In a bid to banish the brain fog, ease an array of new-found perimenopause symptoms and get fit in my forties, I’ve decided to flex my Sober Curious muscles and give up booze for October. Why? Because more of us than ever before are trying Sober October, doing Dry January or looking into a sober lifestyle.
Many of us, like me, have grown up in a culture of drinking - we drink to celebrate life’s highs, commiserate life’s lows and grab a glass for everything in between. It’s easy to see, then, how alcohol has been weaved into the very fabric of our society.
And, while mummy-wine culture is still raging on social media, if you scroll a little further, you’ll find a vibrant – and growing - sober-curious community celebrating hangover-free weekends, signing up for 10k runs and gently supporting others to leave the cork firmly in the bottle. The reward? The promise of better relationships, deeper sleep, weight loss, a clearer head - and skin - and none of the dreaded hangxiety that inevitably arrives like an unwanted guest the morning after.
In fact, our nation’s newfound love of feeling healthy and well is seeing some people turn their backs on booze and the lucrative £50 billion industry (in the UK alone) that it has created. Brits are spending an average of £2,500 a year on wellbeing and fitness, according to the Global Wellness Institute, while the booming wellness industry is worth a whopping $1.8 trillion, globally.
A third of Gen Z-ers (aged 18-24) do not drink alcohol at all, while many Gen X and millennials are starting to ponder the pros and cons of alcohol in their lives.
We’re also waking up the alcohol-related health risks have somehow flown under the radar – ignorance is bliss, perhaps? The World Health Organization reports that alcohol consumption is linked to over 31 health conditions including liver diseases, heart diseases, dementia and over five different types of cancers, as well as mental health and behavioural conditions such as depression and anxiety.
According to a 2024 report from Mintel, concerns about alcohol affecting emotional wellbeing prompted usage of low-/no-alcohol drinks among 55% of UK drinkers; a market that is now estimated at £380 million.
That’s all well and good but what does this have to do with spas?
While sipping bubbles in the hot tub is synonymous with spa-ing, plenty of forward-thinking spas are now offering alcohol-free (AF) alternatives for those choosing to abstain but fancy something more exciting than sparkling water. A move that’s welcomed by the sober-curious community - especially for those doing Sober October or Dry January - and then continuing on, perhaps.
Which spas can I drink an AF tipple in?
The Spa at Gleneagles
What’s on offer? This all singing-all dancing spa regularly romps home with the Best Spa in Scotland award. Along with first-class hospitality, dramatic scenery and impeccable design, the gold and bronze spa is sublime, too. Wellness is at the core here, from the treatments from Tata Harper, Dr Barbara Strum – the first in the UK – to Gleneagles’ own range made from plants and herbs grown on the Perthshire estate.
What to sip? Pentire Coastal Spritz, an AF spirit containing blood orange, rosemary and Oakwood.
Guerlain Spa at Raffles London
What’s on offer? The Guerlain Spa at Raffles London at The OWO – voted best new spa at last year’s GSG awards - is a serenely restored spa spanning 27,000ft across four floors of this historic address. Swim lengths in the 20-metre indoor pool with a flickering ribbon of fire at one end. Beyond here you’ll find the bubbly vitality pool, sauna, steam and experience showers. Guerlain take care of the treatments for face, body and mind.
What to sip? French Bloom, a de-alcoholised organic French Chardonnay made from grape juice.
Champneys Forest Mere
What’s on offer? Winner of the Best Spa for Wellness at the Good Spa Guide Awards 2024, Champneys Forest Mere is set within enchanting grounds in the Hampshire countryside. Besides the swimming pool, Thalassotherapy pool and alfresco Cedarwood hot tub, this large destination spa comes complete with an alternative health clinic and a spa menu with over 90 treatments.
What to sip? DASH Water, a calore-free, water-based drink infused with fruit.
The Spa at South Lodge
What’s on offer? The Spa at South Lodge is 44,000sq ft of spa gold set in a design-led building with sedum roof. Inside is cool and minimal, with just the right amount of glass to show off the West Sussex countryside. Swim lengths in the indoor 22-metre UV heated pool; on sunny days, drape yourself around the outdoor 18-metre natural infinity pool and bubble in the hydro-pool.
What to sip? Three Spirit, a non-alcoholic elixir with unusual ingredients such as lion’s mane.
Herb House Spa at Lime Wood
What’s on offer?
Occupying three levels, Herb House Spa is infused with a vibe of natural wellbeing thanks to its picture-perfect New Forest location. Start your invigorating journey admiring the gorgeous woodland views from the indoor hydrotherapy pool, before sampling the Mud House, oversized sauna, steamy outdoor pool and ozone-treated 16-metre lap pool.
What to sip? Noughty, a non-alcoholic sparkling Chardonnay that tastes just like the real thing and is also organic and vegan certified.
Scarlet Spy
2nd October 2024
Spy Likes:
Nature-inspired spas, cold water plunges, sound baths, deep tissue massage, delicious food.
Spy Dislikes:
Thin walls in treatment rooms, lounger hoggers, soggy robes, bright lights.
