Country estates that offer history with your healing

On the shores of Lake Geneva, the Oetker Collection will unveil The Woodward this spring. The postHaussmann-style house was built in 1901 by French architect François Durel and is currently being redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Aside from its superb location and Michelin-starred culinary offerings, the highlight will be a 13,000 sq ft spa and wellness institute by Maison Guerlain. This will feature a 23-yard indoor swimming pool – said to be the longest in Geneva – plus two Swedish baths and a host of thermal amenities (oetkercollection.com).

Two more historic estates to look forward to early this year include the hotly (and long) anticipated Airelles Chateau de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle (airelles.com) – which will open with a spa by Maison Valmont, a restaurant by Alain Ducasse, and 14 rooms with 18th-century-style furnishings – and Palácio de Canavezes on the banks of the River Tâmega, on the edge of the Douro Valley. The hot springs are said to have been discovered by the Romans in AD 110. Word spread over hundreds of years – even attracting the first queen of Portugal – and a hotel was constructed at the turn of the 20th century. Under Campbell Gray Hotels, the property will reopen with river-facing rooms, suites and apartments and a thermal spa centre (campbellgrayhotels.com).

In contrast, renderings of Evora Farm Hotel (also in Portugal) resemble a modern mansion that would not look out of place in Beverly Hills. The Alentejo hotel (opening early 2021) will champion sustainability, and is especially appealing to families with its on-site educational farm, wholesome food and treatments for both young guests and parents alike (evorafarmhotel.com).

Also centred on food and wine is the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley (opens early 2021), set in a working vineyard. Calistoga has a 150year reputation as a spa destination and guests can expect therapies using mineral-rich mud and products made with grape seeds and olive oil produced from the century-old olive trees. The spa garden offers vineyard views, a sunken whirlpool tub, and a sunning bench for drying off during the signature mud experience (fourseasons.com).

Expect therapies using mineral-rich mud and products made with grape seeds and olive oil

Closer to home, Fairmont Windsor Park will arrive in Surrey this spring. Though the county is home to some impressive stately spa hotels – including Pennyhill Park and Beaverbrook – the Fairmont group has risen to the challenge of competition and invested millions in renovations. There will be a 27,000 sq ft spa, with an outdoor vitality pool and fire pit, a full thermal suite with a salt room and Japanese foot baths, among other offerings (fairmont-windsorpark.com).

Overseas holidays and UK travel are currently subject to restrictions. See Page 3.

Dine well at The Woodward, above; experience a Malabar retreat, right