Gisborough Hall is delighted to announce the appointment of Vicki Jackson as Spa Director for the much-anticipated Sakura Spa. 

Vicki is no stranger to Gisborough Hall, most recently serving as Deputy Hotel Manager and having been involved in the Sakura Spa project from its very earliest stages. Her hands-on role in bringing the spa to life means she arrives in her new position with an unrivalled understanding of the vision behind it and a genuine passion for making it a success. 

Speaking about her new role, Vicki said: “Seeing Sakura Spa come to life is incredibly exciting, especially after being involved from the very beginning. My vision is to create a space where guests and the local community can unwind, feel cared for and enjoy a truly memorable spa experience from the moment they arrive.” “ 

Sakura Spa promises to be a wonderful addition to Gisborough Hall, and with Vicki at the helm, guests can look forward to a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience from the very first visit – we chated to Vicki to find out more.

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey to Gisborough Hall, how did you get into hospitality?

I think hospitality chose me as much as I chose it! During my time at University I spent a year working for Marriott in Florida & realised that I loved the industry and making people feel welcome & looked after! Since then, I’ve worked my way through various positions from reception to Sales Manager before joining the team at Gisborough Hall 9 years ago. I haven’t looked back since.

You’ve been Deputy Hotel Manager here for some time now, what has that role taught you that you’ll bring to the spa?

Being Deputy Hotel Manager gives you a real understanding of the whole guest journey, from the moment someone arrives to the moment they leave. I’ve learned that it’s often the small details and personal touches that make the biggest difference, and that’s something I’ll absolutely be carrying into the spa. Also the team you build around you are the key to success.

You’ve been involved in the Sakura Spa project from the very beginning, what has that journey been like & was there a moment when it all suddenly felt real and exciting?

The Sakura Spa project has been nothing short of exciting! It was challenging, especially before I moved into the Spa Director role full time. As specialists joined the project from our amazing Spa Consultant, Nicki Kurran, to interior designer Nic Tamlin, and project manager Glenn Bland, it all began to feel real.

A defining moment was when the walls were being knocked down, transforming former hotel bedrooms into the spa’s new space. Sharing the concept with our hotel team was another highlight they are all eagerly anticipating the opening.

Where did the name Sakura come from, and what does it mean for the spa’s identity?

The name actually came out of a really lovely brainstorming session where we were exploring ideas rooted in nature, the woodland setting and the changing seasons. We knew we wanted something that captured a sense of renewal and peace those two things felt really central to what we wanted the spa to be about. We looked at all sorts of words and their meanings and felt we were on the right track, but it was when I came across Sakura that everything just clicked. The moment I shared it with the team, we all instantly knew it was the one. Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, and everything it represents, renewal, beauty, tranquillity, and the fleeting but precious nature of special moments, felt absolutely perfect for what we are creating here. It just felt right from the very first moment. It is lovely to look ahead to what we are creating knowing I named the spa and will now be running it.

For anyone who hasn’t heard about Sakura Spa yet, how would you describe what guests can look forward to in three words?

Rooted, Restored, Renewed

What treatments or experiences are you most excited to introduce to guests when you open?

All of the treatments & experiences have been carefully designed to delight our guests but I’m most excited to introduce the Sakura Head Spa. These rituals have been designed for a mind-body reset and ultimate relaxation. They are a great experience for both men & women, I’m sure this will be one of our most rebooked treatments.

What do you think will make Sakura Spa stand out from other spas in the region?

I think it’s the combination of the stunning setting of Gisborough Hall, the warmth of our team, and the quality of the experience we’re creating. We want guests to feel like they’ve truly escaped, whether they’re staying with us or coming in from the local area

The spa will be open to both hotel guests and the local community, why was it important to you that the doors are open to everyone?

Gisborough Hall has always been a special place for the local community as well as our guests, and we wanted the spa to reflect that. We want people to feel that this is their spa too, a place they can come to unwind, celebrate, or simply take some time for themselves.

Spring 2026 is just around the corner, how are preparations going and how is the excitement building within the team?

The excitement is really building now you can feel it in the air! The build is progressing well, we have a great team onsite. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point but very aware we have a lot of hard work ahead between. now and when we open our doors but we really can’t wait to welcome our first guests.

Tell us about the team you are building around you, who has been involved to date and who are you bringing on board?

Ria, our current Revival Zone Manager, is joining the Sakura Team as Treatment Manager. Ria has a wealth of treatment knowledge & is also an amazing therapist. We then have 7 therapists who are excited for the new spa, between them there is a huge amount of experience & they are already a dream team. We are then recruiting for a Spa Operations Manager, Receptionists, F&B team, Pool attendants & cleaners. It’s also a positive story that we will be recruiting from the local community.

What does a great spa experience look like to you, and how will you instil that in your team?

For me, a great spa experience is about every little detail, it’s about how you feel from the moment you walk through the door, the look and feel of the interiors and the care and attention the guests receive. I want every guest to feel genuinely cared for and completely at ease. That starts with the team, and I’m passionate about creating a culture where everyone takes real pride in the experience they deliver, from the welcoming arrival, how your coffee or lunch is served, an elevated treatment journey with genuine care and awareness of the power of touch.

What are you most looking forward to once the doors open?

Seeing guests enjoy our USP, the spa garden where they will find our outdoor vitality pool and thermal facilities in the garden hideaways.

If you were treating yourself to a day at Sakura Spa, what would your perfect visit look like?

If I were treating myself to a day at Sakura Spa, I’d definitely go all in with the Timeless Tranquillity Package to make the most of a full day of relaxation.

I’d arrive early on a crisp autumn morning, when the colours are at their most vibrant. The day would start out in the garden, slowly working through the thermal experiences — first the Salt Steam Room, then the Herbal Sauna, followed by the Finnish Sauna, before finishing with an invigorating dip in the cold plunge. I’m especially excited about the cosy hideaways we’re planning alongside the thermal spaces — the perfect little spots to pause, unwind, and soak up the atmosphere.

After rehydrating, I’d spend some time floating in the infinity pool before heading off for a Bamford ritual with one of our amazing therapists. We’re so excited to be partnering with Bamford alongside Elemis at Sakura, and I can’t think of anything better than following that treatment with some quiet time in the tranquillity or sleep room.

To round off the experience, it would have to be lunch at Koyo. Our Head Chef, James, is creating a menu of fresh, wholesome, and absolutely delicious dishes that perfectly complement a spa day.

And after that? Probably another cosy moment in the hideaways… and maybe one more round through the thermal experiences before the day ends.

Honestly, it sounds like the perfect day.