Best known for its charming towns and rich history, the United Kingdom might not be the first place you think of when you begin to crave a spa vacation, but you might be surprised how many amazing spa resorts are located in this region of Europe. Spa vacations are perfect for girls getaways, romantic honeymoons, and independent solo travel. They aren’t just for pampering anymore, but rather overall wellbeing and a spiritual fix to focus and align the mind, body, and spirit.
These are some of the most luxurious spa resorts in the United Kingdom to consider next time you need a little rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
The Morritt Hotel and Garage Spa – Durham, England
Few of us would think of a garage as an ideal place for a spa, but if you’re looking for a unique spa experience, head to Durham to check out the spa at The Morritt Hotel and Garage Spa. The spa is located inside a hotel with chic rooms and specializes in facials, massage treatments, manicures and pedicures. This is also the type of place to experience a dry float room or an aromatherapy-infused ancient salt block wall. The hotel is located in the Teesdale countryside on the site of a historic Roman fort, and the Morritt’s Wine Cellar and Gilroy’s Dining Room are onsite for eating and drinking.
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa – Gloucestershire, England
Near the border of England and Wales, the Cotswold House Hotel & Spa is a quaint place to stay and the setting is very hospitable and tranquil. You’ll find plenty of peace and quiet in this charming hotel, garden, and pool between spa treatments. The spa here combines natural skincare remedies with homegrown flowers and herbs to create restorative treatments to suit every unique body. Anti-aging facials, massages, aroma wraps and beauty treatments are what the spa specializes in.
The Gleneagles Hotel – Perthshire, Scotland
The spa at The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire is a great place to stay if you’re looking to get more out of your vacation than just relaxing. There is plenty of activities to choose from, including horseback riding, archery, golf, and hiking opportunities nearby for active travelers with a spirit for adventure. One of the best spas in Europe, it’s set in the countryside of Scotland and known for its Ayurvedic massages. This spa has been influenced by Oriental spa practices and employs experts in reflexology and Reiki to renew inner peace on physical, mental and spiritual levels.
Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa – Denbighshire, North Wales
Wales also has some amazing spas, and one of the top spas to check out here is at the Ruthin Castle Hotel. One of the top-rated castle hotels in Europe, the spa at this hotel is located in a former moat, and the castle itself is full of history. Some recommended treatments to consider here are body scrubs, body wraps, and facials. You can get everything from manicures and pedicures to waxing at this spa and even go to the health club for a workout.
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort – Antrium, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is also part of the UK, and Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is worth a visit during your time in this region. It’s situated on 163 acres of parkland and a golf course, and there’s a restaurant on site as well as a bar that’s popular with the locals. At the spa, you’ll find a Thermal Village with an indoor pool, snow cabin, sanarium, hot tub, and swimming pool, and you can choose between seaweed bath treatments, detox treatments, and hydrotherapy treatments to ease tensions away. Located just 30 minutes from Belfast, this resort also has a collection of luxury guest rooms to stay in.
Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa – Wiltshire, England
The Whatley Manor is a manor house in Wiltshire that is known for its high-end luxury, privacy, and spa. There are chic guest rooms at this manor house, as well as multiple restaurants and bars to sample local cuisine and cocktails. The Aquarias Spa has an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool with neck message jets as well as salt scrub showers and a thermal cabins with a steam grotto and sauna. You can also get treatments in the Tepidarium, wave dream sensory room, serial mud chamber, VIP suite with a hydrobath, and the lyashi dome.
Bulgari Hotel & Residences – London, England
Bulgari is a familiar name in high-end fashion, and the Bulgari Hotel & Residences has a noteworthy spa in London. There is an 80-foot swimming pool here, as well as Turkish baths, ice showers, multiple treatment rooms, and a relaxation room with a fireplace. Arranged over two levels, it is one of the largest and most exclusive spas in central London. There are luxury guest rooms and suites here with a contemporary design and a silver interior theme. It’s on the edge of London’s Hyde Park neighborhood and within walking distance from Harrod’s department store. Taste fragrant Italian cuisine can be enjoyed at Sette restaurant, while the lounge features a fireplace and serves coffee, drinks and cakes and pastries from the patisserie.
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa – Bath, England
It should come as no surprise that many of the UK’s best spas are located in Bath! One of the best is the Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, which has a saltwater plunge pool, thermal cabins, dry flotation, sunlight therapy, a wellbeing house, and an herb garden. Some of the recommended treatments to get here include a de-stressing herbal back therapy treatment and a lymphatic drainage massage. This spa has been open since 2008 and has state-of-the-art therapy rooms. There are spacious guest rooms and suites at this hotel, which is set in a 17th-century Palladian mansion upon 500 acres of the English countryside.