Loved up or footloose and fancy free, does anyone actually like Valentine’s Day? Anyone apart from that annoying woman in your office that always gets a giant heart balloon and a teddy wearing a jumper saying ‘I Wuv You’…If you’re determined to escape all the mush this year then we’ve tracked down 7 of the perfect spas around the UK for the ultimate girls night in.
By Jo Hoare
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1 The Spa at The Macdonald Randolph, Oxford
Best for: old school glamour
A calm oasis in the centre of a bustling city it boasts an intimate spa made for a break with your bestie. With Elemis and Jessica treatments you’ll have plenty to pick from but our fave is the Elemis Ultimate Wellness Face and Body Treatment, a deep tissue massage followed by a signature superfood facial that leaves you blissed out from head to toe.
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2 Mineral House Spa at Crowne Plaza, Newcastle
Best for: fitness fans
If you like your spa visits a little more energetic than a whole day horizontal in a dressing gown then this modern and stylish spa is for you. Boasting a 10 metre swimming pool, full gymnasium with Technogym equipment and personal trainers alongside treatments covering everything from tanning to ear candling. Put aside two hours to enjoy their Precious Gems and Obsidian Ritual, a luxurious full body treatment that’ll calm frazzled nerves.
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3 The Spa at The Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa, Cheshire
Best for: ladies that lunch
Set in acres of gorgeous Cheshire woodland, this hotel combines a spa with world class ESPA treatments and an award winning restaurant (the cocktail bar isn’t bad either). There’s also a café attached to the treatment area so you don’t even have to get changed out of your robe if you fancy a quick glass of fizz. Try the Prescriptive Facial for a treatment tailored to your specific needs.
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4 The Spa at The Midland, Manchester
Best for: your girl gang
With eight treatment rooms and heaps of relaxation areas the Spa at the Midland has plenty of room for groups looking to relax and catch up. Put in some poolside posing by the relaxation pool then treat yourself to an ESPA Serene Sleep treatment. As the only spa in the UK to host this it’s a unique opportunity to try this serene massage (ideal if you had a big night the night before…)
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5 The Spa at Luton Hoo Hotel, Bedfordshire
Best for: Instagram boasting
Uber-lavish, this striking hotel will look seriously impressive on your feed. Previously an aristocratic mansion, think grand entrance halls, ornately decorated rooms and perfectly maintained grounds. Coax yourself towards spring with a JAX Coco Winter Hydration wrap body treatment that’ll leave even the most neglected skin soft and nourished.
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6 The Crystal Palace Spa, London
Best for: spa-phobics
If you and your friends aren’t the type to sip herbal tea in in a converted stately home and want to try something a bit different then this traditional bathing treatment might be for you. A combination of Turkish bath, full body exfoliation and intense massage using hot and cold water will enliven and energise and leave you feeling squeaky (literally!) clean.
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7 The Glassworks Health Club at The Varsity Hotel, Cambridge
Best for: getting your glam on
With its own Aveda hair salon there’s no need for stepping out with the dreaded ‘spa hair’, wash out all the chlorine and oil with an Aveda cut and blow dry and you’ll be ready to enjoy an evening out in Cambridge. Or pop up to the cool hotel roof bar for a delicious cocktail and unbeatable views across the city.