Royal Crescent Spa

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Soak up the atmosphere in the UK’s spa capital

Bath is without a doubt the UK’s spa capital. As far back as 60 AD, there were Roman bath houses across the city, taking advantage of the natural hot springs.

While a lot has changed over the past 2,000 years, the city is still best known for its stone-lined thermal baths and its spa culture. And Royal Crescent Spa is probably one of the best places to experience the modern spa culture in a historical setting.

The spa is set within the historic Royal Crescent Hotel, which sits in the middle of Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent. Since it was built in 1775, the hotel has played host to some of England’s most famous figures – from Jane Austen to the Duke of York.

However, inside it is decidedly modern, with heated hydro-pools, state of the art treatment rooms, a vitality pool, a Himalayan Salt Sauna, a Blossom Steam Inhalation Room, and a Holistic Garden where champagne is served throughout the day.

The spa only uses organic products and local brands such as ESPA and Bath Spa Skincare, and these are combined with Royal Crescent’s own massage techniques and facial treatments, such as the Royal Crescent Signature Treatment, which targets the back, face and scalp.

Every treatment can be personalised for specific skincare needs. For instance, the Deep Muscle Massage is ideal for sporty men, while the ESPA Ultimate Lifestage Facial can be great for reducing pore size (a particular problem for city dwellers), improving elasticity, and hydrating dry skin.

Treatments are not cheap, but you are paying for the location and history as well as the actual spa experience.

Book an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s opulent Georgian suites, and indulge in the sort of immersive, luxury spa experience that the Romans could only dream of.

TREAT YOURSELF: to the Bath Spa Skincare Facial and Back Treatment, an organic facial, back treatment and massage using locally-sourced ingredients such as rosehip, raspberry and blackcurrant.

PERFECT FOR: a romantic getaway for two.

Armathwaite Hall Spa

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Retreat to the Lakes for a taste of true tranquillity

The Lake District is synonymous with peace and tranquility, and millions of visitors make their way there every year in search of their personal moment of zen.

The fresh Cumbrian air and stunning scenery are enough to calm even the busiest mind, but for a truly life-changing trip, there is nothing quite like a spa break in the lakes.

Overlooking the shores of the magnificent Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall Spa is the perfect place to relax and focus on the things that really matter.

The 1,000-year old estate is set across 400 acres of pristine gardens, and the in-house spa has been tailor-made to reflect this beautiful environment.

Armathwaite Hall Spa takes inspiration from its natural surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the scenery, and beautifully appointed treatment rooms filled with flowers, water features, and organic materials.

Products have been hand-picked to reflect the ethos of Armathwaite Hall, and brands include Comfort Zone, Sundari and Just Be. All treatments focus on wellbeing and relaxation, with sea salt scrubs (Just Be Salt Scrub), aromatherapy massages (Comfort Zone Aromasoul Elements) and oil drip massages (Sundari Drivya Massage) among the most popular.

The spa also offers a select menu of anti-aging treatments, such as the Skin Regime ‘Longevity Facial’, which promises visible results within just 30 minutes.

While all treatments are unisex, the Sundari collection is particularly suited for men. The Sundari Andhana Muscle Ease Massage is an Ayurvedic version of a sports massage, while the Balancing Back Treatment is great for men with oily skin or blocked pores.

Between the natural beauty of your surroundings, and the unique therapies of the spa, Armathwaite Hall’s spa is a fast-track to relaxation and calm.

TREAT YOURSELF: to the signature Armathwaite Tranquil Lakes treatment – a candlelit experience which includes a full-body exfoliation, a scented bath, and a full body and scalp massage using the spa’s own Tranquillity cream.

PERFECT FOR: reconnecting with nature, and yourself.

Norton House Spa

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Organic treatments bring nature to your doorstep at Norton House Spa

Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than a long country break surrounded by all the joys of nature – but who has time for that?

Norton House Hotel & Spa is one of a growing number of spa resorts which offer the full countryside experience, in one efficient package. Just 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, it is an organic oasis with beautiful gardens, state-of-the-art facilities, and an excellent spa.

