National Spa Week 2021: Seven Spas for Seven DaysBy Alicia Grimshaw
Organised by the UK Spa Association, National Spa Week aims to raise awareness of the outstanding benefits of spa-ing. With spa days and breaks offering a health reset and a much-need boost of immunity during the cold months, autumn and winter really is the ideal time to spa. Here are seven luxurious spas to add to this season’s bucket list.
1. Best for Natural Beauty: Armathwaite Hall, Lake District
The Lowdown: Framed by the dramatic Skiddaw Mountains and Fells, spa-goers can escape city life with this luxurious and relaxing getaway. Drawing on inspiration from earth’s natural healing properties and mineral waters, Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa is the ultimate wellness retreat for restoring the mind, body and spirit.
Hidden away in the Lake District, which is one of the UK’s least polluted areas, the spa offerings and experiences here have long been strengthening guests’ immunity and building up the body’s defence mechanisms. To really immerse oneself in their beautiful surroundings, the new Forest Bathing package encourages people to slow down, reconnect with the outdoors and soak up nature’s sensory elements, especially thrilling and health-refreshing in the colder, winter months.
Where: Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick CA12 4RE
2. Best for Sustainability: Titanic Spa, Yorkshire
The Lowdown: Recently awarded ‘Best Sustainable Spa’ in Marie Claire’s inaugural sustainability awards, the luxury Titanic Spa are leading pioneers in showing how green investments can turn eco-anxiety into practical and sustainable projects we can all take part in and enjoy.
As a place of relaxation that simultaneously possesses a clear conscience, Titanic boasts an impressive range of eco-credentials including renewable energy generation, an OTEX laundry system which is leading in energy efficiency and their own natural water source. Some popular highlights of the spa include the private mud chamber, a detoxifying heat & ice experience & the relaxation lounge. You mean people can actually pamper with a conscious? Yes please.
Where: Low Westwood Ln, Linthwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5UN
3. Best for Luxury: The Spa at Carden, Cheshire
The Lowdown: Situated in Cheshire’s picturesque countryside, The Spa at Carden, offers a world-class spa experience like no other. Boasting the UK’s largest spa garden, this is a place of expansive experience of wellbeing. With numerous thermal experiences, an outdoor hot tub, enclosed warming pods and an extensive spa menu of body and facial treatments, this luxury spa get all the senses going.
The all-weather Bollinger bar serves cocktails and Bollinger throughout the day allowing guests to fully unwind and spoil themselves. Additional onsite facilities include Two Championship golf courses, AA Rosette-awarded Redmond’s restaurant, and vineyards.
Where: Broxton Rd, Chester CH3 9DQ
4. Best for City Spa-Ing: Rena Spa at The Midland, Manchester
The Lowdown: From the sleep chambers and hanging pod cocoons to the relaxing spa treatments, Rena Spa at Midland is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle. Helping people to find calm in the chaos, this city spa is surprisingly tranquil. After a busy day, people can calm their mind and body with the Caudalie City Living ritual which helps to soothe the legs and back.
Starting with a body cleanse, exfoliation and deep tissue back massage, this treatment also applies a nourishing mask to the back and legs to revitalise muscles and relieve tension. Guaranteed to help them sleep better, guests can put the results to the test with a visit to the spas floating sleep pods and enjoy a deep rest before heading back to normality.
Where: Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
5. Best for a Couples Escape: The Spa at Bedford Lodge, Suffolk
The Lowdown: Retaining the charm and character of a country house yet offering the best in modern comfort and luxury, The Spa at Bedford Lodge is set in three acres of secluded gardens in Newmarket, Suffolk. Epitomising the finest in contemporary style, couples can soak in the views from the impressive 15-metre pool, or have a romantic relax in the spa bath, sauna and steam rooms.
An intense treatment relaxes both their mind and body, the lavender floatation will help stabilise moods, regulate sleep quality and improve blood circulation. Beginning with a skin-softening body exfoliation combined with essential oils, followed by a nourishing, healing lavender body wrap, skin will be left soft and supple. Couples can simply relax in the warmth of this dry floatation as they gently drift away into a state of tranquillity.
Where: Bury Rd, Newmarket CB8 7BX
6. Best for Chill + Thrill: Wave Garden Spa, Wales
The Lowdown: Located within the grounds of the Adventure Parc Snowdonia, an award-winning adventure resort which is home to the world’s first inland surf lagoon, guests to Wave Garden Spa can enjoy an active day riding the waves of the mountain water lagoon, with the option to relax and unwind in the brand-new spa afterwards.
Enjoy tailored treatments, a spa garden overlooking the unique stunning landscapes, fresh mountain air and benefit from the local pure water. After a day of thrilling adventure, stay in one of the cosy 106-bedrooms for a deep and (much-needed) restful sleep.
Where: Conway Rd, Conwy LL32 8QE
7. Best for an Intimate Escape: Moddershall Oaks, Staffordshire
The Lowdown: Offering guests an intimate and luxurious sanctuary, Moddershall Oaks is located in the serene Staffordshire countryside. Hidden away, the spa has always offered an exclusive feel. Available in November only, their exclusive Cosy Up spa day invites guests to awaken their senses and truly kick back.
Slipping into a fluffy robe upon arrival, guests can spend their morning hopping between the heated vitality spa pool and the Kelo Sauna infused with Eucalyptus milk before taking a dip in the heated swimming pool. Come lunch time, the indulgence continues with a delicious two-course meal where guests can recharge on creative dishes while intimately overlooking the peaceful lake and woodland area. Afterwards, guests will be ready for their 20-minute Hot Rock Shrug massage which relaxes the muscles and mind helping to rebalance guests entire being, before returning to normality – the ultimate immunity supercharge. This package is also available as a spa break including overnight accommodation in a luxurious five-star suite with breakfast included.
Where: Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat Moddershall Nr, Stone ST15 8WF