blossom scent gently permeates the space, immersing guests in a tranquil sensory experience from the moment they arrive.
The spa’s stunning outdoor garden offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and woodland, inviting guests to unwind with a range of thermal experiences. Facilities include a vitality pool, herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, salt steam room and invigorating cold plunge.
The spa features six luxurious treatment rooms, including a dedicated couples’ suite and a Sakura Head Spa, all designed to deliver deeply restorative treatments in a peaceful setting. Guests can also experience Welnamis, an innovative non-touch therapy that calms the nervous system and promotes deep relaxation through immersive sound and gentle vibrations.
To further enhance the experience, Gisborough Hall Country House Hotel & Spa has partnered with two of the industry’s leading luxury spa brands, Bamford and Elemis, to bring an exceptional collection of facial and body treatments to the new spa.
Completing the wellness journey is Koyo, the spa’s signature dining experience. Named after the Japanese word for the vibrant colours of autumn leaves, Koyo draws inspiration from the changing seasons and the Japanese tradition of appreciating nature’s beauty. The menu has been carefully curated to complement the spa experience, celebrating fresh, nourishing ingredients that promote balance and wellbeing.
Vicki Jackson, Spa Director at Sakura Spa, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome guests to Sakura Spa and unveil a wellness destination that has been designed to help people truly switch off and reconnect with themselves. Every attention to detail has been inspired by nature, from the calming woodland setting to the carefully curated thermal experiences and treatment offering, creating a space that encourages rest, renewal and balance.”
Allison Lee is a smallholder from North Yorkshire who has written for the Yorkshire Times and other publications. Her website can be accessed here.