The Norton House spa is based inside the estate’s original walled garden, and the nature theme continues inside. There is an Amber Lounge filled with stone décor, bowls of rose petals, and garden views, and a roomy Rasul channels the power of the earth with mineral-enriched clay.

A range of plant-based treatments by Elemis use ingredients such as cleansing lavender, invigorating ginger, and collagen-promoting quartz. The Elemis Modern Skin Facial is an instant booster for tired skin, while the Fruit Active Glow uses natural vitamins and minerals to nourish and cleanse neglected areas.

Men can choose from a range of treatments specifically designed for male skin, or you can recreate an old Scottish tradition by booking an Ishga seaweed treatment. This Scottish skincare brand uses Hebridean seaweed which has been used for many generations to soothe the aching muscles of Highland farmers.

With hydrotherapy pools, a high-tech gym, stunning gardens and highly rated restaurants all on site, you can experience all the joys of Scotland’s country life without sacrificing any of your home comforts.

TREAT YOURSELF: to a luxurious Thai Hot Oil Massage or Elemis Hot Stone Massage – the heat is directed on the body’s key pressure points, resulting in a deeply relaxing and incredibly effective massage.

PERFECT FOR: getting back to nature without going too far from the city.

Hanbury Manor Spa

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Escape the city with a spa day at this luxurious Jacobean retreat

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fully-appointed country pile just a short commute from London, where you can be pampered and taken care of whenever you need it the most?

Well, you might have to share it with a few other guests, but Hanbury Manor Spa in Hertfordshire will never fail to leave you feeling like an honorary aristocrat.

Just a stone’s throw from Welwyn Garden City, and a mere 90 minutes from London by train, the stunning Jacobean manor is perfectly located for a spur-of-the-moment trip, or a weekend break from the city.

A stunning selection of facials by luxury brands Carita and Decléor mean that everyone is catered for – whether you want to calm irritated or sensitive skin (Harmonie Calm Facial), tighten sagging skin (Sculpting Gold Perfection Facial), or just enjoy some good old fashioned pampering (Aromatherapy Discovery Facial).

There is even an exclusive Decléor facial which is has been specifically tailored for men (Intensive Classic Face Treatment), and includes deep cleansing, exfoliation and a relaxing back diagnostic massage.

For full-body relaxation, choose from an impressive list of aromatic body wraps – from Anti-Fatigue Citrus Energy Boost, to the Vanilla and Ylang Ylang Relaxing Hydration.

The Hanbury Manor spa is open late most days, so you can schedule your treatments early in the day, then lounge about in the whirlpool or steam room all afternoon before treating yourself to a nightcap at the Oak Hall & Cocktail Bar.

Or spend an active day in the great outdoors, playing golf on the estate’s private course or simply exploring the 200 acres of private gardens, forests and lakes.

In the evening, book the Hanbury Signature Total Body Experience, which includes a rejuvenating exfoliating treatment and deep tissue massage. You will go to sleep feeling rested and relaxed, and ready for whatever the following week may bring.

TREAT YOURSELF: to an indulgent Decléor facial – the Oxygenating Pure and Matt Facial will brighten up tired, dull skin instantaneously, while the Power Packed Vitamin Resurge Facial has won awards for its short-term and long-term results.

PERFECT FOR: a moment of pure peace, far from the stresses of city life.

Formby Hall Spa

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Spa like a WAG at this tranquil country retreat

Some spas boast a tranquil location; others offer designer products or modern facilities – but Formby Hall Spa ticks every box.

Situated in a secluded corner of England, this is a contemporary spa in a classical setting – think ESPA massage rooms, with a view over ancient woodland, and innovative dry flotation pools next to traditional spa baths.

Formby Hall is situated in the North West of England, just outside Liverpool, and a few minutes from the coast. Originally built in the 12th century, it has been extended over the years to include a popular golf course, a country club, two restaurants and – of course – the spa.

