Looking for a spa break that offers something exceptional and leaves you feeling as if you might have struck gold? We’ve got you covered with our pick of spas that break away from the status-quo, and then some. Whether you’re after a magical experience, an introduction to wellness, taste of the finer things or perhaps you’re simply seeking something truly out of the ordinary, these wonders of wellness will take you away to a happy place.
By Ashlyn Howie
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1 Moddershall Oaks
Best for: outdoorsy indulgence
Set in Staffordshire Moddershall Oaks is home to a relaxation lounge overlooking 72 acres of countryside, featuring a bespoke outdoor vitality pool and Kelo pine wood Sauna. The floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor open fire place are the perfect complement to new spa facilities and a deli area for casual dining, snacks and cocktails is sure to hit the spot.
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2 The Spa at The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Best for: ambience and luxury
If you fancy a dose of Royal treatment that will nurture both contemporary and traditional expectations, the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is a prime retreat. In the centre of Bath and nestled amongst the stunning 28th Century Georgian architecture that makes up the historic city, this Double AA rosette award winner has fine dining covered. From an Afternoon Tea fit for nobility to a menu designed around seasonal English dishes all made with locally sourced ingredients, there's only one thing left to do, take your seat in the bourgeois ballroom or soak up the ambience of an outdoor terrace to indulge your senses.
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3 The Spa at The Runnymede on Thames Hotel
Best for: a midwinter pick-me-up
Heading to the Spa with a group of friends isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when planning a restful break but this spa has taken up the challenge and changed the landscape, offering a seriously fun down-time experience perfect for your merry band. Head for the Thames path and you’ll find yourself along the banks of the river where The Spa at The Runnymede on Thames Hotel is host to a wood fired floating hot tub, carrying up to 6 guests and offers ultimate relaxation whilst soaking up all that the enlgish countryside has to offer.
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4 SoSPA at Sofitel London St James
Best for: francophiles
Londoners are well known for their reluctance to leave the city unless heading for warmer climes, with everything on your doorstep it’s easy to see why a break in the city needn’t mean a city break. For a dose of French refinement whilst being as close as Pall Mall SoSPA is the pièce de résistance and has all the makings for the perfect R&R check in. Step inside the grade II listed building soak up the decadent design, high ceilings and natural daylight whilst enjoying a treatment journey that includes commissioned music and fragrances. We recommend the martini manicure to relax and flaunt your new polish.
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5 The Garage Spa
Best for: an offbeat rural break
Nothing quite whisks you away from the humdrum of everyday life than an immersive experience with an added touch of fun, cue The Garage Spa. A chilled out body shop with plenty of unique features gives this ancient stopping station turned post millennium treasure prestige as a haven for total relaxation. On offer are a range of high quality therapeutics honeyed with thermal forays, our hot tip is to go for a dip in the dry float rooms where you can go zero gravity without the need for a towel.
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6 Brooklands Spa at Brooklands Hotel
Best for: their famous meditation room
Featuring an indoor meditation room complete with gentle warming waterbeds and a newly refurbished outdoor hot tub overlooking the Mercedes Benz world track, Brooklands Spa at Brooklands Hotel in Surrey has everything under one roof if you’re looking for total rest and relaxation. From the spa’s cutting edge design to their classical therapies on offer by luxury French skincare brand Caudalie, an overnight stay at this high end hotel will leave you totally rejuvenated for weeks to come.
FAQs
Which spa offers outdoor facilities with countryside views?
Moddershall Oaks features a bespoke outdoor vitality pool and a Kelo pine wood Sauna overlooking 72 acres of Staffordshire countryside. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor open fireplace create a relaxing setting for guests seeking outdoorsy indulgence.
Where can you enjoy a floating hot tub for groups?
The Spa at The Runnymede on Thames Hotel has a wood fired floating hot tub on the Thames that accommodates up to 6 guests. It’s ideal for groups of friends looking for a fun, restorative spa experience along the river.
What makes the Brooklands Spa meditation room unique?
Brooklands Spa at Brooklands Hotel offers an indoor meditation room with gentle warming waterbeds. This, combined with their newly refurbished hot tub overlooking the Mercedes Benz world track, provides a uniquely restful and modern spa environment.
Which spa is recommended for French-inspired experiences in London?
SoSPA at Sofitel London St James is perfect for those seeking French refinement without leaving the city. Guests can enjoy treatment journeys with custom music and fragrances in a Grade II listed building with decadent design and natural daylight.
What dining options are available at The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel?
The Spa at The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel features fine dining with a Double AA rosette menu and an Afternoon Tea fit for nobility. Menus are based on seasonal English dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, served in a beautiful ballroom or on an outdoor terrace.