Just because it’s January doesn’t mean our days off should be filled with doom and gloom.
Don a robe and head to one of the UK’s most relaxing spas – from state-of-the-art facilities to expert treatments, a kingdom of countryside pampering awaits you
1 Hastings Hotels, Ireland
Best for: stylish de-stressing
Head to Ireland for Hasting Hotels’ brand new Fire & Ice day package at Culloden Estate & Spa and Slieve Donard Resort & Spa – the ideal way to unwind in style.
Available at both luxe properties, the Fire & Ice day package targets three key areas: back, face and scalp, to help guide you into the long dark winter days ahead.
Beginning with a welcoming foot ritual, which targets the metamorphic zones on the feet to ensure maximum relaxation, guests are next treated to a therapeutic scalp massage to soothe the head and allows any worries to drift away. Take a moment to enjoy the spine-tingling peppermint back exfoliation before a volcanic hot stone back, neck and shoulder massage.
The experience combines cooling methods and warm oils to rejuvenate and restore during the harsh winter months – with a Frankincense facial with iced rose quartz crystals for added indulgence, followed by a light lunch served in Zest Juice Bar.
How: Prices from £115 at Culloden Estate & Spa and £120 at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. Visit hastingshotels.com for more.
2 South Lodge, West Sussex
Best for: a rural rendezvous
A magnificent Victorian
The Spa at South Lodge, with its impressive design, state-of-the-art facilities and gourmet edge makes the days of a simple sauna and steam room look rather dull in comparison.
Taking inspiration from its majestic Sussex location, floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the beautiful surroundings – whilst outside, the UK’s first natural heated swim pond offers guests the chance to get even closer to nature. But fear not, there’s two other swimming pools if you prefer a more traditional dip.
Unlike mass market spa experiences, The Spa at South Lodge retains a clear exclusive feel – this is a private, undeniably individual space. The gym offers a mere handful of ultramodern machines, whilst the secluded facilities themselves are clearly for smaller groups rather than giggling gaggles.
And, as always, the devil’s in the detail. Enveloping robes, Dyson hairdryers and lavish toiletries leave guests floating out through the glass double doors once they’ve had their wellness fix.
PLUS: Click here for The Wordrobe’s full-length hotel review.
Where: Long Hill, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PS
How: Phone 01403 891711 or visit exclusive.co.uk to make a booking.
3 Pennyhill Park, Surrey
Best for: group relaxation
There are certain hotels that possess the talent to conjure magic and Pennyhill Park, the luxury five-star stay tucked away in Surrey is one of them. It’s like Hogwarts, the hotel edition.
One of the finest features of Pennyhill Park is that there’s so much waiting over the stone spa threshold. Ideal for an afternoon of pure indulgence, it’s absolutely enormous.
Filled with saunas, ice rooms, plunge pools and jacuzzis, there’s 45,000 sq. ft of pampering – making it ideal for a day out with the girls or a group couples trip.
On a weekend, expect it to be teeming – but there’s space for everyone. If you want to beat the crowds, head down before breakfast to enjoy a more silent sanctuary.
With state-of-the-art facilities, it’s unsurprising that the England rugby team train here. Although, they probably work a tad harder the majority of visitors laying horizontal on the many poolside recliners. Should you get peckish, there’s also a handy Themis restaurant offering heathy, light bites.
PLUS: Click here for The Wordrobe’s full-length Pennyhill Park review.
Where: Pennyhill Park, London Rd, Bagshot GU19 5EU
How: Click here or phone 01276 471774 to make a reservation
4 Grayshott Health Spa, Surrey
Best for: improving wellbeing
If you’re looking to give your health a kick up the backside for 2020, head to Grayshott Health Spa in Hindhead, Surrey for over 50 years’ experience of natural therapy, beauty, relaxation, exercise and nutrition.
Just one hour from London, with 59 bedrooms and 36 treatment rooms, this luxury property offers everything from a Bubbles Bar and cinema to the essential nitty gritty details of wellness – such as indoor & outdoor swimming pools, indoor & outdoor tennis courts, daily exercise classes & walks, a steam & sauna rooms – plus 47 acres of outstanding gardens & grounds to discover.
As well as excellent facilities, Grayshott Medical Spa provides an independent healthcare service which includes private consultations, physical examinations and health assessments. Take on a 7-day Gut Health Regime or try the FX Mayr Therapy – there’s something for every wellness seeker here.
Where: Headley Rd, Hindhead GU26 6JJ
How: Please click here to find out more and make a booking.
4 Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, East Sussex
Best for: something unspoilt
Escape to the country and breathe in the fresh, salty air at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, where long coastal walks and expert spa treatments go hand in hand.
The property has recently launched a new ‘Begin again at Bailiffscourt’ package, which includes a blissful spa treatment, dinner for two and a peaceful overnight stay to combat the dreaded January blues.
Bailiffscourt’s spa takes its inspiration from the surrounding thirty acres of tranquil parkland, helping guests to feel as calm as their surroundings.
The spa uses Temple Spa products, a creation of the purest botanicals and the latest scientific research to help guests leave feeling both balanced and restored.
Guests can experience the Mediterranean Sea Hydrotherm Massage, a warm floatation bed for a full body immersive treatment. The heat of the water soothes and relaxes whilst cushioning the body for perfect spinal alignment.
