Ultimate summer spa guide
Whether you are looking for all-out luxury or a tranquil base for some city sightseeing, we round up the best relaxation spots around the UK
BARNSLEY HOUSE, BARNSLEY, CIRENCESTER
Nestled in the Cotswolds this 17th-century manor house is set in 11 acres of grounds designed by the celebrated gardener Rosemary Verey OBE.
While it may be rich in history it’s the modern amenities including the luxurious spa – complete with outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and relaxation room – The Potager restaurant, garden cinema and recently renovated 18 bedrooms and suites that make this the perfect couples’ hideaway. Treatments: There are five treatment rooms available with products from Elemis and CACI International to carry out everything from anti-ageing treatments to full body massages and facials.
Try the Face and Body Sensation (£125, 115 minutes), which leaves skin radiant and tired limbs relaxed. Good Points: There is a homely charm to Barnsley House, which extends to its small yet stylish bar and intimate, unfussy restaurant.
The twice-baked cheese soufflé is divine, as is the fillet of beef with bacon pommes Anna, spinach and peppercorn sauce. Cost: Rooms start from £224 per night, based on two guests sharing a superior double or twin. A midweek spa break, available Sunday to Thursday, starts from £384 per room, per night and includes dinner in The Potager (£40 per person allowance, food only), full English breakfast, two 25-minute spa treatments and use of the spa facilities. Contact: Visit barnsleyhouse.com or call 01285 740000.
Good for... CITY SIGHTSEEING
THE PRINCIPAL BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL, GLASGOW Slap bang in the centre of Glasgow, just a stone’s throw from the city’s shops, restaurants and bars, lies this impressive Georgian townhouse hotel.
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and beautiful George Square are within walking distance.
Yet stay a while at the hotel as the purple-lit thermal spa experience is not to be missed.
With hydrotherapy pools, sauna, crystal steam room and relaxation areas of different temperatures, guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in a modern spa journey reminiscent of a traditional Roman bath. Treatments: There is something to suit everyone on the carefully curated menu, including massages specifically designed to help you sleep better and couple experiences. Many of the treatments use organic Scottish skincare brand Ishga, containing the country’s skinsoothing seaweed. After a day of sightseeing give feet some TLC with the Leighton Denny Expert Nails Pedicure (£50, 45 minutes). Good Points: The thermal spa experience is super relaxing and it is well worth spending the whole day dipping in and out of the pools and steam rooms. Dinner in the hotel’s restaurant – which uses fresh and seasonal ingredients from local markets – is also a must. Cost: Rates for bed and breakfast start at £150; spa days start from £130. Contact: Visit blythswoodsquare. com or call 01414 139 488.
Good for... ALL BUDGETS
RAGDALE HALL, LEICESTERSHIRE A red brick, ivy-clad Victorian mansion, set in rolling countryside, Ragdale Hall looks more like the setting for a TV costume drama than a spa. The traditional exterior belies its state-of-the-art facilities.
Highlights include the volcanic salt bath (a eucalyptus-infused steam room), the candle pool (lit by flickering candles, where silence is mandatory) and the new rooftop infinity pool with views over open meadows. For the more active there is a gym and wide range of daily studio classes, ranging from yoga to Pilates, plus tennis courts. Treatments: Ragdale Hall boasts 50 treatment rooms and the extensive spa menu offers an impressive 150 treatments. There are those for men and mums-to-be too, as well as a hair salon.
Try the Blissful Face & Back Therapy (part of package, 50 minutes), a relaxing massage-and-facial-in-one. Good Points: There are many affordable deals available which include a room, meals and spa use. The wellness facilities never feel crowded and the treatment menu is extensive. Cost: A two-night Taster Break, which includes meals, full use of the facilities, a 50-minute Blissful Face and Back Therapy or the choice of two different 25-minute treatments (a soothing back massage, a fresh feet treatment or a soft hand treatment), starts from £342 per person. Contact: Visit ragdalehall.co.uk or call 01664 434831.
Good for... WEEKEND WITH THE GIRLS
MODDERSHALL OAKS COUNTRY SPA RETREAT, NEAR STONE, STAFFORDSHIRE Moddershall Oaks is a relaxing haven tucked away in the Staffordshire countryside. With indoor and outdoor spa facilities, you can spend the day sipping cocktails in the stunning heated outdoor pool or head inside to take advantage of the hydrotherapy pool, reflexology foot baths, steam room and heated loungers. There are also 10 plush suites if you are staying overnight. Treatments: The spa offers a full range of face and body treatments using British spa brands Elemis and Neom. Nail treatments and professional make-up are available in the Blush lounge. The Elemis BIOTEC Technology Skin Solutions Facial (£75, 55 minutes) combines the luxurious Elemis skincare products with technology to create a facial that gives impressive results. Steam, facial massage and galvanic currents are used to treat congested, city-stressed skin, deep cleanse and exfoliate. Good Points: This is a relaxed and friendly spa where it is easy to unwind. The food in the Lakeside Restaurant is fantastic with a particularly good steak. Cost: A Serenity Spa Break, which includes dinner, bed and breakfast, full use of the spa facilities and one 25-minute treatment costs from £345. Contact: Visit moddershalloaks.com or call 01782 399000.
Good for... SCENERY
ARMATHWAITE HALL, LAKE DISTRICT On the shore of Bassenthwaite, Armathwaite Hall enjoys stunning views over rolling green hills. And although close to Keswick it feels far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It is the perfect base for a long romp in the countryside. Inside you will find antique furniture, an oak-panelled lounge and ornately carved fireplaces in every reception room.
The luxurious spa features a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor whirlpool bath. Treatments: There is an extensive menu with products from luxury spa brand Temple Spa, including a special package for expectant mothers.
Highlights include salt scrubs, a honey and milk body wrap and a facial specially designed for men’s skin.
Try My Kinda Skin Facial (£75, 55 minutes), a relaxing facial tailored to individual needs that promises to leave the complexion nourished and refreshed. Good Points: It doesn’t get much more relaxing than sipping a drink in the outdoor hot tub with the sun beaming down.
The food at the Lake View Restaurant is delicious with three courses of fresh and thoughtful British cuisine. Staff can advise on the best dishes for all tastes. Cost: Rooms cost from £170 including bed and breakfast. Contact: Visit armathwaite-hall. com or call 01768 788 900.