THE region's newest spa is already proving a success, according to its manager.

The £10m Serenity Spa opened at Seaham Hall Hotel, in Seaham, County Durham, on December 21.

Described as the best facility of its kind in western Europe, it has 19 treatment rooms, Hammam and black granite steam rooms, a Canadian redwood sauna, an ozone-cleansed pool, a Thai brasserie and a gym.

Hotel guests, day visitors and members can take advantage of 80 treatments including Indian head massage, cellulite treatments and a traditional mud cleansing ritual for couples.

To help establish its authenticity, a Buddhist monk was brought in to bless the spa, which is next to the hotel, famous as Lord Byron's wedding venue.

Manager Sharon Searles said the spa was already proving a hit.

She said: "We have been fully booked with hotel guests and people wanting to come and experience treatments, which is a very good sign. The membership executive has also had heaps of inquiries."

Ms Searles added that the feedback from those who had visited the spa had been positive.

"The comments have been brilliant. People are really enjoying it," she said. "The word is really out now."