As much as we love jetting off on holiday, there’s no denying that a week (or two) in the sun can really do a number on your skin. Mix lots of sunscreen with lots of alcohol, and then add in a dehydrating long-haul flight home, and you’ve got a recipe for a complexion disaster. Not to mention that long plane journeys can give you all number of aches and pains – and all that recycled air can have you feeling quite stuffy and congested.The remedy? As soon as you touch tarmac, get yourself to a stopover spa nearby to get things back on track. Luckily for you, the UK has some stellar spots right by the biggest airports that’ll make your layover worth it. From deep-cleansing facials to mood-boosting massage, consider this the perfect end note to your time away. And relax…
By Daniela Morosini
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1 Quad Health Club & Spa
Best for: London City Airport
London City’s a great airport for quick connections, and you’re spoilt for choice as you’re right in the heart of the capital. The Crowne Plaza is our secret weapon – it’s a veritable hub of calm and quiet in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. With a range of ESPA treatments on offer to re-energise you, including hot stone massage, aromatherapy and bespoke facials, you’ll float out of this spa on a cloud. There’s also an impressive steam room and pool, should you want to cool off (or sweat it out) that way. A stone’s throw from the airport, this is a great spot to pre-book for when you touch down.
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2 Health Club & Spa at Hallmark Hotel Manchester
Best for: Manchester airport
All we’re saying is: Jacuzzi. Okay, that’s not all we’re saying, but that alone is enough to make us consider a detour on the way home. There’s also a Swedish sauna and six incredible treatment rooms, offering luxury Elemis massages and face and body treatments. Plus, the settings are incredible – the leafy surroundings will have you coming over all patriotic. There’s also a brilliant brasserie, should all that relaxing make you hungry. If you need a full body reset, go for the Deep Tissue Massage, which will make mincemeat of stubborn aches and knots. To be honest, it might be even be a bit better than your holiday. Might be.
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3 Pegasus Health Spa at Radisson Blue
Best for: Heathrow airport
The phrase ‘urban retreat’ was designed for places like this. With a cool plunge pool, a stone oven sauna and an aromatic crystal steam room all under one roof, this is a little slice of heaven that has to be seen to be believed. Shuffle in, world-weary and jet-lagged, and bask in the glow of this relaxing, rejuvenating haven – the wonderful friendly staff will put you at ease and have you feel remarkably more human again in no time at all. They’re great at express treatments if you need to rush off, but if you can spare a couple of hours, your body – and mind – will thank you.
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4 Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa
Best for: Gatwick airport
You might think you’ve actually arrived at Downton Abbey when you pull up to this incredible, sprawling mansion. Set in 120 acres of countryside and oozing period charm, it’s a sight for sore eyes, that’s for sure. Looks aside, the spa offers a hydrotherapy pool, tranquil relaxation spaces and has an alfresco spa area, should the weather permit. Offering beautifying services from OPI and L’Oreal as well as holistic, grounding treatments, they’ve got everything you need to shake off your back-to-work blues.
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5 Macdonald Holyrood Hotel & Spa
Best for: Edinburgh airport
If you need to head out soon after you touch down, look no further. The roster here includes Fake Bake spray tans and Jessica mani-pedis, so you can be sure you’ll bounce out of here party-ready. If you just want to unwind, treat yourself to an aromatherapy massage or a dip in the pool. We love the Elemis Ocean Wrap or Body Nourish wrap to help kick-start your lymphatic drainage process and rid you of any holiday toxins. The chatty, kind staff will put you right at ease – the only trouble will be leaving…
FAQs
Which spa is closest to London City Airport?
You can visit the Quad Health Club & Spa at the Crowne Plaza, which is just a stone’s throw from London City Airport. This spa offers a range of ESPA treatments, a steam room and a pool, making it a convenient stop for relaxing after your flight.
What treatments can you get at spas near Manchester Airport?
At the Health Club & Spa at Hallmark Hotel Manchester, you can enjoy Elemis massages, face and body treatments, a Swedish sauna and a Jacuzzi. There are also six treatment rooms and a brasserie, so you can unwind completely before heading home or to your next destination.
Which spa offers express treatments if you are short on time?
The Pegasus Health Spa at Radisson Blue Heathrow offers express treatments for customers who need to rush off. You can also take advantage of their plunge pool, stone oven sauna and aromatic crystal steam room to refresh yourself quickly and efficiently.
What spa facilities are available near Gatwick Airport?
The Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa offers a hydrotherapy pool, tranquil relaxation spaces and an alfresco spa area if the weather allows. This venue provides both beautifying services and holistic treatments in a beautiful countryside mansion close to Gatwick Airport.
Can you get ready for a party at a spa near Edinburgh Airport?
Yes, at the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel & Spa, you can book Fake Bake spray tans and Jessica mani-pedis to be party-ready. You can also unwind with aromatherapy massages, body wraps or a relaxing dip in the pool right after landing.