Best spa hotels for a staycation

With warmer summers on the horizon, the staycation looks set to stay in vogue. Stylish Spy rounds up the best spas hotels for a UK break.

Best for a city break

The Lanesborough Club & Spa, London

When it comes to a holidays in England’s capital, The Lanesborough has a lot going for it. Situated slap bang opposite Hyde Park, this five-star, pet-friendly neoclassical beauty of a hotel offers a butler service for every guest (we loved having our clothes pressed on demand) and a 5 Bubble Luxury spa with a design that’s as slick as the customer service. Don't miss a dip in the infinity pool.

The Spa at The Beaumont, London

Drawing heavily on Art Deco design, The Beaumont is a whitewashed, five-star luxury hotel in the heart of buzzing Mayfair. Afternoon Tea in Gatsby’s Room has special occasion written all over it. The small, perfectly formed spa is bathed in white marble and chrome, with more of a hint of Paris than London. After trying the thermal suite, book an OSKIA facial or a cut and blow dry in the Salon.

Best for a countryside getaway

Utopia Spa at Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex

This perfect English country manor house looks like something out of Agatha Christie, set in acres of rolling lawns (perfect for croquet). The Roman-inspired spa with therageutic pool, swimming pool and heat facilities is surrounded by temple-like pillars. Try a Temple Spa or OSKIA treatment before retreating to your Spa Suite, with oversized bath, or hit the tennis courts.

The Belfry Spa, Warwickshire

We defy anybody not to relax in 550 acres of parkland – the hotel itself is even shrouded in climbing greenery. The leisure club has a large, bright pool; two whirlpools; and a diner-style café with outdoor terrace, while the large spa has good thermal facilities, a decadent relaxation room (pictured), a finishing studio for those summer-ready manis/pedis, and a menu of ESPA treatments.

Best for a beach break

L'Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa, Jersey

Overlooking one of Jersey’s most breathtaking bays (and there are a lot, quite frankly), this smart, whitewashed property has more than its location licked. A decked terrace facing the sea is the perfect spot for a drink, some succulent seafood or some wistful gazing; the large indoor pool – with its sea views and walkway to the beach – is the star of the show at the dual-level spa.                                                                                                                          
The Alchemist Spa at The Woolacombe Bay Hotel, Devon

The three-mile stretch of sand and rolling Atlantic breakers of Woolacombe Bay is a mere five-minute stroll from The Woolacombe Bay Hotel, with its Victorian elegance and luxury seaside suites. British brand Natural Spa Factory has set up camp at the holistic spa where facilities include a sauna, steam room, hammam, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and mani/pedi studio.

Best for a forest break

SenSpa at Careys Manor, Hampshire

The natural beauty of the New Forest awaits visitors at Careys Manor, with its Thai themed spa setting it apart from other hotels. As well as authentic Thai spa treatments, guests can enjoy a zingy Pad Thai and refreshing Singha beer at the Zen Garden restaurant, swim in an ozone-treated pool, relax in a hydrotherapy suite and star gaze through a glass ceiling in a variety of thermal rooms.

Spa at Ramside, County Durham

If a luxury treehouse tucked away in shaded woodland sounds like holiday heaven, book a stay at The Spa at Ramside. Accommodating families of all sizes, as well as couples and canine companions, the view from the luxury bedrooms, cosy lounge or sunken outdoor hot tub will be of tree tops. Embrace your inner mermaid at the spa, which has five different pools to splash about in. 

Best for a golf break

Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland

Both championship golf courses at Fairmont St Andrews offer sweeping clifftop views of the North Sea; for more vistas dine on this terrace at the St Andrews Clubhouse & Grill. The spa will delight even the most avid pamper-lover with its 16-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Treatments from Ishga, Aromatherapy Associates and Caudalie happen in 20 tartan-clad spa rooms.

The Spa at Gleneagles, Scotland

Three of Scotland's world-class golf courses reside at Gleneagles: the PGA Century Course, one-time host of the Ryder Cup; Kings Course, for bunkers and fairways; and Queens Course with its 68-par challenge. The spa facilities at Gleneagles include separate gold and bronze wet facilities for men and women, a unisex vitality pool and a leafy Garden Cafe.