Britain's top luxury spa hotels
A spa break is always a good idea, whether you're in need of some relaxation or looking to spend quality time with a loved one (or even escape for me-time alone). Checking in to one of the best luxury spa hotels in the UK is the perfect way to enjoy a stylish sanctuary of calm and tranquillity, and we've selected the very best places around the UK.
So pitch up, switch off, unwind and reboot at these heavenly havens, where indulgent treatments meet exciting food, high-style interiors, and soul-soothing scenery.
You'll feel your stresses melt away at heavenly country house spa hotel Thyme in the Cotswolds (where stocking up on its own Bertioli spa treats is a must), or you can soak up the salty sea air and sweeping coastal views at The Headland in Cornwall.
Prefer to head north? Dip your toe into the lakeside pool and charms of Low Wood Bay in the Lake District. Or maybe you fancy some culture with your massage - Gainsborough Bath Spa has got you covered. And, if it's Michelin-starred fare you want, Whatley Manor and Gleneagles are ready and waiting.
With plush features like rooftop infinity pools and heated poolside loungers, we've rounded up the best luxury spa hotels in the UK below, from West Sussex to Perthshire.
There's nothing better than checking in to a blissful spa hotel. Let the pamper party begin...
Thyme, Southrop, Cotswolds
A stay at Thyme is all about treating yourself to some seriously serene pampering and recharging through a revived connection with nature in the most luxurious space. Its location, in the picturesque village of Southrop in the south Cotswolds, is as idyllic as you'd imagine. Your arrival at the hotel is a soothing start in itself as you drive through the estate with its flock of grazing Black Welsh Mountain and Cotswold Lion sheep.
The walk from the reception to the Meadow Spa takes you through the impeccable grounds of the estate and past the dreamy main house containing the guest rooms.
A countryside oasis, the spa specialises in treatments that use its own botanical-inspired Bertioli products combined with meditation and breathing to achieve a true sense of calm influenced by nature and Thyme's heavenly surroundings. The 60-minute Bertioli Breathe, Nurture and Restore body treatment starts with a mineral foot soak, before your back, arms and scalp are massaged to leave you feeling fully relaxed and restored.
The relaxation space is a gorgeous spot to unwind with a cup of calming tea by the fire after your treatment, or if the weather is warm, you can while away the rest of the day in the spring water swimming pool.
Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire
With a fitness centre, treatment suites and six pools - including an incredible rooftop infinity pool - Ragdale Hall deserves its swanky spa reputation.
Soak in the views of the soul-soothing countryside stretching out before you while relaxing in warming water. Beautify, relax and revive your senses with an Elemis treatment, before heading to the sleek cocktail bar for an aperitif before a first-class dinner.
Other highlights include the candle lit pool and outdoor waterfall pool.
Red readers can enjoy an exclusive offer and save up to 35% on a blissful two-night spa break at Ragdale Hall.
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot, Dorset
The first thing you'll want to do when you drop your bags off at this Georgian manor house? Head straight to the stunning glass-housed swimming pool and boutique spa. Take tea on the terrace outside the pool post-pamper, and when you're ready for a ramble, head into the surrounding rolling countryside and Thomas Hardy's picturesque village of Evershot.
With opulent interiors, four acres of English country gardens, crackling fires and creative cuisine, this is an idyllic, sumptuous spa escape.
Red has an exclusive offer for a two-night break at Summer Lodge, including dinner and wine, and access to the spa.
Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire
The grounds of Chewton Glen, with immaculate lawns and a pathway you can follow down to the shore, are tonic enough, but if you need a little more help, the superb spa is on hand to assist. The indoor pool area has high ceilings, huge windows framing the gardens and dazzling white walls. Spa days include the healthy lunch spread on offer in the restaurant above the pool.
British brand OTO, which specialises in CBD products, has a partnership with the spa, with a hero treatment that’s perfect for women who are peri-, mid- or post-menopausal. The 90-minute ritual features a stomach massage (with the aim of ‘releasing emotional heaviness’) and sound therapy.
Claridge's, London
Claridge’s may have been around for more than two centuries, but its stellar spa is a far more recent addition – it was unveiled last autumn after some serious excavation works. The subterranean space is three storeys below the hotel’s lobby, with a Japan-inspired decor created by architect Andre Fu.
There’s the usual heated pool, steam room and sauna, along with oak-panelled treatment rooms for restorative massages and high-tech facials. The spa also offers hairstyling from top Josh Wood hair stylists, and there's an ever-evolving list of wellness experts, from nail artists to acupuncturists.
Minster Mill Hotel & Spa, Minster Lovell, Cotswolds
Prettily nestled in 65 acres of glorious grounds on the banks of the River Windrush, this honey-hued stone luxury spa hotel has a gorgeous wellness space in the heart of its landscaped gardens.
Pamper, preen and polish with an ESPA treatment in one of the three suites, and enjoy a dip in the inviting pool. Outside the spa, there's also a croquet lawn and tennis court to keep you busy, as well as wood-beamed restaurant serving up modern British cuisine.
Wander around the charming nearby Cotswolds village of Minster Mill, or head into Oxford for some historic culture. Blenheim Palace is also on the doorstep for a step back in time.
The Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay, Cornwall
Nabbing an exclusive spot on a clifftop overlooking Fistral Beach, the Headland Hotel is truly one of the UK's top luxury spa destinations. The state-of-the-art spa boasts sweeping coastal views, and you can even wander straight down to the beach for a some fresh sea air after a restorative massage.
Steeped in history, over the years it's had royal visitors (including King Charles) and attracted Hollywood big-hitters (The Witches was filmed here in 1987). Its stylish, modern interiors are split between the Victorian house and several chic self-catering cottages.
