Versital surfaces feature within the newly redesigned Lake District spa

Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has unveiled its newly redesigned spa, creating a luxurious new spa and wellness experience within one of the Lake District’s most recognisable destinations.

Set on the shores of Windermere, Low Wood Bay is already known for its award-winning indoor-outdoor thermal journey, dramatic lakeside setting and restorative spa offering. The latest refurbishment builds on that reputation, introducing a beautifully considered Spa Lounge, five new treatment rooms and enhanced wellbeing experiences designed to help guests pause, restore and reconnect.

Versital was selected as part of the redesign, featuring within the wellness area as a striking marble-inspired feature wall for new ‘Mask Bar’ area, as well as being used for tables within the scheme. Its waterproof and stain-proof properties made it a practical choice for a busy spa environment, while its luxurious marble appearance supported the calm, refined atmosphere created by the design team.

A new generation of Low Wood Bay

The redesigned spa was created by DV8 Designs, a dedicated architectural and interior design practice, working alongside Mason Gillibrand Architects and main contractor Cubby Construction.

For DV8 Designs, the project was about more than simply updating an existing spa. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is an established destination with a strong identity, so the new design needed to feel connected to the venue while also giving the spa a more distinctive and elevated character.

Molly Smith, Interior Designer at DV8 Designs, commented:

“For DV8, this was a pivotal project to be a part of. We’re fortunate to work on incredible projects across the country, but collaborating with such a prestigious client in a recognisable venue was a real honour.

“The client was very flexible and open to our ideas, which gave us a strong sense of creative freedom.”

That creative freedom allowed the design team to develop the spa into what Molly describes as “a new generation of Low Wood Bay” — a space designed to offer a refined and original guest experience while remaining rooted in its Lake District setting.

Designing with the landscape, not against it

One of the strongest influences behind the scheme was the landscape surrounding Low Wood Bay. After visiting the resort, DV8 Designs were struck by the changing character of the Lakes throughout the seasons. Rather than designing a spa that competed with the view, the team chose to enhance and reflect it.

The result is a rich, earthy interior palette inspired by the moors, with depth, warmth and carefully placed accents guiding guests through the space. The design feels connected to nature without becoming predictable or overly literal. It is calm, grounded and sophisticated — exactly the kind of atmosphere guests expect from a high-end wellness destination.

Natural daylight plays a key role. Expansive windows help the space shift throughout the day, creating a direct connection between the interior and the outdoors. Hidden LED strips add a soft, warm glow, giving the spa a sense of quiet luxury from morning through to evening.

For designers and specifiers, this is where the scheme becomes especially interesting. Spa interiors have to deliver emotion and atmosphere, but they also have to perform. Surfaces, furniture and feature details must withstand regular guest use, moisture, treatments, oils, products and cleaning regimes — all while maintaining the premium finish expected of a luxury resort.

Versital within the wellness area

Versital was used within the wellness area as a feature wall for the facial area, as well as for tables within the wider scheme in the exclusive finish ‘Apricot Mousse’.

The new ‘Mask Bar’ area is a key part of the guest journey, particularly with Low Wood Bay introducing new personalised skincare rituals and self-guided facial experiences. In this setting, the material choice had to feel luxurious, tactile and calming, while also being suitable for a spa environment.

Versital offered the design team the visual impact of marble, with the practical advantages of a cultured marble surface. Handmade in the UK, Versital is designed to emulate the beauty of natural marble while being waterproof, stain proof and easy to maintain.

This makes it especially well suited to wellness, spa and hospitality interiors where the material needs to look beautiful but work hard behind the scenes.

Used as a feature wall, Versital creates a sense of permanence and luxury. It gives the facial area a defined identity within the spa, helping to elevate the treatment experience and support the overall design narrative. For the tables, it brings the same marble-inspired finish into more functional areas, ensuring the material language is consistent throughout the space.

Why material performance matters in spa design

Spa interiors are some of the most demanding spaces within hospitality design.

They are calm and serene from the guest’s perspective, but behind that experience is a challenging specification environment. Materials may need to cope with water, humidity, oils, skincare products, spillages, frequent cleaning and constant guest use.

Natural stone can be beautiful, but it is not always the easiest option in these conditions. It can require sealing, ongoing maintenance and careful handling to avoid staining or marking. For designers working on commercial spa projects, that can create long-term concerns for both the client and the operator.

Versital offers an alternative for projects where the marble aesthetic is desired, but practical performance is essential. Because the surface is waterproof and stain proof, it is particularly appropriate for treatment areas, vanity spaces, spa lounges, tables, bars, reception desks and decorative wall features.

