The Kinmel & Kinspa

Surrounded by Welsh countryside but within easy reach of major routes, Kinspa offers a calm and relaxing retreat.

First Impressions

The Kinmel and Kinspa sits proudly within a scenic Welsh valley, the elegant white hotel and spa is framed by lush farmland and wooded hillsides. 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 thoughtfully designed modern extension to the hotel - if you can hear water trickling into the pond, you’re heading in the right direction. Spread 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 Cathryn showed us upstairs to a booth table in the Chiang Mai restaurant. Here we completed medical forms, ordered lunch and sipped a ginger & chilli shot, before we were given a tour of the spa.

The small, taupe-tiled changing rooms contain dark wood, coded lockers each containing a white branded tote bag with flip-flops, fluffy 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 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 contemporary cream loungers or chairs afterwards.

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; through the archway 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, the aromatherapy steam room is large with comfortable mosaic-tiled seating and again lit up with blue lighting. The sauna, which overlooks the pool, is smaller (seating around eight) but was deliciously hot on our visit. Cool down with the ice bucket afterwards - if you dare.

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, cushioned rattan chairs, sofas and four low rattan loungers have their own grey blankets and side-tables stocked with magazines. Help yourself to tea, coffee, water, and - on our visit – flapjacks, pastries and fresh fruit: apples, pears, bananas and strawberries.

There's a fully-equipped gym at The Kinmel and Kinspa, too, with more of those countryside views.

Tell us about the treatments

We tried a Rainforest Sensation (90 minutes, £115).

My therapist, Hannah, led me into a newly decorated treatment room where a sophisticated palette of smoky green-grey set a contemporary yet restful atmosphere. She invited me to take a seat and explained the steps of the ritual - a body scrub, massage and facial - and discussed my medial form and the areas of concern (a recent knee injury).

Once I was settled on the treatment bed, Hannah made sure I was comfortable, placing rolled towels beneath my shoulders and knees for extra support. Inviting me to take a few deep breaths, she encouraged both mind and body to relax before beginning the ritual.

The sensory journey started with warm mitts to my feet while the soothing sound of a rain stick drifted around the room, creating an immediate sense of calm. Hannah used warm pindas to apply pressure around my body before uncovering one side of the body at a time for the exfoliation. A scrub was carefully applied to the leg, arm and back before being gently removed with hot mitts and buffed away with a dry towel. No showering required.

The exfoliation was followed by a deeply relaxing massage. Hannah used flowing movements across my back, legs and arms before repeating the ritual on the other side.

Turning onto my back, a weighted eye pillow was placed over my eyes, adding to the cocooning feeling as the exfoliation and massage continued across the front of the body.

A warm towel placed across my chest provided a comforting touch before the facial began. Using the deliciously scented Germaine de Capuccini products, Hannah cleansed and exfoliated my skin before placing a cotton sheet mask over my face and treating me to a wonderfully relaxing scalp massage. Moisturiser was then applied and warm towels gently pressed onto my face, before one was draped across my chest. The sound of the rain stick signaled the end of the treatment.

After leaving me a few moments to slowly come round, Hannah guided me through to the tranquillity suite where my spa partner and I compared notes while enjoying a refreshing strawberry sorbet, a collagen shot and chilled water.

The result? Silky-smooth skin, relaxed muscles and a blissfully calm mind. A wonderfully immersive treatment from beginning to end.

Food Facts

Spa guests are able to enjoy a leisurely two-course lunch in their robes at the Chiang Mai restaurant. The menu blends authentic Thai flavours with a modern twist, alongside a selection of British favourites.

We kicked things off with sticky beef strips, followed by fillet of seabass with noodles and stir-fried vegetables. Our spa partner, who is coeliac, enjoyed the gluten-free leek and potato soup followed by a fragrant Thai green chicken curry. Although lunch was included as two courses, the dessert menu proved too tempting to resist. We opted for the clotted cream panna cotta with strawberries and shortbread, while our spa partner chose a refreshing trio of fruit sorbets. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc completed the experience perfectly.

Guests staying overnight can look forward to dinner in the newly refurbished Brasserie 1786, where fine dining is delivered in a relaxed and contemporary setting. We both chose the seared lamb rump, served with dauphinoise potatoes, romesco sauce, tenderstem broccoli, spinach and a rich lamb jus. Beautifully cooked and packed with flavour.

We loved

The Rainforest Sensation treatment: From the soothing sound of the rain stick to the warm pindas and indulgent facial, this immersive Germaine de Capuccini ritual felt delightfully different and deeply relaxing from start to finish.

The thermal suite: Having the thermal area entirely to ourselves was an unexpected bonus, allowing us to fully switch off and enjoy the facilities at our own pace.

The care and attention: therapist Ria ensured our elderly, hard-of-hearing spa partner felt comfortable, understood and well looked after throughout the treatment – a thoughtful level of care that left a lasting impression.

Sweet Stay?

We were each allocated a Junior Suite on the second floor, tucked away at the rear of the hotel in rooms 211 and 212. The location proved wonderfully peaceful, ensuring an undisturbed night's sleep.

The suites were spacious with a comfortable bed, a seating area complete with sofa, table and chair, and all the thoughtful touches needed for a relaxing stay. The modern bathrooms feature both a walk-in shower and a separate bathtub

Which bubble rating we award? 

We awarded The Kinmel and Kinspa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles. This charming country retreat combines cosy comfort with all the ingredients needed for a relaxing escape. From the warm, attentive service and excellent Germaine de Capuccini treatments to the delicious food and beautiful countryside surroundings, every element feels carefully considered and great value for money.

Serene Spy visited in June 2026 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.