To celebrate World Environment Day, Good Spa Guide has teamed up with SpaSeekers to bring you a selection of UK spa hotels known for their eco-friendly ethos and green credentials, indicated on their website with a ‘green spa’ logo.
The Spa at Hatherley Manor, Gloucestershire
Seventeenth century Hatherley Manor is an elegant hotel in the Gloucestershire countryside with 37 acres of peaceful grounds to explore. Inside, oak-panelled walls and old-fashioned fireplaces feel homely and traditional. In contrast, the eco-friendly spa is in a modern, purpose-built extension containing a 12-metre indoor pool, a vitality pool, thermal rooms, a spa garden and six treatment rooms where Elemis and Made for Life magic happens. Everything from cooking oil to fluorescent light tubes is recycled; motion sensors control the lighting, while a biomass boiler system heats using renewable energy.
Sofitel Spa London St James, London
Located in the heart of St James’ District, Sofitel Spa has three sun-drenched floors of spa luxury thanks to glass-covered walkways, arched windows and ornate ceilings. High-end spa treatments come as standard here; choose from French skincare houses Sothys or Codage Paris, HydraFacial or a tailor-made wellness treatment - all performed on heated beds with knock-out city views. The hotel is committed to tackling two sustainability goals: to reduce the use of single-use plastic across the entire property and to achieve the leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility - Green Key Certification.
The Garden Secret Spa at Ringwood Hall, Derbyshire
Set in acres of formal gardens, and surrounded by Derbyshire countryside, the Georgian Ringwood Hall is in a rather peaceful location. As the name suggests, The Garden Secret Spa is a hidden gem, tucked behind the main hotel and surrounded by flowerbeds and trees. The outside blends in at every turn thanks to views from the thermal facilities, a stunning indoor living wall and botanical treatments by Lola’s Apothecary. Rainwater from the hotel’s roof is used to water the gardens, while only biodegradable confetti is permitted at weddings hosted on site.
H Spa at Horwood House, Buckinghamshire
Set in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Horwood House can be found at the end of a tree-lined driveway. The 38-acre grounds - complete with mature trees and a lily pond – were made famous by TV Gardener Percy Thrower. You’ll find the spa in a separate building to the right where the 15-metre indoor swimming pool – with eye-catching H Spa gold-edged logo at one end – is the business. The treatment menu features Caudalie and Aromatherapy Associates. All printed materials for the hotel are created out of chlorine-free recycled paper and ink made out of vegetables.
The Garage Spa, County Durham
The Garage Spa has a fascinating past, transformed from an ancient stopping station into a modern spa. Today it’s part of the historic Morritt Country House Hotel and embraces its background by offering quirky themed names for spa facilities and services. The luxury spa has both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, salt inhalation room and a hammam. Spa treatments by Elemis, Biotech and Caci sit alongside Mii manicures and pedicures, beauty treatments and alternative therapies. Electric car charging points are currently being fitted for guests to recharge during their stay.
Aztec Hotel & Spa, Somerset
The contemporary Aztec Hotel and Spa is surrounded by coast, countryside and Bristol cityscapes making it a popular choice for a whole host of spa goers. The refurbished spa has an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and spacious relaxation suite. Try face and full body treatments from Caudalie and Temple Spa, and nail and beauty treatments from Jessica and Mii. On a sunny day, make the most of the restaurant’s suntrap garden terrace. The hotel has been a member of WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programmesince) since 2019, a climate action company tackling climate change.
Old Thorns Hotel & Spa, Hampshire
Old Thorns is a large resort-style four-star hotel with 150 bedrooms and 51 self-catering apartments which look out over the golf course and surrounding countryside making it an ideal getaway or spa break. Facilities include two restaurants, a health club and, of course, the spa. This houses a pool, tropical pool, hot tub, thermal facilities, a dark and cosy relaxation room and a sundeck. Treatments are available from Temple Spa and Natural Spa Factory. From food sourcing and heating to recycling and waste management, the hotel strives to operate with minimal impact to the environment.
Stylish Spy
14th June 2023
Spy Likes:
Minimalist lines; organic products; facial massage; tranquillity; interesting people-watching.
Spy Dislikes:
Discarded towels on loungers; steam rooms that aren't steamy; mobile phones.
