The Kinmel & Kinspa

First Impressions

The Kinmel and Kinspa is a large, sprawling white hotel and spa in a Welsh valley, surrounded by tree-lined hills and farmland. While the grounds are small, the gardens are colourful making it a great spot for weddings and functions. The hotel’s suites are bright, clean and comfortable; three restaurants and lounges take care of dining.

A flower-lined path leads to the Kinspa, a sympathetic modern extension to the hotel - if you can hear water trickling into the pond, you’re heading in the right direction. Despite being split over two levels, the spa is on the smaller side but cleverly packs a lot into the space provided.

What's on offer?

We received a warm welcome in the light and airy reception where our spa host showed us upstairs to a table in the Chiang Mai restaurant where we sat to complete medical forms, order lunch and sip a ginger, lemon, agave shot. We were given a further two shots: raspberry, ginger and kiwi - to use as an afternoon pick-me-up - and apple, pineapple and greens to sip on departure. Cathryn then gave us a tour of the spa.

The small, taupe-tiled changing rooms contain dark wood, coded lockers each with Kinspa flip-flops, huge white robe, and towel inside. Two showers contain Noble Isle shampoo, conditioner and shower gel; the vanity area has two hairdryers. Tucked around the corner is a large private changing cubicle.

You’ll find the thermal area – attractively clad in slate grey - on the lower level. The 9-metre pool is just long enough for some leisurely lengths and is bathed in blue lights. Help yourself to cold water from a water fountain and settle down on one of the six contemporary cream loungers.

Next to the pool is the star of the show: a delightfully bubbly hydro-pool. Three steps lead down into a section with powerful jets and seating for four; through the water curtain is a larger area with a swan-neck fountain and a sliding window opening to the outside. We loved the breeze on our faces as we bubbled away, listening to birds chirping in the garden and admiring the view of the hills.

Back inside, we tried the aromatherapy steam room which was large with comfortable mosaic-tiled seating and again lit up with blue lighting - there’s a theme. The sauna, which overlooks the pool, is smaller (seating around eight) but was perfectly hot. Cool down with the ice bucket afterwards trying not to squeal as the ice-cold water hits your head.

Post-treatment relaxation takes place in the Tranquillity Suite upstairs, found at the end of a candle-lit corridor. Look out to the countryside through floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, a cushioned rattan corner sofa and six low rattan loungers have their own grey blankets and side-tables stocked with magazines. Help yourself to tea, coffee, water, smoothies and - on our visit – slices of fresh watermelon, pineapple and flapjacks.

There's a fully-equipped gym at The Kinmel and Kinspa, too, again with those countryside views that we just couldn’t get enough of.

Tell us about the treatments

We enjoyed a Made for Life Organics Calm Ritual (90 minutes, £95).

My therapist, Charlotte, led me into a softly-lit treatment room where flickering candles and soothing music set a tranquil tone. She invited me to take a seat and thoughtfully explained the steps of the ritual - a body scrub, massage, and facial. We discussed any areas of concern (my neck and shoulders), my preferred pressure (medium), and any parts of my body I’d rather skip (my wobbly belly, thanks).

Charlotte then stepped out so I could settle onto the treatment bed, lying face down. She began the ritual by gently cleansing my feet with warm mitts, then placed her hand on my back, encouraging me to focus on my breath as she wafted an essential oil under my nose. I inhaled deeply, already feeling more grounded.

Using a frangipani salt and oil scrub, Charlotte worked methodically and with purpose, exfoliating every inch of my body. Once finished, she turned on the shower and left the room, giving me time to rinse off. My skin instantly felt smoother and the scent was divine.

Dried off and back on the bed, Charlotte continued with a warm oil back massage. She used long, sweeping strokes to ease tension, followed by deeper pressure with her elbows and forearms that ironed out the knots in my shoulders. The combination of expert technique and calming ambience sent me into a blissful state - complete with the occasional contented snore. Take a bow, Charlotte.

After massaging the backs of my legs, she asked me to turn over so she could repeat the process on the front of my legs and arms.

To complete the treatment, Charlotte performed a Made for Life Organics facial. This included a cleansing balm, exfoliator, facial massage, mask and a soothing scalp massage using the Head & Hair Treatment Oil. The whole process felt cocooning and comforting. After removing the mask, she finished with a nourishing moisturiser.

In the Tranquillity Suite afterwards, I wrapped myself in a blanket, tucked into the sorbet and gazed out at the countryside while waiting for my spa partner so that we could compare notes. Just before we left, Charlotte reappeared with a thoughtful parting gift - poultices to take home and enjoy in the bath. The perfect finishing touch.

Kinspa offers a range of facials and body treatments by Elemis and Made for Life Organics, as well as holistic treatments such as reflexology, and treatments specifically for those living with, or recovering from, cancer. Finishing touches include manicures and pedicures by Peacci, spray tanning, and lash and brow treatments.

Food Facts

You can enjoy lunch in your robe at the warm and welcoming Chiang Mai restaurant, which offers Thai cuisine with a modern twist alongside a selection of British favourites. We chose to sit outside on the terrace, soaking up the sunshine and taking in views of the vibrant gardens and rolling Welsh countryside. For cooler days, there are heaters and soft grey blankets thoughtfully provided.

We started with the Thai sticky beef strips, followed by a flavourful chicken curry. Our spa partner opted for Thai fish cakes to begin with, followed by a main of fillet of plaice served with egg noodles and stir-fried vegetables. A chilled glass of pink fizz completed our leisurely lunch perfectly.

If you’re staying overnight, dinner is served in the newly refurbished Brasserie 1786 - fine dining in a relaxed and stylish setting. To start, our crispy poached egg with buttered asparagus and hollandaise sauce was a perfect blend of texture and flavour. The 10oz Ribeye steak, served with triple-cooked chips and chimichurri sauce, was just as satisfying - and well worth the supplement.

Our spa partner’s starter of homemade runny Scotch egg with brown sauce was a hit, but the main of seared lamb rump with grilled broccoli and creamed potatoes truly stole the show.

To finish, we shared a refreshing strawberry and elderflower Arctic roll and a generous selection of Welsh cheeses - just enough to justify loosening the belt a notch.

As part of our overnight spa package, we each received a drinks token, redeemable for a bottled beer, glass of wine, or fizz. With a taste for bubbles, we headed to the stylish Oak Lounge and enjoyed a glass of Prosecco before dinner.

We loved / we didn't love

We loved

The steam room: super steamy and well-designed, with gently sloped seating that makes it comfortable to relax and unwind.

The spa food: inventive and thoughtfully put together, it offers a creative Thai twist on a traditional spa menu.

Our treatment: Charlotte, our highly experienced therapist, took the time to listen and tailor the treatment to our specific needs, making it feel truly personalised.

We didn't love

The relaxation loungers could be challenging for spa goers less able to get on and off comfortably.

Who do you think would like it?

Couples: with its hydro-pool and plenty of areas for couples to cosy up, the Kinmel and Kinspa is a romantic spot for a weekend away.

Small groups of friends: on our visit, we spied small groups of friends, and mothers and daughters enjoying the spa.

Lovers of Thai food: the restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine with a delicate twist.

What bubble rating did you give this spa?

We awarded The Kinmel and Kinspa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles. This charming country retreat may be compact, but it has everything you need for a comfortable, restful spa break. The service, thermal facilities, treatments, food and views are all top-notch; the entire experience delivers exceptional value-for-money, too.

Serene Spy visited in May 2025 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.