Titanic Spa, west Yorkshire
Best for pampering yourself and the planet, too
This spa has it all – green credentials, a cocktail bar, fabulous food and luxurious apartments – in short: everything you need for a blissful break. The first eco spa to be established in the UK, Titanic, near Huddersfield, takes being kind to the planet while pampering yourself very seriously. Based in a former Edwardian textile mill, it has its own natural spring water source, uses renewable energy, biodegradable materials (you won’t find plastic cups here) and serves locally sourced, organic food in its bistro. Inside the spa, facilities are top-notch. The heat and ice experience is designed to boost circulation, detoxify skin, and relieve aches and pains. The area includes a herbal steam room, crystal steam bath, saunas, an ice room and invigorating plunge pool. There’s also an Egyptian mud chamber where you can slather nourishing organic mud onto your skin (maximum four people, £35 per person). After, take a dip in the pool, or head to the relaxation room equipped with comfy beanbags and loungers. On the terrace there’s an outdoor jacuzzi, which is great for early evening stargazing. An extensive range of treatments (from £49) are also on offer including facials, scrubs, wraps and reflexology.
Stay on-site in apartments that are just as soothing: light, airy and modern with balconies offering charming countryside views (and indoor access to the spa, so you can pad around in your robe and slippers without getting chilly). Indulge further with a pre-dinner cocktail at the stylish 1911 bar – we loved the kir Titanic (champagne with raspberry liqueur, £8.45). Good food is a priority at Titanic, and it doesn’t disappoint. At lunch, there are inventive salads and hearty mains, while in the evening, pick from a smart three-course menu with options including roast pork belly with burnt apple purée and quince jus, followed by a peanut & caramel torte. In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast, or brunch on eggs Benedict in the bistro. If you want to walk it off, the Peak District is a 15-minute drive away with beautiful scenery for miles. Fiona Forman
How to do it
An overnight break including lunch, two-course dinner, continental breakfast, use of the spa with robe, slippers and towels costs from £149 per person. titanicspa.com