preloadA happy African American couple is in the sauna. They are wearing bathrobes and are lovingly looking at each other.

We all need a little pampering from time to time. Whether you want a break away from it all or you’re looking for a relaxing lover’s retreat, these are some of the best spa hotels in the UK.

I’ve based this list on my experiences visiting spa hotels around the UK and extensive online research into spa facilities, reviews, and services. This list features rural locations where you can immerse yourself in nature and spa hotels that offer a peaceful oasis within big cities. Whether you are looking for a weekend break, a one-night stay, or something more indulgent, this is the list for you.

The best spa hotles in England

Purple heather and rocks with the fells of the English Lake District in the background bathed in beautiful early morning light in the Langdale Valley

Big cities like London and Manchester are well known for their luxurious spa hotels. However, travel a little further and you’ll find a range of English spa hotels in beautiful rural surroundings, such as the Cotswolds and the northern Lake District.

The Glass House Retreat, Essex

Beautiful Afro American couple in sports clothes is stretching on yoga mat while working out at home; Shutterstock ID 473389471; Purpose: Commercial emails; Brand (KAYAK, Momondo, Any): All; Client/Licensee: Carlee Shults

Glass House Retreat is located just east of London in Essex. This spa is an excellent retreat for anyone interested in wellness or who takes a holistic approach to health. It is eco-friendly and guests can enjoy delicious vegetarian food at the hotel restaurant.

For fitness fans, there is a fully stocked gym and fitness suite, as well as an indoor heated pool and an outdoor nature pool. Once you are ready to relax you can sample treatments, like cryotherapy, or enjoy holistic movement with an Ayurveda or Ariel yoga class. The spa also offers tailored treatments for mums-to-be who want to unwind and destress.

The price range for stays and treatments at the Glass House is around £250-300 for an overnight stay.

KAYAK team recommendation 💡

Monart Spa Poundary is in a unique location as Poundbury has been built as an “experimental urban extension”. You feel like you’re in a different world before you’ve even entered the spa. Then, when you enter, it’s 100% luxury and relaxation (plus, it’s adults-only!)”

Christina King, Social Media Specialist

The Edwardian, a Radisson Collection Hotel, Manchester

Close-up view of warm stones on woman's back. Couple having lastone massage.

Enjoy a city break with a built-in urban escape when you stay at The Edwardian Spa Hotel in Manchester. The Edwardian spa has a sleek, modern look that helps you feel relaxed during your stay. Guests can unwind in the full-size indoor pool or indulge in a spa treatment, such as massages, facials, and hot stone therapy.

The spa also has a sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped fitness suite where you can unwind with a workout. The changing rooms are stocked with complimentary skincare products, so you can rejuvenate after your spa experience. The price range per night is estimated at around £130-150.

South Lodge Horsham, Lake District

Man reciving facial treatment at beauty center.

Located in the gorgeous South Downs area of the Lake District, South Lodge Horsham is one of the best spa breaks in the UK for nature lovers.

The hotel is a renovated country mansion surrounded by acres of nature walks and well-maintained gardens. The South Lodge spa embraces these surroundings by offering skin and massage treatments using botanic ingredients grown on the grounds. The spa also has an on-site vineyard and a natural swimming pond.

Spa weekends at the South Lodge Horsham are also a great option for foodies, with two on-site restaurants that both cook with locally grown products. The price range is on the upper end, so this is one to save up for or to save for a special occasion. An overnight stay costs around £250-300.

KAYAK team recommendation 💡

Pennyhill Park in Bagshot is one of the best spas in the UK I’ve been to, and I’ve been to a lot. As a mum, It’s the perfect escape from the chaos of raising a young family where you can kick back with a glass of champagne and have a blissful retreat. When I visit it makes me feel like a celebrity.”

Helen Keen, Account Manager

The best spa hotels in Scotland

A few flowers in front of the ardmucknish bay around Oban.

From the rolling Highlands to the remote Hebrides, Scotland has plenty to offer when it comes to scenery and is home to some of the best spa breaks in the UK.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

A couple relaxing in a sauna.

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa puts you right in the heart of Scotland’s capital city and provides a tranquil urban getaway. Hotel guests at the Sheraton gain free entry to the spa and can soak in the heated rooftop pool or relax in the thermal sauna.

The hotel also has an indoor infinity pool and trained professionals on hand to administer a range of rejuvenating treatments, such as full-body massage, facials and reflexology. Treatments are paid for separately and cost around £100-150.

Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa, Oban

Mid adult woman relaxing in a hot tub with her friends.

Surrounded by majestic Scottish countryside, the Eriska Hotel & Spa allows you to immerse yourself in nature.

The Hotel is just a short drive from Oban on Scotland’s west coast on the tiny island of Eriska. Its epic setting, in a converted Scottish-Baronial mansion, gives guests a taste of classic Highland grandeur. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it easy to reach the hotel by car.

