Best new spas to visit in 2022

The Spa Spies spent the latter part of last year checking out the hottest new and re-designed spas across the UK. From rural retreats to city spas, here’s the best new spas to add to you 2022 bucket list. Go before everyone else does…

Bamford Wellness Spa



The newly-extended Bamford Wellness Spa, on Daylesford Organic Farm in the Cotswolds, was awarded Best New Spa at the Good Spa Awards in November 2021. It was chosen by the Spa Spies for its carefully curated treatments, holistic movement classes and workshops, exceptional staff and imaginative design, which embraces the rural surrounds. 

Why we love it: 

Scarlet Spy knew she’d found a winner as soon she entered Bamford Wellness Spa: “The spa is divine: think floor-to-ceiling windows, a calming palette of creams and whites, and soothing views of the Cotswold countryside. The staff float around in white uniforms; giant clusters of crystals add to the dreaminess.” Along with a new wet area with herbal sauna, crystal steam room and vitality pool, there’s also a new studio offering everything from meditation to Pilates and gong therapy to yoga. Treatments go beyond the norm, with astrology, craniosacral therapy and nutrition on the menu. 

Don't miss...

The De-stress Massage (60 minutes, £110), head-to-toe heaven including an Epsom salt foot bath, a Shiatsu pressure point massage and a rose quartz eye mask. All treatments are personalised, incorporating techniques such as heeling jade stones, acupressure and yogic breathing. Post-treatment, we soaked up the endless orchard views in the Lavender Room. 

The Londoner 



The newly-opened West End hotel is as central London as you can get, right on Leicester Square. Inside you’ll find the Retreat: a cool and calm subterranean space that fuses Ayurvedic-inspired treatments with treatments for your dosha. Choose from Omorovizca, Ila, Ishga or Gentleman’s Tonic. 

Why we love it: 

Summer Spy loved the Ibiza-style pool with large, private cabanas, 15-metre pool and warm hydro pool: “The larger cabanas would be perfect to meet a friend or two and catch up between treatments or gym sessions. Beyond the pool area, there isn't much relaxation space so you'll either have to book multiple treatments or visit the gym if you want to fit in a full day of spa. The Londoner is just off Leicester Square, and so central you could rest your weary feet whether you've been in the West End, shopping or sightseeing. A welcome new asset to the London spa scene.”

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“The Harmony massage (60 minutes, £110) includes cupping, hot poultices and a scalp massage - and was complete bliss. We loved the paired tinctures to help us reach our goal of feeling in harmony, despite visiting on a grey winter’s day.”

Wave Garden Spa



Snowdonia is always worth the schlep but throw in a cleverly-designed spa, with a backdrop of mountains, and we’re there with bells on. Beyond the dazzling North Wales landscape, the spa offers four treatment rooms with treatments from Thalgo and Tribe517, a double hammam and its very own surf lagoon. 

Why we love it: 

Serene Spy was amazed by the location: the magnificent Welsh landscapes, those imposing mountains and that surf lagoon: “The spa has set up camp beside the Hilton-owned hotel – as you you move around, you can’t help but appreciate the green, clean and intimate space. Post treatment, the quiet relaxation room is a win, a stand-alone structure with bi-fold doors, rattan loungers and cosy blankets. Enjoy a cheeky nap before devouring lunch in the restaurant”

Don't miss...

The infinity hydro pool overlooking the surf lagoon: we submerged our shoulders under the water to stay toasty whilst watching surfers ride the waves (brrr). Active spa-ers can book a lesson with Surf Snowdonia. Extend your stay with a night in one of the comfortable modern bedrooms; you can even bring your pooch.  After a fantastic sleep, brace the elements on a local walk.

Fawsley Hall Spa



Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa is an impressive country pile set in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside. Rich in history, this opulent Tudor manor was once a royal bolthole. The Spa itself sits within a separate building - a renovated coach house to the right of the hotel – which underwent a £1.5M refurbishment in 2021.

Why we love it: 

It’s easy to fall in love with Fawsley Hall, according to Scarlet Spy. “The countryside setting is breath-taking; the hotel building tingles with Tudor history. Then there’s the spa, cleverly pairing exposed sandstone brick, wood beams and original windows with white walls and pendulum lights. The re-imagined 17-metre pool is sleek with floor-to-ceiling glass flooding the room with natural light. After a few laps, head to one of two new thermal rooms: the gently-heated herbal room with curved wooden bench seating and the Himalayan Salt room with its glowing orange and red brick wall, perfect for cosying up on a winter’s day.”