The spa is a haven of tranquility, with low-lit treatment rooms and a choice of indoor and outdoor pools. Foodies can sample the fresh sea-to-spoon delights in the three restaurants.
Low Wood Bay Hotel & Spa, Windermere, Lake District
If a spa with a view is on your wish list, Low Wood Bay's sweeping Lake Windermere vista blending into dramatic fells in the distance should tick that box nicely.
The staggering views from the indoor and outdoor pool are a real highlight here, but there's also wood-fired food in the Blue Smoke restaurant and afternoon tea in the Langdale Lounge serving up soul-stirring scenery with your scones. And, of course, there's country walks aplenty right on the doorstep so pack your walking boots and enjoy the nearby trails, too.
Barnsley House, Cirencester, Cotswolds
Luxury spa hotels in the UK don't get much more sumptuous than Barnsley House. This grown-up getaway is indulgent with a capital I. The fairytale gardens were designed by Rosemary Verey and, nestled within the wildflowers is the magical spa. A wow-factor sanctuary, everything is devoted to a natural theme, from the lavender-infused treatments to the tree trunk tables.
When it comes to the time to dine? Head over the road to The Boot, the hotel's very own country inn, for better-than-pub grub, or enjoy garden-to-plate fine dining in the charming Potager.
Interiors are high-end and exquisite yet comfortable; this is a top-notch country house for a spoiling spa retreat.
Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath
A one-of-a-kind proposition in the UK, this luxury spa has thermal mineral water springs flowing directly into it. The natural healing properties of the water are also pumped directly into the spa bedrooms via the sumptuous roll-top tubs.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a majestic building located on a side street right in the centre of Bath. Its grand spa is situated in a glass atrium beneath the hotel, and is a shimmering jewel in its crown.
Apres-spa? You're stumbling distance from the city's top sights, including the famous Roman Baths, where the hotel's mineral-rich water comes from. A truly special treat.
Ockenden Manor, Cuckfield, West Sussex
Little would you know that this fine, age-old Elizabethan manor opens to reveal a super-swish spa. While the manor house interiors range from traditional to modern country (those fire-warmed afternoon teas are a joy), the spa is clean-lined and contemporary.
Enjoy views over the eight acres of Cuckfield Park from the spa lounge (and some local handmade chocolates). You can also soak up the vista from the heated outdoor pool, which is a handy swim-through from the indoor pool. A luxury spa for all seasons to suit all tastes.
Sofitel London St James, London
Step inside the Sofitel London St James' serene spa and you'll feel a world away from its buzzy central London location on the corner of Pall Mall. Perfectly complementing its neoclassical surroundings and French decadence synonymous with the luxury hotel brand, the pa is an urban sanctuary to indulge and melt away your stresses after a long day.
Once you've checked in to the spa and sipped a glass of rooibos tea, it's time for a relaxing treatment. Try the Deluxe HydraFacial, designed to deeply cleanse your skin and leave your skin glowing.
Detoxifying lymphatic drainage is achieved via a system that uses a vortex swirling action. This deeply cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates the skin before your personal skin concerns are addressed with a booster, whether it's anti-ageing or targeting breakouts, and LED lights are switched on to help produce collagen.
The cleansing and renewing treatment isn't your average relaxing facial but it's surprisingly satisfying and you can easily fall asleep before the 45 minutes are up.
Whatley Manor, Malmesbury, Cotswolds
Like your luxury spa hotel served up with a two Michelin-starred restaurant? Honey-hued Whatley Manor has that experience covered.
Immerse yourself in the indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, before reclining on a heated stone lounger. Enjoy a treatment and complete tranquility, all the while looking forward to a veritable feast in The Dining Room in the evening. Afternoon tea, with its fluffy scones and moreish cakes, is also sublime.
The spa also has a flotation pod, filled with over 500kg of Epsom salts mixed with 1,000 litres of water at body temperature to create the perfect environment for you to meditate or simply relax.
Congham Hall, Grimston, Norfolk
Park up in the heart of the Norfolk countryside for an ultra-chic spa retreat. A stone's throw from the Sandringham Estate and the sandy beaches of the North Norfolk coast, Congham Hall is perfectly located.
Its upscale spa offers an oasis of calm, nestled within the hotel's fragrant herb garden, some of which are included in the myriad of treatments on offer using Elemental Herbology products. The stunning 12-metre pool is flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the manicured lawns beyond. There's also a sauna, steam room and bio-sauna to aid relaxation.
The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross
Surrounded by 850 acres of scenic Scottish countryside, the iconic Gleneagles Hotel boasts arguably the best spa in Scotland. A haven in every sense, this is a high-end country resort boasting 10 bars and restaurants (one Michelin-starred), three championship golf courses, horse riding on-site and, of course, the state-of-the-art spa.
There are two sleek indoor pools and a thermal outdoor pool. Over at the beauty lodge, Bob & Cloche, the Art Deco interiors are as pretty as you'll feel upon leaving. The luxe hotel offers a range of spa treatments, spa days and weekend packages for you to enjoy some much-needed R&R.
The Salthouse, Ballycastle, County Antrim
Immerse yourself in this luxury eco spa hotel in Northern Ireland, placed above the quaint town of Ballycastle and boasting wild, rugged Atlantic coastline views for days.
This hip hideaway has a funky bar and restaurant where you can sip cocktails with a breathtaking backdrop and, of course, the freshest seafood caught at the nearby pier. The spa boasts outdoor hot tubs and a sauna with ocean vistas, as well as indoor steam room and heated day bed relaxation area. There's also a thermal journey designed to help you relax, rain or shine.
When it comes to treatments, you won't be disappointed thanks to the range of signature treatments and those created in collaboration with VOYA, the leading experts in harnessing the endless restorative and healing powers of seaweed. Blissed-out doesn't cover it.
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