After an exciting Wales road trip exploring castles, coastlines, and tearooms, we couldn’t have ended on a better note than with a visit to the Wave Garden Spa at the Ixora Hotel & Spa. It was always the plan to go in the spa just before we started our journey home, so that I could fully enjoy myself without having to worry about my red hair. It’s been a while since I reviewed a spa so be sure to go see my other reviews!
Wave Garden Spa Review – Ixora Hotel Wales
First Impressions
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Welsh countryside, the Wave Garden Spa at the Ixora Hotel & Spa immediately made us exhale. You’re surrounded by mountains, forests, and the kind of quiet that I can only dream of finding in everyday life. There was so much outdoor space and it was utilised really well with lots of comfortable loungers and seating options.
The spa does have it’s own access but you can also get to it via the Ixora Hotel lobby.
Wave Garden Spa Facilities:
This is where the Wave Garden Spa really shines. You’ve got:
I’m a water baby so I spent most of my time in the outdoor pool before heading to the hydrotherapy pool. The views are unreal, whether you’re in the pool or just sat wrapped up in your robe, it’s total peace. We headed there for opening at 9am and had the first hour completely alone which was really special, so I would definitely recommend this.
We didn’t have any treatments but we definitely will if we go again.
Accessibility
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, I’ve learned to do my research before booking anywhere. The good news? Ixora Hotel takes accessibility seriously, and you can tell it’s been thought through. The Wave Garden Spa did fall a little short though. There’s a designated accessible changing room and shower, but it was full of storage baskets. I did ask about this and they do move them when someone tells them they’ll need to use the accessible changing room, but hidden disabilities exist and I don’t think you should have to ask for it to be accessible.
The spa itself is step-free right for everything except the pools. That’s where things are a little trickier, there are no pool hoists and the steps into the hydrotherapy and infinity pools are very high, but if you’re ambulatory, there are rails on both sides. So I found it very doable but lots of people wouldn’t.
I just found it a bit strange as there are quite a lot of accessible rooms and it feels like accessibility has really been thought about here so I really feel like the spa should and easily could reflect that too. By keeping the changing room clear at all times and getting a pool hoist.
That said, the robes are XL and actually fit, which doesn’t actually happen often. I’m a size 20 and Alfie’s a 2XL and we both felt comfortable. I don’t think they’d fit anyone bigger though which is a real shame.
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely. There’s just something special about this place. It’s calm, it’s beautiful, and it doesn’t try too hard, it just is good. And while a few accessibility tweaks (like a pool hoist and accessible changing room being cleared at all times) would make it perfect, the overall atmosphere and thoughtful details make it one of our new favourites.
We left the Wave Garden Spa feeling refreshed, restored, and already plotting our next visit. If you’re heading to North Wales and looking for a spa that blends nature, peace, and serious spa features, Ixora Hotel & Spa is the one.