Looking for a hidden gem of a spa? Somewhere so tranquil and relaxing it’s like your own personal piece of spa-heaven? Our Treatwell spa experts have (reluctantly) shared their secret spa escapes, and if quiet, calm and secluded is your thing; you’re going to love this edit. It’s so good, we almost didn’t share it with you…
By Georgia Day
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1 Moddershall Oaks
Best for: socialising while you spa
With a focus on complete and utter relaxation it’s no wonder that this newly launched spa has found its way into our top picks. While the excellent treatments featuring brands such as Elemis and Neom Luxury Organics are worth a visit alone, it’s the state of the art hydrotherapy facilities including the outdoor vitality pool, that really make it a must-visit destination. As if that weren’t enough, the on-site deli makes for the perfect spot to relax with friends over healthy snacks and (not-so healthy but still delicious) cocktails.
Our insider says: ‘A little bit of a haven in a beautiful part of Staffordshire. It's intimate, cosy, relaxing and I always have a lovely time. I highly recommended their cosy candlelit evenings’, says Liz Hambleton, Editorial Director.
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2 Bailiffscourt Hotel
Best for: tranquility on tap
It’s the attention to detail at this luxurious Sussex retreat that make it a special place to visit whether you’re on your own or with friends. From floor to ceiling windows in the timber barn-style swimming pool to plush sofas and cushions that are made for snoozing in the relaxation areas, you can’t help but feel calm the moment you step inside. Other than the pool, sauna and steam room, there are plenty of Temple Spa treatments on offer to choose from. Head in the Clouds, a dreamy face and body massage, is as heavenly as it sounds.
Our insider says: ‘Such a pretty hotel with lovely grounds where you feel like you've stepped back in history. The perfect hotel and spa for a romantic getaway – watch out for the peacock!’ says Sukhminder Heer, Treatwell's Business Development Manager.
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3 Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall
Best for: award-winning indulgence
Situated in a 5 star 16th century country manor house, the Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall has a lot to live up to, and happily it does. With a team dedicated to help you transcend the stresses of the modern day routine, the toughest challenge you’ll face during your time here is which luxurious treatment to choose from the plethora on offer. Although all of them will leave you feeling totally blissed out, we particularly recommend their raindrop therapy followed by a jade facial.
Our insider says: ‘Situated on the edge of the idylic Dartmoor near Plymouth, there is a sense of peace and tranquillity from the moment you arrive. The spa facilities are exceptional, and their treatment menu has a real focus on wellness and holistic healing’, says Rebecca Hoffnung, Treatwell's Beauty Content Editor.
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4 Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa
Best for: beachside bliss
With a dedicated Elemis treatment menu that has something to entice every spa-goer, this relaxing retreat is a must if you’re in the area (it’s well worth a visit even if you’re not, too). As well as an ambient spa lounge that’s the perfect place to catch up with friends mid-pampering, the impressive pool area and outdoor vitality pool are a real draw and just the place to while away an hour or two, whilst soaking up the beautiful seaside atmosphere.
Our insider says: ‘A stone’s throw from the beach with Victorian architecture and sea views – what’s not to love? Waking up to breakfast in bed with the sun streaming through made it hard to leave. Safe to say I can't wait to return’, says Amy Crabtree, Treatwell's Senior Account Manager.
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5 Eforea Spa at Doubletree
Best for: escaping the city
If you’re looking for some respite from a hectic schedule, look no further than this perfectly formed spa inside this charming, historic building. Beautifully finished and with expert staff on hand, we love the Escape and Essentials Spa Journeys that have been curated by the team and designed to deliver maximum relaxation and indulgence. If you find one is not quite enough then simply bespoke your package by adding an Enhancement (choose from Head & Face, Shoulder, Neck & Scalp and Feet), a genius touch to ensure every pampering need is met.
Our insider says: ‘The service is attentive yet friendly and the spa is modern but with all the traditional facilities you'd expect to find. If I find myself in the Liverpool area this would be my hotel of choice – I was blown away’, says Ophelia Hohler, Treatwell's Head of Marketing.
