A newly opened private spa retreat nestled along Hadrian's Wall has just bagged itself a prestigious award.
Brought to life at the end of 2023 (after moving from Brampton's Serenity Spa), The Ridge Retreat and Spa in Walton has scooped up a Scotland Prestige award.
Lyndsey and Abbie Ferguson, a mother-daughter duo, wanted to create a 'peaceful and private' space for all visitors, far removed from the often busy and impersonal environment of traditional spas.
After a visit to a spa in 2020 left them feeling uneasy, the pair saw the need for a change.
Recognising the necessity for a calm and tranquil spa environment private to the booking, they decided to establish The Ridge Retreat.
"We're right in the middle of Hadrian's Wall, it's the most perfect setting. From the hot tub, you've got a beautiful view of the north Cumbrian hills," Lyndsey said.
As well as a sauna and steam room, they offer a range of treatments, which include acclaimed Dermalogica advanced facials, acupuncture, and various luxurious beauty treatments like lash extensions.
It seeks to set itself apart by focusing on guests' relaxation as well as a personal holistic approach to wellbeing.
"Our spa suite is private to the booking party.
"Once it's booked, the booking gets it to themselves, they've got an outdoor area with a firepit to look over the hills and relax as well as food from a local company, the Bite Cafe.
"The list of treatments is endless, we offer the day-to-day but we like to try and think outside the box so people can come and have complete relaxation.
"It's really nice to be going into this venture, well reopening, with awards as well," Lyndsey said.
As well as an environmentally conscious approach to the business, they also look to support local, featuring everything from soap to candles from producers in the area.
Looking ahead, Lyndsey, who has a level four sports massage certification, said: "We're hoping to do fitness retreats so we can combine relaxation and fitness together.
"We're just trying to offer the whole part to chill everybody out, everyone's running at 100mph, it is about making a pocket of time out for both physical and mental health," Lyndsey said.
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