Travel escapes: Our favourite spa breaks
AreA you in need d of f rest and d relaxation? Of course you are! Here are three of our favourite indulgent destinations…
Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, Berkshire
This family-owned hotel, spa and golf club is situated in a beautiful parkland setting. Its spacious rooms have comfy beds and luxurious marble bathrooms.
The spa has an 18m pool, as well as a steam, sauna, aromatherapy room, Jacuzzi, outdoor terrace and gym. There are a wide choice of treatments, such as the signature Sonoma Aromatherapy Massage and Sonoma Jasmin Treat Facial. Afterwards, you will be taken to the relaxation room. Lunch or afternoon tea can be taken poolside or in the spa eating area. Dinner is served in the Winepress restaurant, which offers a delicious seasonal menu. Finish off your stay with a fantastic full English breakfast the following morning and return home revitalised.
Package details
A one-night Spa Break costs £151pp and includes bed and breakfast, a three course evening dinner, full use of the spa facilities and choice of 55 minute spa treatment.
Galgorm Resort & Spa, Co. Antrim
A sauna with a view… You don’t come across those very often. But it sums up precisely what an extraordinary place this spa is.
Set in the parkland of an 18th century gentleman’s manor near Belfast, the focal point of this resort is its waterfall. Galgorm has used it to maximum effect by building a vast village of outdoor thermal spa pools, steam rooms and glass-walled sauna cabins, which provide stunning views. The incredible glass-fronted meditation studio literally hangs over the river, and the resort hosts daily yoga classes there (at extra cost).
Along the bank are stunning, log-fired hot tubs. And to the back, a tranquil Serenity Garden is dotted with more that can be reserved for two-hour slots as part of the Serenity Experience (£99 per person, including champagne and canapés).
The hotel itself is housed in the original manor, with 48 more rooms and signature suites located in the £10 million leisure wing. That’s also where the Bar + Grill at Gillies serves the most succulent steaks.
In the morning, enjoy full Irish breakfast in the three Aa-rosette-rated River Room, with stunning views over the surrounding woodland – naturally.
Package details
A one-night spa escape package costs £375 for two guests, and includes bed and breakfast, a three-course evening meal, use of the Thermal Village and a choice of 60-minute spa treatment. The Galgorm Massage is recommended.