Looking at miles of uninterrupted sea and skyline, while sitting in a bubbly hot pool, is spa heaven. Happily, we are spoilt for scenery in the UK, with our dramatic and varied coastline, sublime lakes, mountains and majestic cityscapes. Here are our most coveted spa views.
Where? St Ives, Cornwall
Why? You don’t need to hop on a plane for long stretches of white sandy beaches and breathtakingly blue seas. Carbis Bay has that Long Island vibe, with cool, pale-wood interiors and huge windows overlooking the most stunning piece of coastline (most of which it owns, including the Blue Flag beach). Everything faces the sea: the outdoor hot tub, sauna pod and pool, the lounge, restaurants and Champagne bar. It even owns a yacht.
Perfect for: Living the Hamptons lifestyle in the UK.
Where? Park Lane, London
Why? It’s on the 10th floor of the hotel on the edge of Hyde Park, therefore has spectacular uninterupted views of the iconic London skyline rising dramatically from the trees. Each of the nine luxury treatment rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the room to be bathed in natural light while you enjoy the dramatic city-scape.
Perfect for: Those who haven’t tired of London, or life.
Where? Saundersfoot, Wales
Why? The infinity spa pool with one of the best views of any spa in the UK: miles of pristine Pembrokshire coastline. The hotel is built in the clifftop overlooking the spectacular Carmarthen Bay. At high tide, as you sit in bubbles warmed to a delicious 30 degrees, an optical illusion makes it seem as though nothing separates you from the sea below. There’s a cliff-edge dual treatment room with full-height windows that slide open to reveal the fresh sea air. Bliss.
Perfect for: Swimming the Atlantic in all weathers.
Where? Loch Lomond, Scotland
Why? Head up to the top floor and you'll find a spectacular rooftop infinity pool looking over Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills. The spa is in one of the loveliest settings in Scotland and you can enjoy the views from lots of different spaces including the tepidarium, swimming pool, relaxation room and, of course, the rooftop terrace.
Perfect for: Water babies and nature lovers who like to observe from the side lines.
Where? Powys, Wales
Why? The hotel is right on the edge of a beautiful lake cradled in 24,000 stunning acres of National Nature Reserve. The spa pool, sauna and tepidarium couches have views of the vast expanse of water with its Gothic, fairy-tale tower and wooded hills rising around its edges. This magical landscape was, in fact, created by a dam, while the tower houses fine mesh to filter the water as it heads via aqueduct to Liverpool.
Perfect for: Spa-lounger wildlife watchers, those who prefer to watch, rather than climb mountains.
The Spa Spy
1st March 2017
Spy Likes:
Intuitive masseurs, inspired or outlandish treatments and design, posh products and celeb spotting.
Spy Dislikes:
Anyone po-faced (guests and therapists) or stupid, boring design and treatments.
