National Spa Week 2022: 10 of the Best UK SpasBy Angelica Malin
National Spa Week aims to raise awareness of the outstanding benefits of spa-ing. With spa days and breaks offering a health reset and much-need boost of immunity during the cold months, autumn and winter really is the ideal time to spa. It’s also the perfect way to keep warm and cosy throughout the season. Here are ten luxurious spas to add to this season’s bucket list…
1. For Holistic Wellness Gurus: The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket
The Lowdown: Located just one hour from London in the heart of Newmarket, the five ‘bubble’ rated Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel is the perfect autumnal getaway to experience the crisp, countryside air outside of the city while enjoying some luxurious spa treatments. Retaining the charm of a country house while offering the best in both modern comfort and luxury, the location is known for its vast lavender fields, which helps to reduce anxiety and spread a sense of tranquillity across the entire estate!
What to Expect: Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic healing, Chinese medicine and shamanic practices, The Spa has just announced the launch of two brand-new ESPA Modern Alchemy Ritual Treatments, which both take guests on a transformational, sensual journey.
With ESPA’s Modern Alchemy products, known to harness the wisdom and restorative power of nature, the new Modern Alchemy Harmonising Ritual and Modern Alchemy Empowering Ritual both represent a magical process of transformation and creation. Encouraging a holistic rejuvenation of the skin, body, and mind, the rituals fuse together ancestral wisdom, sacred rituals, and traditional ingredients. The new treatments draw on the past to meet the modern wellness needs of people today. Following the past few years, many people desire a greater sense of connection to themselves, others, and the natural world. These Modern Alchemy rituals provide that realignment, incorporating jade rollers, foot bathing, crystals, moonstones and ancient yantra cards.
Price: Modern Alchemy Spa Day starts from £200 per person and Modern Alchemy spa break from £660 per couple.
Where: Bedford Lodge Hotel, Bury Rd, Newmarket CB8 7BX
2. For Something Traditionally British: The Spa at Manor House, Alsager
The Lowdown: The Spa at Manor House’s newly refurbished spa is ready just in time for a cosy autumnal break. Making the most of natural light and fresh air, the exciting new development is inspired by the hotel’s picturesque rural location which looks out onto the fields beyond. Embracing the English countryside, the spa garden combines quintessential landscaping and country garden planting with modern wellness facilities.
What to Expect: Guests can relax in the stunning outdoor seating areas rain or shine or wander around the spa garden visiting the large Vitality Pool, Sunken Tabletop Hydrotherapy Tub, The Pavilion containing a Panoramic Laconium, and the Summer House where guests can find the Light Relaxation Lounge and patio. Guests can make their way through a thermal journey and visit the Salt Steam Inhalation Chamber which features a quartz centre piece, the Potting Shed herbal sauna, and finish by braving the icy cool Plunge Bath.
Price: Half days start from £80pp or £120 for a full day.
Where: Manor House Hotel, Audley Rd, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2QQ
3. For a Laid-Back Atmosphere: Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol
The Lowdown: Fancy starting the season in the Best Boutique Spa of 2022? Then head to Aztec Hotel & Spa in Bristol. Launching its NEW Autumn Spa Day package, guests can take a break from busy city life, and enjoy a tranquil escape. Meander through the spa’s pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room and recalibrate in the brand-new Relaxation Lounge which is a boudoir of comfort.
What to Expect: With a new treatment menu from Temple Spa, guests can choose from a delectable menu of face and body treatments and leave with some renewed season vigour. Aztec Hotel and Spa has also partnered with local business Libby Lavender Cotswolds, so guests can continue their spa feeling at home as the package includes a hand-poured candle in the warming autumn scent of Gingered Wild Fig.
Price: A Taste of Autumn Spa package starts from £90.
Where: Aztec Hotel and Spa, Aztec W, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS
The Lowdown: Located in Staffordshire, Moddershall Oaks invites guests to escape to the countryside, grab a fluffy robe and snuggle up by the fire with its new Autumnal Bliss Spa Package. Featuring an invigorating Winter Pear and Nigella Body Buff and Massage, the package will be available throughout October and November as a spa day or spa break.
What to Expect: Guests are spoilt for choice with the award-winning indoor and outdoor spa facilities including a Kelo Sauna, a steam room with high-humidity steam infused with Eucalyptus milk, and a 10-metre swimming pool. Also included is access to the statement outdoor heated vitality spa pool, the perfect place to enjoy a drink and watch the crisp, autumn leaves fall, or even catch a blood moon sunset.
Price: Autumnal Bliss Spa Day starts from £130 per person and Autumnal Bliss Spa Break starts from £375 based on two sharing a studio suite.
Where: Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat Moddershall Nr, Stone ST15 8WF
5. For Ultimate Luxury: Carden Park Estate, Cheshire
The Lowdown: For those looking for a mini break that captures all the beautiful nuances of autumn, award-winning Carden Park Estate located in the picturesque Cheshire countryside brings its Gourmet Spa Stay. Firmly believing that good food and wine are essential elements in the recipe for relaxation, the package combines access to the award-winning spa as well as first-class fine dining in the hotel’s newest restaurant, The Vines.