This is especially valuable in a resort environment such as Low Wood Bay, where the spa is part of a wider hospitality operation and must continue looking its best for years to come.

The Spa Lounge as a place to pause

At the heart of the redevelopment is the Spa Lounge, designed as a place for guests to pause and unwind between treatments.

A striking open fire brings warmth and atmosphere to the space, while soft furnishings and furniture supplied by PS Interiors and Mirmac Interiors add understated elegance. The balance between comfort, texture and architectural detail gives the lounge a residential quality, while still feeling appropriate for a luxury resort.

This kind of space is increasingly important in modern spa design. Guests are not simply booking a treatment; they are looking for a full wellness experience. The moments before and after the treatment matter just as much as the treatment itself. Lounges, relaxation areas, facial zones and transition spaces all contribute to the perceived value of the spa.

By using refined materials, considered lighting and a rich natural palette, the Low Wood Bay spa creates a guest journey that feels layered and immersive.

A more distinctive wellness offer

Following the refurbishment, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has been able to expand its treatment offering and introduce new wellbeing experiences.

Highlights include personalised skincare rituals and treatments within the bespoke new mask bar, as well as “The Guided Glow”, an innovative self-guided in-room facial ritual offered exclusively to Winander Club guests until later this year, when guests will be able to pre-book the experience.

These additions reflect a wider trend within hospitality and wellness design. Spas are no longer simply functional treatment areas. They are becoming brand-defining spaces that influence bookings, guest loyalty and the overall perception of a hotel or resort.

For interior designers and specifiers, that means every material choice has to work harder. Surfaces are not just surfaces. They help communicate the quality of the experience, the personality of the venue and the level of care invested in the guest journey.

A practical luxury surface for wellness interiors

Versital’s role within the Low Wood Bay spa is a strong example of how cultured marble can be used in hospitality wellness projects.

In the facial area, the marble-inspired feature wall helps create a memorable focal point. For the tables, Versital brings durability and visual continuity to the scheme. Across both applications, the material supports the wider design ambition: calm, refined, practical and rooted in a sense of quiet luxury.

For designers specifying spa interiors, wellness suites or hotel treatment areas, Versital offers several important advantages:

• Waterproof and stain proof
• Suitable for humid spa and bathroom environments
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Handmade in the UK
• Available in a wide range of marble-inspired finishes
• Made to order for bespoke design requirements
• Suitable for walls, tables, vanity tops, counters and feature surfaces

The result is a material that delivers the elegance of marble with the resilience required for commercial hospitality settings.

Restoring, recharging and reconnecting

The newly redesigned Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa strengthens the resort’s position as a leading Lake District wellness destination.

By drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape, DV8 Designs have created a spa that feels calm, distinctive and deeply connected to place. The design does not compete with Windermere; it complements it, using warmth, texture, light and materiality to create a restorative environment for guests.

Versital’s inclusion within the wellness area adds a refined marble-inspired finish that supports both the visual and practical demands of the project. As a feature wall and table surface, it contributes to the spa’s sense of luxury while offering the performance needed in a busy resort environment.

For guests returning from Lake District adventures, the new spa offers the perfect place to restore and recharge. For designers and specifiers, it is a thoughtful example of how material choices can elevate the guest experience while supporting the long-term needs of the operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Versital used at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa?

Versital was used within the wellness area, including as a marble-inspired feature wall for the facial area and for tables within the spa scheme.

Why is Versital suitable for spa interiors?

Versital is waterproof, stain proof and easy to maintain, making it ideal for spa and wellness environments where surfaces may be exposed to moisture, skincare products, oils and regular cleaning.

Can Versital be used as a feature wall?

Yes. Versital can be used to create decorative feature walls, helping designers introduce a marble-inspired focal point without the maintenance requirements often associated with natural stone.

What Versital finish is used as the feature wall and tables at the Low Wood Bay Spa?

The feature wall and tables used the finish ‘Apricot Mousse’ which is exclusive to Versital and inspired by Pantone’s colour of the year ‘Mocha Mousse’. Take a closer look and order a sample of Apricot Mousse for your next project.

Is Versital only suitable for Spa and wellness projects?

No. Versital is suitable for a wide range of hospitality and wellness applications, including washrooms, vanity tops, tables, reception desks, bar tops, wall panels and feature surfaces.

Why might designers specify Versital instead of natural marble?

Designers may choose Versital when they want the visual impact of marble with improved practicality. It is waterproof and stain proof, making it a strong option for high-use commercial interiors where long-term performance matters.

Is Versital made in the UK?

Yes. Versital is handmade in the UK and produced to order, allowing designers and specifiers to create bespoke surfaces for hospitality, spa and bathroom projects.