A favourite with the local athletes and WAGs, the spa is extremely well appointed, with high-end spa products by ESPA, manicures by CND, Shellac and Vinylux, and a huge range of tanning treatments by Fake Bake.

To get the full Formby Hall Spa experience, start your day with a soak in the tub and the Atlas Rasul, where mineral-enriched clay helps draw out any impurities in the skin, before a monsoon shower washes all the mud away.

Next, treat yourself to ESPA’s famous Skin Solutions Facial and Aromatherapy Massage, both of which will be tailored specifically for your skin’s needs.

While most of the treatments can be altered to suit either gender, there are a few male-specific therapies which hint at the spa’s athletic clientele. The Muscle Reviver massage is the perfect quick fix for tight muscles, either before or after a workout, and the ESPA Back, Face & Scalp Treatment is a regular indulgence for men who need to look their best at all times (and from all angles).

Finish up your spa day with a gentle stroll around the estate, or show off the effects of your Formby spa treatments with a night out in one of Liverpool’s most exclusive clubs.

TREAT YOURSELF: to the Gravity Retreat – a ‘dry’ flotation experience where you bob about on a bed of water, before enjoying a rejuvenating massage or detox wrap.

PERFECT FOR: a long, unadulterated day off.

Utopia Spa

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Reconnect with yourself or your other half at this English country retreat

It takes guts to describe yourself as “the finest spa in the South of England”, but then again, the Utopia Spa at Alexander House Hotel does have an awful lot going for it…

The hotel itself is like something out of a children’s book – all red brick, tall chimneys and perfectly manicured gardens. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to turn off your phone and lose yourself in its old English charm, while you take a few days off from modern life. And there’s no better place to start than the award-winning Utopia Spa.

The subterranean spa is beautifully decked out with Grecian-style columns, warm marble, and soft lighting, and it features an array of hydrotherapy pools, Jacuzzis, and monsoon showers, as well as 25 private treatment rooms.

The spa itself combines innovative electrical therapies (such as the popular ‘Need a Miracle’ treatment, which combines an AHA micro peel and brightening face mask to reduce fine lines and wrinkles) with a range of treatments inspired by the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda (try the nourishing Ananda cleansing ritual), as well as classic treatments such as Swedish massages, and male executive facials (‘Go Guy’).

An impressive range of treatments are also available for pregnant women, men, and couples – and with such a selection to choose from, you’re practically guaranteed to find a treatment that you like.

Utopia Spa is without a doubt a relaxing haven full of wonderful spa options. But is it the finest spa in the south of England? That’s for you to decide.

TREAT YOURSELF: to the Couples Connect treatment – a unique Ila experience which uses natural oils, chakra healing and massage to calm the nervous system and help couples to reconnect.

PERFECT FOR: a traditional English country break with the person you love the most.

Salcombe Harbour Spa

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Relax and revive on the English Riviera

For those in the know, the south coast of Devon is the perfect place for a revitalising weekend away – the white sandy beaches, quiet coves, and mild microclimate set it apart from the touristy hubs of Cornwall and Dorset.

Just breathing in the salty Salcombe air will refresh your soul, and make you forget about the 9-5. And that’s before you’ve even set foot in the local spa.

Perfectly situated on the edge of the estuary, Salcombe Harbour Hotel re-opened in 2013 after a major refit which saw up-to-the-minute spa facilities installed and a Michelin-trained chef parachuted into the kitchen.

Salcombe Harbour Spa boasts dazzling views over the blue waters and sandy coves of Salcombe, which will make you feel like you’re somewhere along the Mediterranean coast, not a train-ride away from London.

It boasts a full menu of ESPA treatments, including personalised facials and the powerful Advanced Enzyme Facial, as well as ESPA’s famous two-hour ‘Total Holistic Body’, which includes a full body exfoliation, an aromatherapy massage using hot stones, and a facial cleanse and massage.

The ESPA Facial for Men promises to be a refreshing treatment which treats the effects of city pollution and stress, leaving your skin hydrated and balanced.

