With far-flung travel now firmly back on the table after the pandemic restrictions, there’s something so indulgent about a staycation. Not leaving the country suddenly seems like the most luxurious thing you can do.
And with good reason: the UK’s best hotels have given their spas a facelift, with high-tech treatment rooms, deluxe pools and sumptuous restaurants meaning the ultimate overnight stay for those in need of some TLC is closer than ever.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in one of the big cities or want to head to the countryside for some out-and-out nature, there’s a luxury spa for everyone. Click through to see our pick of the bunch.
The Cliveden Spa, Berkshire
Have you been watching the BBC’s thrilling show The Trial of Christine Keeler? How about visiting the site where the scandalous Profumo affair went down, Cliveden House? Just 30 minutes by train from London, the 350-year-old historical site has just undergone a 4-year refurbishment. While walking history tours, breath taking manicured gardens, and delightful cafe are all must-dos while there, we wouldn’t blame you if you holed up in the spa all weekend.
With the first Sarah Chapman Skinesis Spa outside of London, OSKIA Facials, luxury manicures and a hairdressing salon all under one roof – plus the first and only listed outdoor pool, where Christine Keeler and John Profumo first met – you’ll be feeling as pampered as humanly possible.
Once you’re fully relaxed, kick back at one of the dining rooms: next door to the spa, The Astor Grill does delicious fresh fish and nourishing salads, while the Cliveden Dining Room has everything from twice-baked soufflé to rich venison. A truly indulgent weekend, this one’s perfect for minimoons or special birthdays.
The Spa at South Lodge, Horsham
This West Sussex hotel is pure heaven. It’s spa features state-of-the-art facilities such as a natural swimming pond with views over the rolling South Downs, a newly-minted gym and spin studio, the Ridgeview Beauty Bar, a thermal suite, and treatment rooms for the most luxurious of pampering.
Whether you go for a Spa Bamboo Massage, which gets to work on deep tissue muscles, or opt for an Omorovicza Blue Diamond Facial, which focuses on brightening and restoring skin, the treatment menu is vast and opulent.
The food and drink offering is just as thrilling as the spa, though, with head chef at Botanica, Jonathan Spiers, bringing in seasonal ingredients from the local area to create the most delicious of plant-based dishes. Relax with a lavender cake and coffee on the restaurant’s open-air balcony and soak in the country air – you’ll feel miles away from the stresses of the city, allowing you to fully unwind in this five star spot.
Overnight accommodation starts at £575 per room, including breakfast for two at the Camellia restaurant, full spa access with one treatment per person, and brunch for two at Botanica.Courtesy of South Lodge Hotel & Spa.
The Midland Hotel, Manchester
The Midland Hotel in Manchester is famed for being a sanctuary away from the bright lights and busy streets of the city, with its delicious high tea and multiple restaurants. it’s the award-winning spa we’re travelling for.
If dipping your toe in the heated relaxation pool, detoxing in the steam rooms and drifting off in the ultra-chilled out sleep chambers aren’t enough to tempt you, maybe it’s an overnight stay you’re in need of, perfect for those in need of some downtime, whether it’s for one night or a long weekend.
Choose one of seven Spa Ritual Treatments (we went for the 50 minute City Life, which included a full-body exfoliation and therapeutic back massage), enjoy a two-course lunch at the renowned Mr Cooper’s restaurant, full use of the spa’s luxury facilities, an overnight stay in the beautiful 115-year-old hotel, and a full English breakfast before you leave. Dreamy.
One night spa breaks at The Midland start at £255 per guest. Courtesy of The Midland Hotel.
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
It’s all thanks to the Romans that we have spa culture, in particular Bath’s Thermae Spa. This day spa makes the most of the city’s naturally mineral-rich thermal waters (the UK’s only which the Romans believed was a site of mystical significance) with an open-air New Royal rooftop pool overlooking the city’s historic skyline. The pool is best enjoyed at sunset – the spa offers a Twilight Package, which also includes an evening meal. The spa’s Wellness Suit also includes two steam rooms (Roman and Georgian), infrared room, ice chamber, celestial relaxation room and experience showers.
Thermae offers a great range of spa treatments at affordable prices. Our favourite is Watsu, a treatment that combines elements of shiatsu massage and acupressure and sees a specially trained therapist gently supports, stretches and guides your body in thermal water – until you are completely and utterly relaxed.