What to Expect: The package includes a rejuvenating half-day Spa experience at the hotel’s multi-award-winning spa, to allow true indulgence. Guests can absorb the amazing colours of autumn from the indoor thermal suite, which looks out onto the breathtaking views over the Cheshire countryside.
Price: The Gourmet Spa Stay package is available from Thurs-Saturday night and starts from £355 per person
Where: Carden Park Estate, Broxton Rd, Chester CH3 9DQ
The Lowdown: One of 2022’s newest spa openings comes in the form of The Spa Breedon Priory. The stunning day spa has a beautiful garden and its own large pond which encourages wildlife to visit all year round. Watch the leaves turn from the outdoor vitality pools, and warm up from the inside in the expansive thermal suite.
What to Expect: The ‘Wellbeing Day’ package is ideal for those who want to try some of everything between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Guests can enjoy a welcome refreshment on arrival and delve into a healthy 2-course lunch served in the beautiful Terrace Restaurant which serves seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. A day in this spa is sure to blow away the cobwebs and is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Price: Wellbeing Day available Monday to Thursday from £120.
Where: The Spa at Breedon Priory, Green Ln, Wilson, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8LG
7. For Eco-Warriors: Titanic Spa, Huddersfield
The Lowdown: If you fancy an Autumnal retreat in the beautiful Pennines, then look no further than the UK’s first Eco Spa, Titanic Spa. Placing as much emphasis on nature as it does its guests, Titanic Spa knows best that autumn can be one of the most transformative and beautiful times of the year.
What to Expect: Book a seasonal October Spa Day or November Sparkle Spa Day to kick-start the festive season. Both monthly packages include a light lunch and a 55-minute treatment. For those looking for an overnight break, guests can hunker down in the apartment-style accommodation, making it feel like a private home away from home. Enjoy views over the turning forests and wander down the Yorkshire canals for a real brush with nature.
Price: October Spa Day or November Sparkle Spa Day are both £119 per person
Where: Titanic Spa, Low Westwood Ln, Linthwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5UN
The Lowdown: What better place to watch the summertime fade than in the dramatic scenery of Snowdonia? With views over forests and the onsite surfing lagoon, Adventure Parc Snowdonia is an idyllic place to enjoy the bracing activities autumn welcomes.
What to Expect: Whether it’s local bike rides, paddle boarding and wild swimming in the onsite surfing lagoon, the perfect place to warm up after is the Wave Garden Spa which lets guests stay in touch with nature with its Woodland Retreat. The indoor and outdoor facilities all enjoy views across the lagoon, and the spa package includes a 4-hour spa experience with a complimentary glass of prosecco, and a one-course lunch served at Zephyr’s.
Price: Woodland retreat, available Monday – Sunday, £59 per person
Where: Wave Garden Spa, Conway Rd, Conwy LL32 8QE
9. For a Countryside Getaway: The Spa at Ardencote, Warwickshire
The Lowdown: The Destination Spa at Ardencote in Warwickshire is ideal for an Autumn escape. The Seasonal Autumn Spa Day includes 3-hour morning or afternoon access to the destination spa including outdoor Hot Tub & Outdoor pool & Indoor Pool area.
What to Expect: With access to the Gyms, Squash Courts and Tennis Courts, it’s a great place to embrace the outdoors. Included in the package is also a super seasonal 25-minute treatment. Guests can choose from Autumn Spice Back Wrap / Mini Manicure / Mini Pedicure. Also included are refreshments in the Relaxation Lounge and Hire of Spa Robe, Slippers and Pool Towel included per guest.
Price: The Seasonal Autumn Spa Day is available Monday – Friday, £85
Where: Ardencote, The Cumsey, Lye Green Rd, Warwick CV35 8LT
10. For Nature Enthusiasts: Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Lake District
The Lowdown: Watch the dramatic colours of a harvest moon sunset dip below the fells of the Lake District with the Sunset Spa package from Armathwaite Hall.
What to Expect: From 5:30pm, guests can enjoy a cold glass of prosecco, use of luxury robes and slippers and access to the timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility. Want an added touch of outdoor autumn wellness? Soak in the colours of nature with the Woodland Nature Connection which includes Forest Bathing and Mindfulness Wellness Therapy.
The Woodland Nature Connection wellness therapy focuses on the theme of self-care and kindness through guided forest bathing, an immersive wellness therapy scientifically proven to deliver numerous health benefits including elevated mood and energy levels. In this calming wellness session, guests are gently guided through mindfulness practices and reflection by dedicated Forest Bathing Guide, Mindfulness Teacher and Natural Wellbeing Coach Jen Grange.
Price: The Sunset Spa Package starts from £60 per person while the Woodland Nature Connection Forest Bathing and Mindfulness Wellness Therapy is £150.00 per person
Where: Armathwaite Hall, Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick CA12 4RE