As well as stunning nature walks, you can also enjoy a deep muscle massage or a soothing facial at the on-site spa. The hotel has an indoor pool with a sauna, hot tub, steam room and a range of sports facilities.

Food lovers can dine out on one of the hotel’s tasting menus or enjoy the snug atmosphere in the Library Bar. The hotel costs around £320 for an overnight stay and spa use.

Best spa breaks in Wales

Looking down at Snowdonia national park from the start of the Crib Goch ridge on Mount Snowdon in Wales on a beautiful Autumn day.

With gorgeous forests and valleys, Wales is the perfect place to escape the modern world with a relaxing spa night. These are the best spa breaks in Wales for those looking to unwind.

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, Llandudno

Smiling girlfriend and boyfriend in swimwear talking together in the swimming pool.

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa in Llandudno is ideal for a couples’ spa day or short break. The hotel spa specialises in aromatherapy treatments and is located in a converted Welsh country manor.

The rose gardens and walled maze on the grounds are perfect for a romantic stroll and the hotel offers cosy self-catered cottages for your own private stay. Visit the hotel spa to enjoy treatments such as aromatherapy massage, skin care treatments, and manicures.

The spa has a state-of-the-art gym, a terrace with views over the Welsh hills, and an array of fine dining and afternoon teas on offer. You can also take a dip in the heated pool or relax in the hot tub. Prices for an overnight stay range between £200-350.

St Brides Spa Hotel, Pembrokeshire

Infinity swimming pool at holiday cottage, looking out onto freshwater Beach, Pembrokeshire coastline, Wales.

If you love beach holidays or spending time by the water, St Brides Spa Hotel is the ideal retreat for you. The hotel overlooks Saundersfoot Blue Flag Beach and has dreamy ocean views from its treatment rooms and outdoor hydrotherapy pools.

Guests at the spa can enjoy skincare and massage treatments, relax in the sea salt-infused steam room and try fresh local seafood in the restaurant. Overnight stays at the spa cost around £200.

Wave Garden Spa, Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia

Relaxation in Turkish hammam.

A visit to the Wave Garden Spa at the Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia lets you embrace your wild side. If you love adventure and are drawn to rugged, mountainous beauty, this is one of the best spa breaks in the UK to try. The spa offers a range of treatments, such as hammam massage, algae skin treatments, and pregnancy massage.

The Wave Garden Spa is great for a couples’ retreat and offers couples’ deals. Spa treatments at the hotel cost around £90 and an overnight stay costs around £200-300.

Best spa hotels in Northern Ireland

Slemish mountain on a summer evening at dusk in wide angle, with beautiful side lighting and overcast sky and a small water stream in foreground. The grass fields are bordered in distance with hand built stone walls. The mountain is a popular tourist attraction, and for walking. St. Patrick tended sheep there as a young man. The mountain is actually the plug of an extinct volcano.

Visiting Northern Ireland gives you access to stunning natural scenery and unique culture. Check out these Northern Irish spa breaks.

Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen

For a unique spa experience, the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen is my top pick. The spa uses Thai-inspired techniques to enhance the treatments on offer. Guests can enjoy a Thai massage, a hydrating body wrap or an oriental foot massage. The hotel is located in beautiful rural surroundings and costs around £170-190 for an overnight stay.

Rosspark Hotel, County Antrim

Pregnant woman having massage in spa relax.

The Rosspark Hotel in Ballymena is perfect for a day of relaxation or a spa weekend away. The spa offers treatments such as massage, reflexology, and facials and has day deals for couples and mums-to-be.

The hotel also offers an afternoon tea if you want to enjoy a tasty treat for £60-85. Spa treatments at the hotel cost between £80-150 and overnight stays cost around £130-180.

Mid adult woman relaxing in a hot tub with her friends.

Whether you love down-to-earth relaxation or high-end luxury, these UK spa breaks are designed to help you unwind and feel refreshed. From gorgeous natural settings to unique therapy options, it’s the ultimate way to treat yourself.

To do your own research, the KAYAK spa filter can help. After choosing your location and dates, find the ‘Style’ filters on the left-hand side. Here you can choose the “Spa/Wellness” filter and begin your search for the perfect spa stay.

Looking for more UK holiday inspiration? Check out the most romantic staycations and the best staycations for families, or try out some of these great wild swimming locations in the UK.

About the author

Lily GreenallLily grew up in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, which inspired her love of outdoor adventure and travel to remote locations. She now lives full time in Orkney after studying literature in Aberdeen. When she’s not out hiking or exploring Scotland’s rugged coast, she loves to get creative. Music and writing are particular passions.   Follow Lily on Facebook for more travel inspiration.

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