Spa review: Comfort Zone FACE SPA-ce, Rockliffe Hall Spa

When it comes to the world of the facial there’s the lie-back-and-relax version as you’re soothed and smoothed to the sounds of lapping water or gentle birdsong.

Or the bold and bright results-driven version where, much like at the hair salon, you’re facing a mirror as the transformation happens right in front of your eyes.

At Rockliffe Hall Spa in Hurworth, the UK’s first Comfort Zone FACE SPA-ce has arrived to bring a modern take to the facial experience using techniques and products from the Italian facial specialists.

First off, you don't have to be in a robe. You’re guided to the glossy FACE SPA-ce area within the glamorous Spa Boutique, so the treatment can be an easy in-and-out affair. But, if you’re staying for spa day at the hotel, you can also add one of the FACE SPA-ce treatments.

Great British Life: Rockliffe Hall spa and hotel in Hurworth, just a couple of miles off the A1 at Scotch Corner Rockliffe Hall spa and hotel in Hurworth, just a couple of miles off the A1 at Scotch Corner

Your chosen regime from the range of Comfort Zone facials happens as you’re sitting in the chair facing a full-length mirror. Instead of closing your eyes and zoning out as you might for a traditional facial in a dimmed room, this is quite the opposite, with lots of information from your therapist about products, processes and ingredients being used – it is quite an education - fascinating and fun.

Products are laid out in front of you, and you’re talked through the different elements as you go. I was giving festive-weary skin the PUMP-UP regime - aimed at improving (smoothing) wrinkles, increases firmness and promising an instant lift – irresistible.

Great British Life: The latest Comfort ZOne products and technology used at the FACE SPA-ce. The latest Comfort ZOne products and technology used at the FACE SPA-ce. (Image: Rob Whitrow)

It is all very pleasant – sometimes tickly, sometimes tingly with the tools used for many parts of the treatment – based on physiotherapy practices, my therapist used ‘active lifting’ massage techniques, working deeper muscles and bone joints to release tension, stimulate collagen production, boost micro-circulation and improve skin elasticity.

The facial tools cover cold cryo spoons, gua sha, jade stones, derma-massage rollers and microsonic and microcurrent devices - these feel like they are really going deep and doing you good. Over 55 minutes this is intense attention to detail on every inch of the face. It is impossible not to feel zippy afterwards – all smoothed, lifted and glowy. Products geared to your skin type are also available to buy from the Comfort Zone range.

Great British Life: The Spa Garden at Rockliffe Hall is an exclusive lounge area overlooking the estate. The Spa Garden at Rockliffe Hall is an exclusive lounge area overlooking the estate. (Image: Rockliffe Hall)