News

The Grand, York nears completion of extensive spa renovation

SubRosa, it’s new £2.5m cutting-edge wellness offering, will open in December

UK

By Wendy Golledge

01 October 2025

www.thegrandyork.co.uk/the-spa/
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The Grand hotel in York has revealed SubRosa, its new underground spa, which will open in December.

Following a £2.5m refurbishment and six-month spa closure, SubRosa will soon open this winter with five treatment rooms and a double hammam.

With a Latin name meaning ‘under the rose’, SubRosa is built into the heart of the hotel’s vaults. It will offer a secluded, serene space inspired by spa experiences from around the world.

The SubRosa wellness philosophy has been devised to meet the evolving expectations of the modern traveller and is steeped in ancient Roman meanings related to secrecy, nurture and care.

“We were inspired by the Grand’s architecture, ancient spa rituals and York’s symbolism in the development of SubRosa’s concept,” said spa director Emma Sorby.

“SubRosa is our solution to prioritising guest’s wellness needs through a thoughtfully designed, aesthetic spa. We are excited to open our doors, following our extensive refurbishment. Each touchpoint has been carefully considered to include innovative new wellness technologies and treatments, as well as a wider holistic experience."

Emma Sorby

Spa director, the Grand, York

Spa facilities at SubRosa

Thermal facilities will include a Tirolean hot sauna, a Himalayan salt sauna and a herbal steam room, all by TopLine. The spa worked with Yorkshire-based spa designer consultancy Curveline.

There will be a hydrotherapy pool and foot spas, also by TopLine, as well as relaxation rooms with Lemi loungers.

In the treatment rooms, with beds also by Lemi, Elemis, SeaBody and MarocMaroc will be used in facials and body rituals.

Uniforms have been supplied by Florence Roby, while towels and spa linens are from BC SoftWear. The spa has been set up using software by Trybe.

A treatment room with a treatment bed in a spa
Treatments will include Elemis, SeaBody and MarocMaroc facials and body rituals

Spa director Emma Sorby has devised three new spa rituals – Rosa, Alba and Radix – to ensure guests re-emerge feeling renewed and revitalised.

Rosa is a full day experience that includes a 60-minute treatment and a Rasul ritual for two while Radix is an evening experience including dinner in the SubRosa restaurant, and a glass of Champagne.

Guests will also be able to experience a cleansing Mud Rasul, a purifying Hammam or an Immersive Sunlight Experience, to elevate mood and energy.

About the Grand, York

The Grand, York is part of the Splendid Hospitality Group. The five-star 207-room property is housed in one of the historic Yorkshire city’s most iconic buildings

Splendid Hospitality Group has of 24 hotels and is one of the UK’s fastest growing-privately owned hospitality groups. It is controlled and directed by Shiraz and Nadeem Boghani.

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