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6 Mandara Spa at The Park Plaza Hotel
Best for: a taste of Asia
If, after exploring all that cosmopolitan London has to offer, you’re still looking for more, let us point you in the direction of this luxury hotel and its gorgeous spa inspired by traditional Balinese healing. With plenty of choice including the signature Warm Bamboo massage (the ultimate luxury that combines soothing strokes with warm bamboo stalks) there’s also a fitness centre and relaxation lounge to visit. Before you wend your way home, make sure you take a trip to the Spa Boutique, which stocks indulgent favourites from Mandara Spa, Elemis and Bliss.
Our insider says: ‘The perfect romantic or girls’/hen day out treat, as there are 8 treatment rooms and a large swimming pool. I also really enjoyed a lovely meal in Brasserie Joël upstairs on the 1st floor of the hotel, which has the most amazing views overlooking Westminster. Stunning setting!’ Sarah Braimah, Treatwell's Hotel & Spas Account Manager for London.
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7 ESPA at The Corinthia
Best for: living the luxe life
It’s no secret that London life can be frenetic. If the pace has proved too much then look no further than this luxury bolthole for the antidote. A true destination spa space that spans 4 floors and 3,300sq metres, it offers a complete programme for relaxation (including alternative therapies and top London hair salon, Daniel Galvin) meaning that although you may crawl in feeling exhausted, you’ll almost certainly leave walking on air. If you fancy something a little more private than one of the 17 treatment pods and silver steel swimming pool, then why not book into the Private Spa Suite, a haven of tranquillity that’s just for you.
Our insider says: ‘Flickering fires, an onyx pool, my own sleeping pod with an amazing black and white marble interior… Exceptional service and attention to detail, it felt like I had been whisked away to a 5-star Monaco retreat for the day’, says Sarah Braimah, Hotel & Spas Account Manager for London.
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8 The Spa at The Hanbury
Best for: old school elegance
Nestled in the heart of this Jacobean country house is a health club cum spa where both treatments and amenities are geared towards making you feel like a more renewed version of yourself. As well as the usual (and excellent) scrubs, wraps and facials on offer, there’s a steam room for extra lounging and a pool and plunge pool for aqua fanatics. If beauty is more your bag, then why not book in for a wax or even better, a more pampering manicure.
Our insider says: ‘Great spacious high-end hotel overlooking the golf course with fantastic rooms and customer service. My partner really enjoyed her facial and massage treatment. I would recommend it to anyone’, says Deniz Olkac, Account Manager.
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9 The Midland
Best for: urban pampering
A spa that prides itself from being a haven of peace and tranquillity but that can accommodate 70 guests and group bookings? Before you think we’ve gone mad, we urge you to check out this modern masterpiece in the heart of bustling Manchester. With a treatment menu packed full of ESPA and Jessica treats, it’s impossible to know what to try first. If you’re unsure, allow us to point you in the direction of the Serene Sleep treatment, which uses Lavender, Cedarwood and Jasmine to cocoon you in soporific warmth. The perfect tonic for busy lives, it’s a dreamy way to spend the day and helps sleep come more easily when you do hit the hay.
Our insider says: ‘With hanging sleep pods and cool egg-shaped chairs I could easily spend time more in the relaxation area. I chose an Elemis aromatherapy facial and my face was glowing after. A lovely, personalised experience’ says Lucy Stubley,Treatwell's Spa Account Manager.
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10 Ellenborough Park
Best for: unrivalled elegance
It’s the little details that make this spa, set in the grounds of a 16th century estate, a place to come back to time and time again. While we love the outdoor heated pool with its own bar no less, the cosy robes and treatment rooms with adjustable lighting, it’s the iPod docks in every room (meaning you can supply the soundtrack to your own massage) which are the icing on the cake. If you’re looking to try something unusual, we suggest the ishga Salt & Oil Scrub, which uses Hebridean salt to improve circulation and invigorate the skin and senses.
Our insider says: ‘A beautiful spa and hotel in the perfect location, everything about our experience was high quality from the customer service when we walked in, to the breakfast before we left. The staff really take the time to understand your needs and make the experience perfect’, says Leigh Phillipson, Sales Manager.