Great Britain may not be the first place you think of when you yearn for a spa holiday, but you’ll be surprised at how many fantastic spa resorts there are in this region of Europe. The spa holiday is perfect for women, romantic honeymoons and independent solo trips. They are no longer just for pampering, but for general well-being and a spiritual fix to focus and align mind, body and spirit.
These are some of the most luxurious spa resorts in the UK to consider next time you need some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.
Whatley Manor – Wiltshire, England
The Whatley Manor is a mansion in Wiltshire known for luxury, privacy and wellness. There are 23 guest rooms in this manor house as well as two restaurants and two bars where you can sample regional cuisine and cocktails. The Aquarias Spa has a hydrotherapy pool with air mattresses, air cushions and neck massage jets. You can also receive treatments in the tepidarium, salt showers, thermal cabins, wave hall, serial mud chamber, VIP suite with hydro bath and Lyashi dome. Get out at the Ladyswood Shooting School, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding at the Barton End Equestrian Center or water sports at Cotswold Water Park.
Bulgari Hotel & Residences – London, England
Bulgari is a well-known name in high-end fashion, and Bulgari Hotel & Residences has a remarkable spa in London. There is a 25-metre pool, Turkish baths, ice showers, 11 treatment rooms and a relaxation room with fireplace. The spa area is open to guests and a limited membership from 6.30am to 10pm. There are 85 guest rooms and suites with modern design and a silver interior design. Located on the outskirts of London’s Hyde Park district, it is just a few minutes’ walk from Harrods department store. Try the fragrant Italian cuisine created by chef Robbie Pepin in the hotel’s own restaurant.
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa – Bath, England
It’s no surprise that many of Britain’s best spas are located in Bath! One of the best is the Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, which has a saltwater diving pool, thermal cabins, dry flotation, sunlight therapy, a feel-good home and a herb garden. Recommended treatments include a relaxing herbal treatment and lymphatic drainage massage. Open since 2008, this spa has nine state-of-the-art therapy rooms. There are 42 guest rooms and suites in this hotel, which is housed in a 17th Palladio mansion on 500 hectares of English countryside.
The Garage Spa – Durham, England
Few of us would imagine a garage as an ideal place for a spa. However, if you are looking for a unique spa experience, you should visit the Garage Spa in Durham. Located in a 26 room hotel, the Spa specialises in facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. This is also the place where you can experience a dry swimming room or an ancient salt block wall interspersed with aromatherapy. The hotel is located in the Teesdale countryside on the site of a historic Roman fortress. The Dickens Bar and Gilroy’s Dining Room invite you to eat and drink.
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa – Gloucestershire, England
Close to the border with England and Wales, the Cotswold House Hotel & Spa is smaller than others on this list, but very hospitable and quiet. In this charming hotel with garden and pool you will find plenty of peace and relaxation between spa treatments. The spa area combines natural skin care products with local flowers and herbs to create relaxing treatments for every unique body. The Cotswold House Garden of Dreams is the spa’s trademark, and the champagne nail bar is particularly popular.
Gleneagles Spa – Perthshire, Scotland
The Gleneagles Spa in Perthshire is a great place to stay if you want more from your holiday than just relax. Active travellers with a sense of adventure will find plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, archery, golf and hiking nearby. Situated in the Scottish countryside, it is known for its Ayurvedic massages. This spa has been influenced by oriental spa practices and employs experts in reflexology and Reiki to restore inner peace on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Depending on what you get, treatment prices start at around £75.
Escape @ the Scotsman Hotel – Edinburgh, Scotland
Another great spa in Scotland is the Escape @ the Scotsman Hotel. This spa has a 16-metre pool, juice bar, whirlpool and full Scottish breakfast to start the morning. This spa is best known for its high quality massages and uses natural products from Aveda. There are seven treatment rooms. The hotel was built in 1905 in the historic North Bridge quarter in the former baronial offices of the Scotsman newspaper. Edinburgh Castle, the Firth of Forth, Leith, Princes Street and Calton Hill are also nearby. Room rates start at around £300 per night and you can buy packages that include multiple spa treatments, lunch and use of the gym.