Or alternatively for something a little more invigorating, guests can experience a full body cleanse, exfoliation and purifying mud treatment, which promises to leave guests revitalised and energised.
Feeling refreshed and relaxed, guests are invited to enjoy a delicious three course supper with the finest locally sourced ingredients in the candlelit Tapestry Restaurant before falling into a deeply comfortable overnight stay.
How: Click here to find out more or make a booking.
Where: Climping St, Climping BN17 5RW
5 Calcot, the Cotswolds
Best for: rustic rejuvenation
A visit to the modish spa should be mandatory with every check-in at Calcot. Whilst there’s only one steam room and sauna at this Cotswolds hideaway, the space remains fairly vacant even during peak times.
Unwind on comfy recliners before taking a dip in the indoor pool or prop your feet up in the piping hot outdoor hot tub. On chillier days, an outside log fire adds enchantment to the experience, with smokey scents creating a feeling of earthy countryside bliss.
There’s also a state-of-the-art gym for anyone seeking exercise, as well as a in-spa bar offering a variety of light bites and drinks. Back in the changing rooms, everything from spray deodorant and hairspray to drying machines and pampering toiletries await. The devil’s in the detail – and Calcot’s are angelic.
It’s worth noting that many locals use the Calcot Spa as their regular health club, so the narrow space can be busy at times.
PLUS: Click here for The Wordrobe’s full-length hotel review.
Where: Gloucestershire, Tetbury GL8 8YJ
How: To find out more and start the adventure, please click here or phone 01666 890391.
6 The Scarlet, Cornwall
Best for: eco-friendly pampering
Nestled near Newquay awaits The Scarlet – a stylishly sustainable hotel boasting dream-worthy views and a gorgeously luxe spa. Here, guests can drink in the far-reaching sights over Mawgan Porth Beach before partaking in a natural body treatment (or three).
Ideal for an entire day of soaking up the peaceful Cornish ambience, The Scarlet’s spa features adults-only amenities with the likes of a Relaxatio Room, chemical-free pool, rhassoul and clifftop hot tub. See you in the sauna?
Where: The Scarlet Hotel, Tredragon Rd, Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4DQ
How: Please click here to find out more and make a booking.
7 Coworth Park, Ascot
Best for: refined luxury
Part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park in Ascot is somewhat of a luxurious haven for spa seekers. Sitting pretty against its countryside backdrop, unwinding here is ideal for enjoying exquisite surroundings and award-winning facilities.
Don your robe and enjoy treatments courtesy of ishga skincare products, with plenty of facials, massages and more on offer to try.
For something special, book a full Spa Day and enjoy hours upon hours of sheer bliss – tranquil lounging and lip-smacking food awaits.
Where: Blacknest Rd, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 7SE
How: Please click here to find out more and make a booking.
8 Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Lake District
Best for: stunning surrounds
The Lake District is not only home to glacial ribbon lakes, and rugged fell mountains, but the fantastic Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa.
Ideal for a weekend of hiking and holistic luxury, inside the Spa are 5 treatment rooms, a 4 person rasul, champagne & deli Bar serving light refreshments, and a thermal suite comprising of a laconium, aroma steam room, herbal sauna, salt steam room, ice fountain, drench showers and heated relaxation loungers. Talk about wow.
Take a dip in the 16 metre hydro pool with neck jets, underwater loungers and an amazing overflow hot tub feature – all whilst enjoying spectacular views across Derwentwater and the Catbells Mountain Range. If there was ever reason to take a road trip up north, this would be it.
Where: B5289, Keswick CA12 5UX
How: Click here to find out more and make a booking.
9 The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath
Best for: archaic ambience
If you’re searching for serenity, you’re bound to find a slice of it at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the five-star hotel tucked away in the heart of Bath’s bustling centre.
A building dating back to the 1800’s, its Grade II listed walls offer more than just elegant decor – this luxury YTL property not only has a stunning Spa Village but exclusive access to Bath’s famously mineral-rich waters – making it the only UK hotel with such a coveted perk.
One swift elevator ride down will transport guests to their unique Bath House experience, a spa circuit that includes dipping in two natural thermal pools of varying temperatures, traditional and infrared saunas, a steam room, an ice alcove and multiple relaxation areas.
Integrating the famous waters of Bath with private aquatic body therapies and classic spa treatments, there’s plenty to wile the day away with – including a pitstop at the unique Aroma bar.
PLUS: Click here for The Wordrobe’s full-length hotel review.
Where: Beau St, Bath BA1 1QU
How: Click here to find out more and make a booking.
10 Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Lake District
Best for: something romantic
Back in January 2016, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House launched five luxurious detached lodges in the Lake District – and they’re ideal for a romantically pampering escape.
The lodges feature king size beds, gorgeous bathrooms and a fabulously private en-suite spa along with mood lighting, fires, electric blinds and a state-of-the-art music system – invigorating all of the senses.
What’s more, The Spa Lodges each have a convertible treatment area, steam room, rain maker shower, free standing oval stone bath, outdoor sauna and hydrotherapy hot tub surrounded by a walled garden – and wonderful views over the gardens to the Lake District moors.
There’s even the option of additional mini gift hampers filled with Gilpin’s organic spa products and Champagne to make the experience that bit more memorable. Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day – romance is already in the air.
Where: Crook Rd, Windermere LA23 3NE
How: Click here to find out more and make a booking.
Compiled by Sophie Ritchie, editor
