Top five spas by firelight

Nov 2 2015

Scarlet Spy

We love

2 min read

When it’s cold and icy outside, we naturally seek the comfort of a roaring fire. There’s something quite mesmerising about the crackling orange flames and smoky wood scents of a log fire – perfect for curling up next to in a fluffy robe and slippers. Lots of spas offer electric fires, a select few feature the real deal…

Here are the Spa Spies’ top five spas by firelight.

Calcot Spa

Outside in the courtyard at Calcot Spa you’ll find a bubbling hot tub next to an open-air fire, perfect for watching the flames while you relax. The hypnotic fire, the smell of the logs and the warmth of the water will leave you feeling positively blissful – even when the weather is grey! Calcot is a beautifully designed spa in the Cotswolds, welcoming and sociable with plenty of thermal facilities, gorgeous food and very good treatments.

Lucknam Park

Lucknam Park’s pool area overlooks shivering trees and frosty borders, but inside you can swim lengths by flickering firelight. The wall of fire runs along one side of the pool, warming the mind and body. The 20-metre pool is delightfully heated and the domed glass ceiling looks particularly spectacular on a winter’s evening when it reflects the dancing flames in tones of red and orange. The spa has plenty of facilities to enjoy all day, the hotel is a luxurious country mansion, and a Well-Being House offers sunlight therapy and floatation treatments as well as yoga and Pilates classes.

Moddershall Oaks

The large log fire at Moddershall Oaks is a focal point shared between the cosy relaxation room and the outdoor vitality pool. Enjoy the warmth en-robe on a sofa or while padding around the pool and stepping in and out of the pinewood sauna. Moddershall Oaks is perfect for spending time catching up with a loved one. Enjoy the spa facilities, relaxation areas, the woodland trail and the delicious food.

Ockenden Manor Spa

A large fire pit warms the outdoor space at the spa at Ockenden Manor, especially inviting in the bleak mid-winter. The spa is a bold Cubist block; glass walls flood the spa with natural light and provide views over the gently rolling South Downs. Step into the pool indoors and swim outside onto the fire-lit terrace, overlooking misty countryside by day or twilight. Ockenden Manor offers modern and comfortable spa suites for the ultimate cosy spa escape, and a Michelin starred restaurant for decadent dining.

Dormy House Spa

At Dormy House Spa, even on cold days the glass-walled Greenhouse lounge with its central circular log fire makes you feel warm. Set in a renovated Cotswold farmhouse, Dormy House Spa is perfect for feeling snug, lounging around in your robe and lapping up the warmth of the glass-clad fire. Dormy House has made a big impact on the world of spa; the excellent facilities and the laid-back luxury makes it feel like it could almost be your own home – only better!

Spy142

Scarlet Spy

2nd November 2015

Spy Likes:

Nature-inspired spas, cold water plunges, sound baths, deep tissue massage, delicious food.

Spy Dislikes:

Thin walls in treatment rooms, loungers hoggers, bright lights

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