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35 Of The Best UK Spa Hotels

35 Of The Best UK Spa Hotels

When it comes to R&R, nothing beats checking into a spa hotel for a decadent pamper. And, after the events of the past 18 months, a peaceful retreat sounds even more appealing than usual.

Whether you're looking for a city escape or countryside getaway; a wellness weekend or a day of pure indulgence, there's a spot in the UK that will deliver.

Here, see the verdict on the best spa hotels in the UK, spanning the country from North to South. Featuring the traditional, the tech-driven and everything in-between, there's bound to be one that ticks all the boxes.

1. Gleneagles, Perthshire

Gleneagles is good at everything: at this Perthshire hotel, you can eat the best food, play on the best golf course and enjoy one of the best spas in the UK. Their philosophy at the Espa spa is for your treatment to start from the moment you enter – expect to be fully relaxed before you even get going.

Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland

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2. The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

While The Old Course Hotel might primarily be a mecca for golfers, its recently refurbished Kohler Waters Spa is worth the trip alone. The coastal spa focuses on hydrotherapy offering Salus Per Aquum (or SPA, which translates as 'health through water'). With an impressive 13 treatment rooms - complete with the most comfortable massage beds you're ever likely to experience - the treatment menu is extensive, or guests can simply enjoy the refreshing pool, experience showers and steam rooms. Hours could be lost in the rooftop jacuzzi.

Kohler Waters Spa, The Old Course Hotel, Old Station Rd, St Andrews

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3. Ye Olde Bell, Nottingham

The new multi-million pound spa at Ye Olde Bell, a country hotel on the north border of Nottinghamshire, boasts 10 spa experiences. From a theatrical stonebath to a snowstorm shower and salt inhalation room – you could lose hours. But there's also the indoor-outdoor pool, a cosy alpine lodge, faux beach experience to help release vitamin D, plus many a treatment to be had. And that's without any wining and dining at the delicious Herb Garden Brasserie.

Spa at Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor, Nottinghamshire

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4. Ragdale Hall, Leicester

Ragdale boasts the most extensive spa facilities in the UK including six pools - the newest of which being their stunning rooftop experience (complete with an infinity edge). The treatment menu is huge, ranging from the innovative and holistic to the functional and the fitness facilities are equally impressive. If you're so inclined there's the gym, two studios hosting 18 daily classes and a dedicated exercise pool with underwater gym equipment.

Ragdale Hall, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

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5, Dormy House, Worcestershire

This hotel hasn't that long been open, but it is already a favourite with spa aficionados, thanks to its airy relaxation space, the Greenhouse, mud room where guests can make a mess freely and Thermal Suite, which offers a lavender sauna, salt steam room and a juniper-scented Finnish cabin. Their motto – 'walk in, float out' – sounds good to us.

Dormy House, Broadway, Worcestershire

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6. Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire

Britain's first country club, made famous by Bridget Jones and Daniel Cleaver on a rowing boat, can also boast one of the country's finest spas. Excellent Thalgo and Caci treatments are on offer and, if you're more keen on keeping active than relaxing, head to the hi-tech gym to try out the latest fitness equipment.

Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire

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7. Cottonmill at Sopwell House, Hertfordshire

Sopwell House in Hertfordshire boasts the country’s first private member’s spa, Cottonmill. Here, a new three-storey extension, linking on to a private spa garden with an indoor-out hydro-pool, combines state-of-the-art facilities with a stunning aesthetic. When it comes to treatments, try the innovative Amber and Quartz Crystal Bed, where warm crystals mould to your body, helping to ease muscle tension during your massage. Or, if hydrotherapy is more your thing, the Vichy shower experience combines a body scrub and hot stone massage while water from the six shower jets cascade over you.

The spa is planning a partial reopening from April 12 – treatments combined with al-fresco lunch – and overnight stays should be available from May 17. Gift vouchers, which are valid for 12 months, can be purchased now.

Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire

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8. The Floating Spa at Monkey Island Estate

A favourite retreat for Royals and literary greats for centuries, Monkey Island Estate is seven-acres of bucolic bliss set within the River Thames, where you could easily while away a weekend without ever crossing back over its bridge to the mainland. Moored on its banks is the Floating Spa, housed in a spacious blue barge, where treatments take inspiration from apothecary blends used by the 12th-century monks who once lived on the island – today the therapists blend oils using ingredients from the hotel garden. Wander down a wildflower-lined path and climb aboard for indulgent treatments such as the ‘Monk’s Elixir’, where hot pads and oils infused with arnica, angelica, melisse and frankincense are put into practice to ease aching muscles. As you drift back onshore, rejuvenated and refreshed, withdraw to your room to discover a Deep Sleep spray from This Works placed atop your bed’s large, cocooning pillows, which, with a quick spritz, will to send you into a glorious slumber.

Monkey Island Estate, Bray, Berkshire

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9. The Grove, Hertfordshire

Just 18 miles from London in the leafy Hertfordshire countryside lies The Grove, the former home of the Earl of Clarendon now beautifully restored into a five-star retreat. The luxurious Sequoia Spa – complete with a black mosaic-tiled pool, heat experience rooms, steam room, sauna, vitality pool and jacuzzi – boasts a menu of 32 different treatments, which take place in the spa’s 18 tranquil treatment rooms. There's also a slick fitness studio and exercise classes on offer (plus PT appointments) should you want even more from your weekend of wellness.

The Grove is also a good choice for a family getaway, with activities such as archery and clay pigeon shooting to keep younger visitors entertained.

The Grove, Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire

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10. The Langley, Buckinghamshire

Meet your chicest new spa staycation, The Langley (the former country estate of the third Duke of Marlborough). Forbidden to build up, a chic subterranean spa was created, complete with a 16-metre marble-lined swimming pool which glistens like an oil painting. Facilities include hammams (with various bookable body rituals), vitality pools, a pink Himalayan salt-walled sauna and amethyst steam room. As well as treatments courtesy of Sisley, James Read, Gentlemen’s Tonic, La Sultane de Saba, and Margaret Dabbs, there's also a state-of-the-art Matt Roberts gym. Developed by the renowned personal trainer, you can work out alone or book bespoke training, plus group classes.

The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire

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11. Danesfield House, Buckinghamshire

This stunning 18th century country house boasts a Spa Illuminata, sister to the award-winning Spa Illuminata Mayfair. You'll find the gym, fitness classes and a 20-metre swimming pool for those who want to put a workout into the wellness thing, or the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna for those who don't. Additionally, there's the tempting treatments to try – we recommend the luxury Darphin Divine 8 Flower Nectar Lifting Facial which lifts your spirits and skin, granting an unbeatable glow.

Danesfield House, Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire

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12. Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire

Easily reached from London, on the border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire lies luxury 5-star hotel Luton Hoo. Surrounded by glorious parkland, the 18th Century mansion embodies traditional grandeur. The spa, in a listed stable building on site, is just as impressive. A huge hydrotherapy pool steals the show, though the tempting treatment menu can't fail to wow you either.

Luton Hoo, Luton, Bedfordshire

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13. The Londoner

Marking the rebirth of iconic Leicester Square, The Londoner is currently the capital’s most talked about high-end hotel, offering everything you’d want from a luxury city break. Its subterranean spa is the ultimate sanctuary from the West End’s commotion. Transported below ground, the lift doors open to a view of the tranquil turquoise pool – instilling instant calm – while secluded cabanas lull you further into switch-off mode. Known as The Retreat, the wellness floor also houses a beauty and nail salon, gym, superfood eatery and multiple treatment rooms. We tried the blissful Dynamo Massage by ila, which uses the artisan brand’s handmade body oils to revive the entire body, releasing tension while reducing fatigue. Facials by Omorovicza sound equally appealing, combing a pampering experience with visible results. Back in your room, studio or suite, plush beds await to promote the kind of restorative rest you often only get from a five-star stay away.

