A new Nordic-inspired spa and bistro is set to open near Carlisle – creating 20 jobs in the process.
Nara Spa and Kitchen is located in the stunning grounds of Scalesceugh Hall, on the A6 Penrith-Carlisle road. It will open to the public on September 9.
The first phase of the opening includes a skin studio, nail studio and the bistro. Phase two, later in the year, will bring a pool, Rasul, sauna and steam room, as well as a Woodland Hideaway, containing an outdoor thermal experience, five treatment rooms and relaxation rooms.
The development has been created by wellness and lifestyle company Habitus, run by Bruno and Dr Anita Herdeiro, who developed 13 Scandinavian-style villas and 15 luxury apartments at Scalesceugh Hall.
Anne Craig, spa director, is looking forward to welcoming clients to Cumbria’s newest spa experience.
“Wellbeing is our focus,” she said. “The word has been thrown around and is seen as trendy, but most people do not get the true meaning.
“At Nara Spa, we are bringing the Nordic way of wellbeing to our clients, showing them it is something they need to do daily to ensure a healthy balance in life.
“Whether it is enjoying the peace and quiet in the bistro with a glass of wine and a light lunch, or relaxing in the nail studio during your pedicure and drinking a coffee, the time is solely yours to rest, relax and revive the mind and soul.
“I believe that, due to the pandemic, we have all realised that we need a good balance in life, we need to spend time with loved ones, get out more and enjoy the jobs that we do.
“Looking after ourselves has become a huge focus. It is not selfish but more self-care so that you are able to do your best at everything you tackle.”
The skin studio is unaffiliated by brand to give a bespoke service. Anne said: “If you think about it, we look after our bodies by going to the gym, walking etc, but can you say that you do the same for your face?
“The skin studio offers a range of bespoke facial treatments, where the goal is to help clients through education of ingredients, their specific skin, what it needs and where to get the best products to use at home.”
Career-high
For Anne, who has worked in the beauty industry for more than nine years, being at the helm of Nara Spa is a career-high.
“This is my dream, to build a spa from scratch, to break the boundaries of what has already been done and try new and exciting concepts that truly make a difference to people’s lives,” she said.
“Anyone can get a treatment from salons. However, at Nara Spa there is nothing that can take your focus away from yourself and your self-care.
“Situated in the countryside, with the glorious Wreay Woods and the River Petteril below, the sound of the birds singing and lush green colours all around, really do take you to another level of wellbeing.
“My dream is that we replicate the spa in many sites across the UK, and eventually Europe.”
The bistro and terrace bar will serve artisan cafe food and freshly homemade baked treats, while diners enjoy wonderful woodland views.