And the Executive Men’s Deeply Nourishing Foot Treatment is perfect for running fans, or avid hikers who have spent the day exploring the south-west coast path, or nearby Dartmouth National Park.

Or you could simply lie by the poolside in the warmth of the spa, and watch the yachts sail past the window, while you sip chilled cucumber water and plan your next trip.

TREAT YOURSELF: to the Harbour Reviver Massage – a deep tissue massage that will instantly release all your tension and stress.

PERFECT FOR: A summer staycation, or a much needed weekend away from the city.

Bovey Castle Spa

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Channel your inner royalty at this Castle spa retreat

Nature is the greatest tonic for a busy, stressful life – but sometimes you’d rather appreciate your natural surroundings from the comfort of an Art Deco pool or a heated massage chair, while you take in the impressive view of Dartmoor’s National Park through the windows.

Bovey Castle Spa is enviably located in the middle of one of the most stunning landscapes in Britain. Herds of wild ponies roam the moors, and Bronze Age settlements are perfectly preserved between rolling meadows, dense woodlands and rushing rivers.

The thoroughly modern Elan Spa complements the natural environment, with lots of dark wood, shiny pebbles and huge windows which allow natural light to flood in while you’re having your treatments.

ESPA treatments are offered for both men and women (in fact, the men’s treatment list is probably even more impressive than the women’s), alongside a range of holistic therapies, massages and beauty treatments.

ESPA is famous for its bespoke facials, and Elan Spa at Bovey Castle has a luxury facial treatment to suit everyone. Try the popular Lifestage Facial (which targets signs of aging around the neck, jawline and face) or the De-Sensitiser Facial (which uses calming oils and gentle massage techniques to nourish sensitive skin), or indulge in one of ESPA’s relaxing and rejuvenating full body aromatherapy massages.

In the Gentlemen’s Quarter, specially formulated facials include the Luxury Wet Shave and Facial, the Gentlemen’s Hand and Foot Tidy, and ESPA’s famous Deep Cleansing Back Treatment, which includes a mud wrap and massage.

This is the sort of place you go if you want to live like a prince or princess for a day. Stroll around the grounds, explore the huge castle, and treat yourself to some of the best spa treatments this side of the River Dart in Devon.

TREAT YOURSELF: to the ESPA Re-Hydrator Facial – a balancing and hydrating treatment which is perfect for all skin types.

PERFECT FOR: City-dwelling couples who need a break in the country with all the mod-cons.

The Westerwood Hotel Spa

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Urban and rural combine at this modern Scottish spa

There are few places on earth which rival the wild beauty of the Scottish countryside. From the springtime heather to the wintry landscapes – there is always something to take your breath away.

The Westerwood Hotel Spa is perfectly positioned in the heart of the Scottish countryside, just a few miles from the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and it has a knack for combining the rural and the urban. While the resort itself is modern and spacious, it is complemented by the rolling hills and rugged natural environment which surround the resort.

As a member of the QHotels Group, the Westerwood’s spa offers an extensive menu of ESPA treatments, including the brand’s celebrated range of facials.

For anti-ageing and a youthful glow, try the Lift & Firm Facial, the Advanced Enzyme Facial or the Age-Defyer Facial, all of which are suitable for both men and women. The popular Men’s Age Rebel Facial has been specially formulated to help clean and cleanse tired male skin, after a tough day competing on the Westerwood’s 18-hole golf course.

Stroll around the grounds and take in the wild scenery, before returning to the spa for a deluxe pedicure. Or simply spend a day getting to know the spa facilities, and enjoy the view from the comfort of the indoor pool.

Just don’t forget to round off your spa day with a little dose of Scottish charm – a whisky by the fire, or a brisk walk at dusk. Ten minutes later you will be back in Glasgow city centre, refreshed and ready for whatever the city throws at you.

TREAT YOURSELF: to the ESPA Lifestage Facial. A relaxing and effective facial treatment which focuses on specific areas such as the eyes, neck, lips, and jaw line.

PERFECT FOR: Golf lovers, and city dwellers who are in need of some fresh air.