Don't miss...

The spa’s pièce de résistance is the sleek infinity-edged outdoor hydro pool surrounded by white pebbles. Scarlet Spy sank into the steamy pool and enjoyed 365-degree views of the spa and towering tree-tops. 

Hope Street Hotel Spa

If city spas are more your bag, head to Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool’s Georgian neighbourhood. The hotel is super chic, all pink Cheshire brick, iron pillars, exposed beams and cool white interiors. The spa menu offers luxury face and body treatments from REN and Temple Spa, while Leighton Denny has mani & pedis covered. 

Why we love it: 

Serene Spy realised Hope Street Hotel Spa was a strong contender when she had most of the facilities to herself: “This urban spa is literally next level, located on the lower ground floor of the hotel; as you navigate from treatment room to Serenity Lounge and outside to the courtyard hydrotherapy pool, you forget you’re in the city centre. We loved the personal control wristband system which welcomed us by name on the door panel.” 

Don't miss...

The Temple Spa Champagne Truffle Signature Treatment (120 minutes, £140). Our therapist was extremely professional and very attentive - her towel management was like an art form. The epic treatment consisted of a deep double-cleanse, glycolic resurfacing peel, alginate mask and cold stone therapy. We floated out of the treatment room looking and feeling radiant. Champagne and  chocolate truffles to finish was icing on the spa cake.

The Cambridge Country Club



Located on the outskirts of the city, the Cambridge Country Club recently opened its doors to a brand-new wellness centre. Expect luxurious treatments, tranquil relaxation rooms and ultra-elegant mani-pedi lounges. 

Why we love it: 

“The team at the Cambridge Country Club couldn’t have been more helpful, walking us through each stage of our spa day,” says Seaside Spy. “The steam room and sauna are set to the side of a large pool and jacuzzi. After spending time in the open-plan thermal area, we wandered through wide-open spaces of double height ceilings and large glass walls to a relaxation lounge which was more like a cosy living room in a grand home. The roaring fireplace was a real treat on a winter’s day. The transition from busy country club to spa hush hush was welcome: time to relax. Unravelling on the heated recliners in the Himalayan Salt Spa was a calming way to come round from a treatment. 

Don't miss...

Afternoon Tea will really hit the spot post spa-ing. The fitness facility is impressive too: integration with wellness wearables means you can keep on track your regular regime or use the on-demand virtual instructor. 

The Peak Fitness Club and Spa



The Peak Health Club and Spa at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower is very grand - but refreshingly unpretentious. It’s worth a visit for the central London views alone. Take full advantage of the naturally-lit swimming pool, a rare find in the city.

Why we love it: 

“The entrance to the spa is bathed in warming marble, dark wood and natural light, creating the walk-in wow-factor,” says Seaside Spy. “Stand on the balcony and look down at the 20-metre pool below for a real show. Ten out of ten for extras, too: teas, fruit, water and healthy snacks to enjoy poolside; newspapers and magazines to read while relaxing on a lounger - we even found a phone charging point inside our locker. Treatments rooms, set back from the pool, are beautifully decorated with more small touches making a big impact.”

Don't miss...           

The addition of a face mask as part of our body treatment left our skin feeling supple and refreshed. And all hail the swimsuit spinner – the simplest of additions that means we don’t have to take a wet costume home inside a plastic bag (boo, hiss).

Aria Spa

Cheshire’s Aria Spa is a luxury, holistic spa using natural, organic products. Ila’s holistic therapy integrates seamlessly with ancient healing arts, using vibrant ingredients to ensure treatments for both face and body are results-driven whilst facilitating a re-connection to the flow of healing energy.

Why we love it: 

From the hot towel hand cleanse on arrival to the refreshing mango sorbet when we needed it most, the service at Aria Spa is second-to-none,” says Serene Spy.  Double spa heaven came in the form of back-to-back treatments: the Ultimate Body Ritual (85 minutes, £115) – a deep tissue massage, Tibetan scalp massage and lymphatic facial massage – and the Ila CBD Facial Therapy (55 minutes, £85). The Fire & Ice thermal room was a firm favourite - the red and orange lighting in the steam room creates warmth for fire, while the ice fountain in the centre of the room is great for soothing problem areas.”

Don't miss...

Sushi for lunch. Serene Spy feasted on impeccably-prepared plates with fab names such as L.A Woman, Salmon Maki Roll, Kamisama Crunch and Tempura Prawn Roll – pair with a glass of Champagne for the kind of spa indulgence we are all seeking.