The Londoner, Leicester Square, W1

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14. 111 SPA/CLINIC at Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk

Wilderness Reserve is not exactly a hotel: there’s no bar, no restaurant and no chance of bumping into another guest in the spa, which is located in the basement of your own private property.

This sprawling estate of spectacular self-catering homes has just opened its first three ‘spa’ properties, all of which boast a private swimming pool, sauna and steam and treatment rooms, in which you can work through a menu of face and body therapies by Harley Street’s famed 111Skin.

Moving beyond the traditional, the brand offers a unique blend of pampering and performance, delivering clinic-level results alongside deeply satisfying massage (no frustratingly limp strokes here). Try the calming Dramatic Healing Facial, which was originally developed by founder Dr. Yannis Alexandrides to promote healing after surgical procedures, or opt for the cult Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Facelift, which involves a masterful combination of active ingredients to fade dark spots, plump lines and lift the skin. There’s a reason almost every A-lister loves it.

Chapel Barn, The Grange and The Cider House at Wilderness Reserve, Darsham.

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15. The Ned, London

London's private members' hotel, club and restaurant collection also boasts an incredible spa (and grooming) space. The 'Barber and Parlour' has an extensive offering of treatments, whether you want a speedy manicure at nail bar Cheeky or a top-to-toe pamper at Cowshed (our favourite treatment is the Moody Massage, 60 minutes of muscle melting bliss). They've also introduced VitaDrip infusions in partnership with The Elixir Clinic for an instant boost of nutrients to detox, anti-age, hydrate or energise, depending on your needs.

The Ned, 27 Poultry, London

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16. Agua Spa at Sea Containers, London

For a chic and modern city stay, it has to be Sea Containers. With a prime location on the banks of the River Thames, this buzzy hotel boasts one of the most beautiful spa spaces – and seriously impressive treatments to boot.

The spa has just launched its own line of products, Hedgerow, which is now used in signature treatments such as the stellar Advanced Bodywork. Made in-house using locally sourced plants, the herbal compresses and aromatic salves bring even more mind-soothing appeal to the massage strokes.

Agua Spa at Sea Containers, London

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17. 45 Park Lane, London

Ever since its opening nearly a decade ago, 45 Park Lane has rightfully become synonymous with luxury, art and taste. In May 2021, it opened its first spa - a stylishly decorated 10,000 square-foot space, complete with a 20-metre pool, treatment rooms, gym, sauna, steam room and a hydrotherapy pool you'll never want to get out of. The decor focuses on bringing the outside in - expansive floral works by American fine art photographer Jin-Woo Prensena adorn the walls, while Roman style mosaics are made by Venetian artisans. The natural timbers, light coloured stone and the Costa Del Mar music complete a sense of calm tranquillity. We'd recommend the Valmont Radiance Facial, which - we can attest - will give you instantly glowing, fuller-looking skin. Finish up with a healthy bite to eat in the relaxation lounge which sits next door to the pool. Or, if you're after something a little stronger, try a cocktail upstairs at Bar 45.

A special mention must go to the high level of service here - both the therapists and hotel staff are exceptionally welcoming, each keen to ensure that you have the most relaxing, indulgent visit possible.

45 Park Lane, London W1K 1PN

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18. Sofitel London St James, London

If you're looking to add a spot of pampering to a city break, the

Sofitel London St James is ideal. The hotel has just launched its Health in the City package, which combines classic spa indulgence with a wellness slant. Choose between an hour-long facial or outstanding personalised massage, then book in with either the hotel's resident nutritionist, Huguette Lelong, or the personal trainers at exclusive neighbouring gym Coach.

To round off your weekend, indulge in a healthy picnic hamper for two – perfect for taking to the nearby Hyde Park.

Health in the City at Sofitel London St James, London.

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19. Four Seasons, London

Where most city-centre spas are tucked away in a hotel basement, the Four Seasons London has placed its retreat at the very top – with floor-to-ceiling windows in the massage suites – meaning you can gaze out at the spectacular views over Hyde Park.

