A £5.5m refurbishment is hoped to elevate Cheshire's Mottram Hall to become one of the leading resorts in the north of England.

Managing director James Stewart is leading the makeover, having returned to the resort after 10 years. "We are putting luxury back to the top of the list at Mottram and our new look leisure facilities will serve residents in the area, as well as visitors, as an ultra-modern retreat," he said.

All the bedrooms are being refurbished and January will see the introduction of lake-view bedrooms with private patios and an optional butler service.

The spa opened earlier this month, with a gym, spinning and dance studio, seven Espa treatment rooms, relaxation area, whirlpool, sauna and steamroom and 17m swimming pool.

An outdoor thermal village will open in early 2013 and include a Brechelbath from Haslauer. Originating from Alpine farming communities, this is a dry heat experience, with aromas of fir twigs, branches and cones.

The Haslauer stonebath is a theatrical wet heat experience where mineral stones are heated in an oven and then the basket containing them is dropped into a basin of cold water, releasing minerals into the steam. There will also be a dry flotation experience.

The new Carrington grill restaurant and cocktail bar have recently opened and the Claret Jug Bar and Brasserie is set for launch in December.

Early next year a set of conference suites will be added and improvements have been made to the golf course and the clubhouse.