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We sat down with Ashley Freeman, our newly promoted Spa Manager and discussed her career at Rockliffe Hall spanning 12 years.
Read about future plans for the spa and Ashley’s favourite parts of this award winning part of the resort.
Q. Tell us about your career at Rockliffe Hall...
A. "I started on at Rockliffe Hall as a Spa Butler on 23rd November 2009 when the resort opened its doors for the first time. More recently I have worked as Spa Guest Services Manager dealing with membership and the day to day running of the Spa. I am now Spa Manager; it has been an amazing journey and I am very proud of everything the resort has achieved since opening."
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. "I love the fact that no two days are the same! You could be on the phone taking a booking, speaking and advising a guest in the spa, supporting in the laundry or dressing up on the way to a glitzy awards dinner."
Q. What have you changed since you have become Spa Manager?
A. "Within the first month of my new role, a new Spa Treatment Brochure was created with a focus on healing and balance, new Spa Days were launched and I facilitated a restructure of our Spa Management and Supervisor Team with new appointments for Jodie Barwick (Spa Sales Manager), Sophie Thomas (Spa Reception Manager) and Lauren Morgan (Spa Reception Supervisor), maximising the talent and expertise of these team members."
Q. Which is your favourite part of the spa?
A. "There are many! But for me, even though it is the smallest detail, when it is a dark evening and the light shines through the stained glass onto the pool and you are sitting inside, feeling warm and cocooned whether that be on a lounger relaxing, or in the Roman Sauna looking out. It is very relaxing."
Q. What is the spa treatment you would most recommend?
A. "The Sublime Skin! For those who always have a massage, you haven’t felt relaxation like it until you have had a facial. In particular the Sublime Skin 90-minute treatment as this starts with a 30-minute back massage and includes an Anti-Ageing Sublime Skin peel off mask, pure bliss!"
Q. What sets Rockliffe spa apart from other spas?
A. "There are many Spas now in this area as well as up and down the country; but in my eyes what sets us apart and is our team. We provide unobtrusive and friendly service whilst maintaining our professionalism and we do this ‘with a smile’. This approach is prevalent in the large majority of the positive feedback we receive in the spa."
Q. Are there any exciting things are planned for Rockliffe Spa?
A. "We are in the early stages of a number of ideas and plans including changing room refurbishment, treatment room refurbishment, entering significant industry awards, analysing our Spa Guest Journey and considering enhancements we can make to this. It is all very exciting and I am so happy to be part of it all."
Q. What is something most people don’t know about you?
A. "I have danced the majority of my life starting from when I was 3 years old until aged 25. In tap, ballet and jazz so I am very much used to being on a stage in costume! I also love going to the theatre and watching a musical."
Find out more about the spa at Rockliffe Hall.
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Rockliffe Hall has been named as a finalist in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the second year running.
The winners of this prestigious tourism accolade will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Wednesday 5th June at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.
Rockliffe Hall has been named as Large Hotel of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards for the second year running.
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