Tucked away in the basement of the busy Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, you’ll find the Mineral House.  An inner city sanctuary I’ve come to know and love over the past six months, the Mineral House is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle.  With its basement corridor bathed in flickering candlelight and the scent of lemongrass, it really is a treat for the senses.

In a nutshell the Mineral House comprises a gym, pool and treatment spa.  As far as hotel facilities go, this is pretty damn good.  The gym is larger than the average hotel gym and it has everything you’d expect from an unmanned facility.  Sure you won’t find a huge selection of free weights and Olympic bars, but let’s not forget, this is a fitness suite largely populated by hotel guests who use it with the sole purpose of preventing stagnation during their stay.  It’s very well equipped (for what it is) and has a good balance of cardio machines, cable machines, kettlebells and dumbbells – and if my numerous requests for a punchbag are noted then who knows, we may even see that as an addition for 2017.  The Mineral House offers personal training to clients on request and recently extended its hours to offer 24 hour access so now there’s no excuse not to train.

The pool area is gorgeous, accented with soft purple light; the swimming pool is accompanied by a large whirlpool spa and steam room, perfect for unwinding after a workout and there are several loungers poolside for those who just want to chill and be immersed in the cool ambience.

The Mineral House treatment spa is manned by the best Therapists in the business, during the build the recruitment drive was fierce and only the creme de la creme were selected (a massage from Roberta is otherworldly, I can vouch).  The treatment menu is huge, offering a range of spa treatments with a focus on eastern aromatic spices and warm pindas to encourage deep relaxation within the muscles.  Locker room chat is always about how awesome the deep tissue massage is.

As such, the team is a tight knit band of industry pros always willing to help out, I’m often offered a person to work with me on boxing pad work in the gym with me when it’s quiet.

In it’s entirety, the Mineral House is a place I’ve come to rely on to escape real world shiz, it’s where I go to get my head in gear and when I’m lacking motivation I can rely on staff there to gee me up with some inspiring words.  I primarily use the Mineral House for the gym, it’s somewhere you can get your head down and get a serious workout in without judgement, or people staring.  With the influx of no frills gyms in the city, the Mineral House offers a refreshing change from the stereotypical functional gym goer.

My favourite thing about the Mineral House is the convenience.  The location is easy, it’s easy to get in and out of Newcastle from the Crowne Plaza, the parking is free and you’re given towels on arrival.  Seriously Voyeurs, it’s the little details that make the biggest differences: think hot showers with shampoo and shower gel provided, large lockers, separate restrooms and TVs with subtitles so you have someone to watch whilst you train.  Yes, it’s small, we’ve established that, but it’s perfectly formed.

Fancy trying it out for yourself?  Get in touch, they’re a friendly bunch and offer a free trial so you can get to grips with everything on offer and decide whether it’s for you.  With a range of memberships to suit different needs, there’s bound to be something you can work with.  Don’t fancy a long term commitment?  The Mineral House offers two hours exclusive use of incorporated facilities with every treatment booked, spa day sessions are also available.

For a hotel facility I’m really impressed with the Mineral House, whether it’s the cool, calming environment, or the uber friendly staff, it’s a place you’ll feel welcome in from your first visit.  I’m a member and I’ve got to say Voyeurs, I’m hooked, in fact, I’m heading there right now to get my workout on.  If you’re thinking about joining, or checking the place out for a free trial, be sure to tell them Pixie sent you and maybe I’ll see you there some time.

Pixie xo