Best Spa Breaks

A Spa Break is a great way of getting the most from your relaxation time as you don’t have to rush off home afterwards! On a spa break you stay one night or longer and spend your days enjoying the facilities, relaxing, and having a treatment or two.

The best spa break will be one that’s perfect for you. You should think about: 

Where do you want to go?

Are you looking for a spa break in your home region or are you willing to travel? If you’re in the mood for some fresh air you might prefer the countryside to the city – or vice versa. Is it the beach you desire, or hills?

Once you know you can look through our directory to find spa breaks at the spas in your chosen area. You can also check out our guide to the UK’s best spa hotels.

Spa facilities and amenities

Every spa experience is different, so it’s important to check out what’s on offer before you book.

You might want to go swimming or use the gym, so look at what pools and facilities are available. Are you happy to chill out in one area or would you prefer a spa with lots of thermal rooms? You might like to make sure there is a café or restaurant you can go to with your robe on, or find out if you’ll be sleeping in the same building as the spa. Perhaps you’d like gardens and grounds to explore, or nearby walks to enjoy?

It’s a good idea to read reviews of spas before you go. Luckily the Spa Spies™ are here to help!

What would you like to do?

If you’ve decided on a spa break it’s probably because you want to spend your time in the spa. But there are also different types of spa breaks where you can enjoy other activities too. 

Value for your money

Always look carefully at what is included in a spa break, and if you’re saving anything on full prices. The best spa breaks could offer reduced room rates, at least one included meal, a spa treatment, use of the facilities, and perhaps something extra too.

Stunning locations for spa breaks

Spas in Cornwall offer the perfect setting for serene relaxation, coastal walks, and even surfing! The Scarlet Spa is right on the beach, with breath-taking pool views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and The Headland Spa is in a grand hotel building perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Carbis Bay Hotel and Spa is ideally placed for a stroll along the Cornish Coastal Path and delivers serene Atlantic views. The Clearing Spa at The Cornwall Hotel is in a picturesque location on the Cornwall Estate surrounded by acres of glorious countryside. 

On the Pembrokeshire coast, St. Brides Spa in Saundersfoot is the go-to spa in Wales for sea views. Its stunning outside infinity pool and ocean-themed spa menu make for the perfect coastal break.

For castle spa breaks in rugged countryside, try Stobo Castle in Peebles Scotland, or Bovey Castle in Dartmoor National Park. Anglesey Island in Wales is a scenic spot to visit on a spa break, with Tre Ysgawen Hall set in sculpted woodland gardens and close to pristine beaches.

For beautiful beaches and azure seas, Jersey is under an hour on the plane. . There are a number of excellent spas in the Channel Islands – see our Spa Spotlight on Jersey – you want to spa right on the beach book a seaside spa break at L’Horizon Beach Hotel and Spa.

Best spa breaks for foodies

If you love food and are looking for fine dining during your break, search for a ‘foodie’ spa break or dream over some of our Michelin starred spas including Lucknam Park in Wiltshire, Pennyhill Park in Surrey (pictured) or The Spa at Gleneagles in Perthshire. Or if you like your Thai food, try SenSpa at Carey’s Manor for a delicious spa break in the New Forest.

Best activity spa breaks

If you’re looking to start or continue a fitness kick, spa breaks might include classes or group activities within a package. Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire is a prime example, offering yoga, Pilates, walking, running and even dancing spa breaks.

Golfing spa breaks are also popular. The Mere Golf Resort and Spa in Cheshire, Kohler Waters at the Old Course in Scotland, and Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire are among our favourites.

It can be difficult to spa on holiday with the family, but luckily there are breaks perfect for spa-ing with your little ones in tow. The Center Parcs holiday villages are home to the popular Aqua Sana spas, Ribby Hall Holiday Village has a luxurious adult-only spa on site, and Bluestone Wales’s The Well Spa makes for a tranquil “mini-break within a break”. 

Best city spa breaks

There’s nothing quite like soaking in a rooftop pool with views of historic Bath’s city centre. Unfortunately, you can’t stay on site at Thermae Spa, famous for its thermal waters, but hotels and other accommodation in the city offer packages that include entry to the spa or discounts on your spa day.

In our great capital, there are many spas to choose from (see our guide to London spas). If you’re looking for a high-end city break Bulgari Hotel and The Corinthia Hotel are both opulent city boltholes. K West Hotel in Shepard’s Bush a trendy spa hotel that can also be great value.

If you’re heading up North, The Midland is a great base for exploring Manchester's vibrant city centre. If you’re Liverpool bound, the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel is in the heart of the city. 

For city spa breaks in Scotland, try Blythswood Square in Glasgow city centre or Norton House Hotel and Spa just on the outskirts of Edinburgh.