“Where is the best spa you have ever been?” is the question we’re asked the most as Spa Spies. Thanks to our bubble ratings, it is a relatively easy question to answer.
If you’re looking for the best spa hotel, however, it may require a little more thought, as it depends on what you want to achieve on your spa break.
Are you looking for a comfortable hotel that happens to have a good spa as a base for a weekend of exploring? Or are you in need of a couple of days of pure, unadulterated spa relaxation?
Perhaps you’re heading on a family vacation and need activities to amuse your children (check out Ribby Hall or Centre Parcs) Or maybe you’re an active spa-goer yourself and fancy an action packed weekend of surfing, (check into The Headland) Falconry, (head to The Coniston Spa) or riding (you’ll love Lucknam Park).
If it’s a city break you’re after, book into London’s achingly fashionable K Spa at K West Hotel & Spa. Or the infamous Midland Hotel in Manchester. Don’t forget to take to the waters at Thermae Bath Spa where you can overlook Bath in the rooftop pool!
If you’re still in need of some inspiration, here are our selection of Five Bubble Luxury UK Hotel Spas, AKA the best UK Spa hotels.
This handsome rural retreat in the Cotswolds feels like a real home-from-home. The modern spa contrasts clean Scandinavian design with cosy Cotswold stone. High ceilings and plenty of glass give the spa a light, airy feel and afford countryside views. It is the height of serene-yet-indulgent chic, with great facilities, expertly delivered spa treatments and a truly personal customer service. The level of attentiveness and pampering will make you feel like you’re the most important person in the world.
Set inside a 500-acre estate, the fresh and modern spa embraces the outdoor space and its stunning English countryside surrounds. If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful spa and indoor pool with stunning firelit wall, there’s an equestrian centre, tennis courts, brasserie for spa guests and Michelin-starred restaurant to try. The relaxed yet decadent vibe, thoughtful service and luxurious personalised spa treatments are just some of the things that make this a Spa Spy favourite.
Set on a grand estate of 63 acres, with the river Maine meandering through it, the spa uses the four basic elements of nature, earth, water and fire to bring harmony to your journey. It would be quicker to tell you what wasn’t on offer at this expansive spa; but highlights include the orangery relaxation room, outdoor thermal village, where the temperamental weather is part of the experience, the sensory garden, complete with private hot tubs, and The Celtic sauna rituals. Beyond the spa facilities, the customer service and attention to detail are second to none, too.
This ivy-clad Victorian country house is set in 123 acres of ground and boasts a 45,000 square foot spa, alongside its formal gardens, tennis courts, a three-hole golf course and the England Rugby training centre. The eight indoor and outdoor pools and a variety of thermal experiences are some of the things that make this an exceptional luxury spa experience. The award-winning food is fantastic, (don't miss afternoon tea on a spa day), as are the treatments and customer service.
There are three floors of spa heaven and immaculate gardens at this grand, Regency Country House Hotel. The pièce de résistance is the stunning rooftop spa garden -- head up there and take a dip in the rooftop pools, top up your Vitamin D levels on a comfy recliner and order drinks from your spa host. The design and spa experience will delight even the most experienced spa-goer, while spa newbies will feel well and truly spoiled.
The Grove is set in 300 acres and looks over a sweep of undulating parkland to uninterrupted countryside. The grounds and gardens are a work of art: quite literally as they are dotted with sculptures, topiary, and delightful hideaways. Sequoia is a luxurious spa set in the old stables. With above-and-beyond customer service, high quality spa treatments, and beautiful facilities that have kept their age well, you may just want to move in.
Set high on the cliffs above the Durham Coast, this white Georgian manor house has a rather dramatic and exhilarating setting. Its Asian-inspired spa’s facilities are impressive -- inside, there’s an ozone treated pool, a hydrotherapy pool, and thermal rooms; outside are two steamy hot tubs and a sun terrace. Treatments are equally sublime. It’s a rather romantic place to be and the perfect getaway for those special occasions or a staycation.
The exquisitely designed Bulgari Spa can be found beneath the stylish five-star hotel. Rather uniquely for central London, the spa boasts a stunning 25-meter swimming pool, a golden-tiled vitality pool and thermal suites. It’s a seriously-special place to be -- the facilities are first-rate, the spa treatments are unique and effective, and their holistic approach to wellness is positive and life-enhancing. The staff are so genuine and helpful, you’ll feel like royalty for the day.
Head down a few steps at the side of this vast, white neo-classical mansion on the edge of Hyde Park and knock on an imposing black door to uncover a spa wonderland. The opulent Art Deco design and impeccable customer service (you can summon a spa butler at the press of a button) make you feel like you’ve entered a magical kingdom. An exclusive, elegant and supremely relaxing spa where you're treated like a VIP -- you’ll never want leave.
Gleneagles has a reputation for excellent Scottish hospitality, dramatic scenery and impeccable design -- and it absolutely lives up to its name. The spa is sublime, with gold and bronze wet facilities separated into journeys for men and women -- explore the steam room, sauna and ice fountains before re-uniting in the unisex vitality pool. The treatments are well thought-out and beautifully delivered in one of 20 treatment rooms, and the food is fantastic. What more could you want?
Sybarites will adore an overnight stay here - there’s a 3 AA rosette cuisine to sample and a 30,000 bottle wine cellar to work your way through. The Spa is everything a spa should be: peaceful, relaxing, easy, with no pressure to do anything. The treatments are luxurious, expertly delivered with a smooth finish, and the customer service is on the elegantly discreet side of perfect. Prepare to lose all sense of time, unwind and indulge.
Traditional meet contemporary at this attractive red-brick manor house set in the Sussex countryside. The Grecian-inspired Utopia spa has temple-like pillars and a spa garden with outside hot tub. Customer service is exceptional - there’s nothing too much or too little for the friendly staff. It’s a charming sanctuary surrounded by woodland and parkland making it a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
Editors note - this article was originally published in March 2015, it was updated and re-written for accuracy and comprehensiveness in October 2018
Scarlet Spy
20th March 2015
Spy Likes:
Nature-inspired spas, cold water plunges, sound baths, deep tissue massage, delicious food.
Spy Dislikes:
Thin walls in treatment rooms, loungers hoggers, bright lights
