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
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
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
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
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
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
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
8. The Floating Spa at Monkey Island Estate
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