From May 17th, the spa will be offering its new menu of wellness packages, created in collaboration with The Organic Pharmacy. With a focus on immunity, sleep and detoxification, each three-hour City Detox programme (£495) involves a personalised 90-minute treatment, take-home products, and a virtual follow-up consultation with the spa director to help you keep track of your wellness goals.

The Four Seasons, London

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20. Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square, London

The newly refurbished spa at the Four Seasons' East-London outpost has launched an inspiring post-lockdown menu. From now, you can purchase a day pass or rolling membership to the facilities, including the pool and gym, or indulge in a Trini-Tea Spa Day with personalised massage and leisurely afternoon tea.

For something truly memorable, book exclusive use of the sublime indoor pool for up to six guests.

The Spa at Four Seasons, Ten Trinity Square, London

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21. ESPA Life at The Corinthia, London

For a central city stay that combines location with luxury, The Corinthia is perfect.

The renowned spa is an ESPA flagship, boasting 17 treatment rooms, heated loungers, sleeping pods and an impressive amphitheatre sauna. What's more, a Daniel Galvin hair studio means you can really emerge transformed from head to toe.

While full facilities and overnight stays are set to resume on May 17, the spa is currently accepting bookings for some of its most popular treatments from April 12, including the unrivalled Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Ageing Facial.

ESPA Life at The Corinthia, London

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22. The Lanesborough, London

The Lanesborough has recently become the first spa in the UK to offer a menu of treatments created in collaboration with natural skincare stalwart Tata Harper.

Each bespoke treatment combines her powerful organic products with grounding massage, aromatherapy, singing bowls or facial cupping for an experience unlike any other.

The Lanesborough, London

The-Lanesborough-London

23. Bulgari, London

This subterranean sanctuary in West London offers world-class facial treatments, including cryotherapy and LED from 111 Skin, microneedling, and the famous iS Clinical Fire & Ice facial. That's not to say the setting is clinical though: the gleaming pool and steam rooms are sublime.

Bulgari Hotel, 171 Knightsbridge, London

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24. Chuan Body + Soul at The Langham, London

For something with a nod to oriental traditions, consider The Langham's Chuan Body + Soul. With Traditional Chinese Medicine inspiring the menu, you can expect hot-stone massages, Reiki and lymphatic drainage.

The 16 metre-long swimming pool, flanked by saunas and steam rooms, is the perfect pre or post-massage retreat.

Chuan Body + Soul at The Langham, London

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25. St. Pancras Renaissance, London

With years of painstaking renovation now complete, the St. Pancras Renaissance hotel is a spectacular spot for a short city break.

No detail has been overlooked in the remarkable spa, which boasts a cosy, Moroccan-inspired pool room and a treatment menu inspired by global spa traditions. Head to Africa with the Cinq Mondes rassoul clay body wrap, or indulge in the Indonesian papaya extract scrub. For traditionalists, the Aromatherapy Associates head-to-toe treatment is a true extravaganza.

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London

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26. South Lodge, Sussex

The new spa at 5-star country house hotel South Lodge is perched above the rolling hills of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Continuing this natural theme, there's a unique heated wild swimming pool and vitality hydrotherapy pool outside, while inside the huge indoor infinity swimming pool serves views of the serene Sussex landscape. Tear yourself away from the thermal experiences to try the Omorovicza Blue Diamond facial treatment, or opt for something more advanced with the LED-based Lumineo.

The Spa at South Lodge, Horsham, West Sussex

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27. Bamford Haybarn at The Berkeley, London

It might be nestled at the top of The Berkeley, but the Bamford Haybarn feels miles away from the buzz of central London.

The instantly soothing space combines holistic treatments with a focus on both body and soul, as well as a yoga studio and stunning rooftop pool. Indulge in an Oskia facial, or try a seaweed body wrap for detoxing tired limbs.