Given its location at the heart of one of the UK’s most popular tourist cities, we advise arriving early or late to enjoy the very best Thermae has to offer. Opt for a day trip out and visit the spa’s onsite cafe for afternoon tea for two (a great birthday treat for your mum or best friend).
Spa day deals start at £38.Courtesy of Thermae Bath Spa.
Brimstone Spa at the Langdale Estate, Lake District
Location is one of the Brimstone Spa’s most attractive features. Set in the heart of the Lake District, this Scandi chalet-style spa – surrounded by secluded forests and overlooking a lake – feels worlds away from everyday stresses, but is in fact only 15 minutes from the picturesque town of Ambleside and Lake Windermere.
Brimstone’s locality also informs the spa’s treatments; they work with local natural skincare brand Pure Lakes for massage therapies inspired by local flora and fauna, offer a special massage for walkers with tired leg muscles, and make the most of the views with an indoor-meets-outdoor pool. Guests can reach peak relaxation with the spa’s thermal journey, following a sensory journey through experience showers, an herbal sauna, Laconium, thermal pool, ice fountain and Himalayan salt steam.
As an adult-only spa, the Brimstone is ideal for anyone looking for some peace and respite. Couples will also love the Bubble, a private spa room with twin treatment beds, dual showers and a bubble bath for two – perfect for a romantic weekend away.
All spa therapies cost £125 for 55 minutes and rooms start at £416 per night with Bed & Breakfast.Courtesy of Brimstone Spa.
C Bay Spa at Carbis Bay Hotel, St Ives
Who needs the South of France or a Thai island when we have the Cornish coastline? C Bay Spa – set within the Carbis Bay Hotel – looks over one of the UK’s prettiest beaches. Here, a stroll along the beach is followed by a dip in an outdoor barrel sauna overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; a cold glass of wine in hand.
Every aspect of the spa’s treatments are geared towards holistic wellbeing and relaxation and many are inspired by the sea itself. Think detoxing seaweed wraps, lava shell and glacial shell massages and salt scrub baths, each of which are performed in candlelit treatment rooms. Fancy more privacy? C Bay also offer a VIP treatment suite on the beach. Beauty treatments such as hair removal, bridal makeup, eyebrow shaping and eyelash extensions are also available.
While quite a trek away from London, this is the spa to book for a long, luxurious weekend away, sunbathing on the beach, visiting idyllic seaside towns and exploring Cornish tearooms. The Carbis is also home to the Sands Restaurant and Hungry Gannet for an evening meal, The Conservatory for a light lunch or tapas and The Beach Club Restaurant.
A two night spa-break costs £345.Courtesy of C Bay Spa.
Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol
Don’t let the unassuming exterior of this spa hotel fool you – the Aztec is the perfect place to unwind for a mini break. A 20 minute taxi ride from Bristol Temple Meads station, this beautifully run four-star hotel is a world away from the busy day-to-day.
One overnight spa break entitles you to full access to the gym and spa (including sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and the deeply relaxing treatment rooms) as well as a 25 minute taste of wellness treatment. The range of treatments includes facials, body wraps and unbelievable scalp massages using a variety of Caudalie products.
Once you’ve properly unwound, you’ll be able to indulge at the award-winning, memorable Curious Kitchen, which excels at both dinner and breakfast. We particularly recommend the chef’s tart.
Together with the staff’s impeccable, friendly service, the Aztec will permanently shift your perspective on how good a time you can have in a business park.
Glass House Retreat, Essex
The UK’s first purpose-built spa and detox retreat, Glass House Retreat is less than an hour from central London and nestled away in the Essex countryside. Surrounded by fields of horses and farmland, it feels truly secluded – perfect for those in need of some fresh countryside air and TLC away from the city.
With an indoor heated pool, Himalayan salt block sauna, cryotherapy chamber and a menu of fabulous beauty treatments (think hot stone massages and rejuvenating facials) the spa itself is mighty impressive, but it’s the fitness and food aspect that sets this retreat apart.
From yoga to HIT, water aerobics to morning rambles, there’s a rotating schedule offering ways to get your body moving, while head chef Miguel Gouveia serves up delicious salads, soups and more to get you feeling well and fresh before heading back to reality. This stay is perfect for those looking to reset and recharge.
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