Bamford Haybarn at The Berkeley, London

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28. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

In the very heart of Bath's Grade 1 listed Royal Crescent, with its iconic honey-coloured stone facade, lies this city sanctuary fusing the old and new. Beyond the 45 individually designed suites and guest rooms is the property's idyllic spa, known as The Spa & Bath House. Indulge in treatments by luxury holistic brands such as Elemental Herbology, plus enjoy the relaxation and vitality pools, sauna and steam inhalation rooms. Weather-permitting, do continue proceedings in the tranquil Taittinger Spa Garden, with a decadent afternoon tea. Bliss.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath

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29. Beaverbrook, Surrey

Surrey isn’t short of spa hotels, but Beaverbrook stands in a league of its own. The former home of Lord Beaverbrook, this Grade-II listed country house estate is now a luxury hotel with a pleasingly different spa. Designed by contemporary artist and architect Brian Clark, the kaleidoscopic-coloured space instantly reinvigorates the senses. While some luxe hotel spas can intimidate with a minimal-meets-clinical aesthetic, The Coach House Spa at Beaverbrook provides a warm welcome – and nurturing holistic treatments you'll remember long after check-out.

Beaverbrook, Leatherhead, Surrey

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30. Pennyhill Park, Surrey

The sister spa to South Lodge is just as impressive. A real spa day destination, facilities include large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, open-air hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, experience showers, foot baths, an ice igloo and tepidarium. Your spa journey may also tempt you into a treatment (you name it, they offer it), or simply to the sensory room, sun lounger, or – for those wanting a workout with their wellbeing – the gym. The hotel itself offers a luxury stay with a backdrop of beautiful countryside, and Michelin-starred dining at the lauded Latymer restaurant.

The spa at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Surrey

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31. Babington House, Somerset

The Soho House group's impossibly idyllic countryside outpost is home to a stately Cowshed spa, equipped with a pedicure station that looks out to the Victorian Walled Garden, an outdoor pool with signature striped sunloungers and an extensive menu of indulgent treatments, including a whole list for men.

Babington House, Frome, Somerset

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32. Lime Wood, New Forest

The Herb House spa at Lime Wood lets its New Forest setting steal the show: see the trees from the giant sauna, do some yoga in the rooftop herb garden and enjoy the very latest all-natural botanical products (think Bamford and Voya) during your treatment. Keep up the good work with lunch from the Raw & Cured bar, where you can enjoy salads, smoothies and meat smoked on-site. If you're in the market for a facial with real transformative results, book a Skinesis treatment by revered facialist Sarah Chapman. What better alternative to Chapman’s Chelsea clinic?

Herb House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire

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33. The Scarlet, Cornwall

Soak in Cornish seaweed in one of the Scarlet's clifftop cauldrons that overlook the Atlantic, before warming up inside in one of the Eastern-inspired pods that hang from the ceiling and sway you gently to sleep. The Ayurvedic menu and tailored 'journeys' ensure a soothing experience from top to toe.

The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

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34. Bedruthan, Cornwall

The Scarlet's sister hotel, Bedruthan is the perfect seaside spot for families wanting to relax. Check your little ones into the childcare service (included daily) and enjoy both the indoor spa and Sensory Spa Garden in peace. This hour long experience–inspired by the elements–features a sea-view sauna, detoxifying cold drench (for the brave), restorative hot tubs and a copper foot bath adjacent to a sparkling fire pit. It's the ultimate addition to this chic, yet cosy, Cornish retreat.

Bedruthan, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

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35. St Michaels, Cornwall

Another Cornish favourite comes courtesy of St Michaels, which overlooks Falmouth Bay. A resort with a world-class spa, when it comes to wellness it ticks every box. A huge health club houses a 17-metre pool and all-singing, all-dancing gym with various studios for classes. Meanwhile, the stunning spa boasts the south-west’s largest hydrotherapy pool with its 21 massage stations, plus a Moroccan rhassoul, herbal Finnish sauna and various experience showers and steam rooms – including the world’s only Cornish sea-salt steam room. Ample treatment rooms deliver all kinds of face and body therapies from the advanced to the holistic.

St Michaels Resort, Falmouth, Cornwall

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