Best spas in the heart of Manchester

Manchester has had its fair share of rotten luck over the past few years but nothing can stop this cosmopolitan city from shining. And boy does it shine: from the shimmer of the River Irwell at night to the reflective glass buildings housing art galleries, grand hotels, gastronomic gems and designer shops. But what of its spas? Read on…

Best for… restoring calm
Rena Spa at The Midland Hotel

Much like The Midland Hotel, Rena Spa is a looker. Start your spa day with a refreshing swim in the mood-lit pool before working out those knotty shoulders under the swan neck fountain. After, warm up in the Alderwood sauna (air infused by a Himalayan salt block) or hop in the aromatherapy steam room. Hot under the collar? Select ‘Arctic rain’ in the experience showers. Then drift away in Rena Spa’s relaxation room - with its ergonomic sleep chambers and hanging pods – or book a Serene Sleep treatment.

Best for… secluded spa-ing
King Street Townhouse Gym & Spa

The King Street Townhouse is nestled in what was once Manchester’s Victorian financial district, now reinvented as a vibrant shopping area. The hotel’s state-of-the-art spa sits next to the 40-room boutique bolthole, accessed via a sleek, wood-panelled staircase. Despite the property’s energetic city location, it’s thoroughly tucked away, making it as secluded as it is central. The Spa is also the first UK destination to exclusively offer Perricone MD treatments, alongside ESPA and results-driven Hydra Facials. 

Best for… swimming laps
The Spa & Gym, The Edwardian Manchester



The Edwardian Manchester is a five-star-beauty-of-a-hotel in one of the city's grandest buildings. The basement houses an architectural gem of a spa: cool, modern, unusually large by city standards and a world away from the central hubbub. There’s a spacious thermal suite with sauna and steam room and - behind an impressive glass brick wall - four experience showers. There’s also a 12-metre aquamarine pool and Jacuzzi surrounded by plush grey cabanas. Treatments from ESPA include skin-renewing facials.

Best for… high-tech treatments
Re:Treat at The Lowry Hotel



The Lowry is a groovy five-star hotel that’s famous for its premiership clientele (keep your eyes peeled). What the spa lacks in pool it makes up for in technology-based equipment with a Cryotherapy chamber, meditation pod and sensory deprivation tank recently added. Neutral tones, modern furniture and urban views over the river Irwell add to the charm. There’s also a relaxation area, mani/pedi room, gym and hair salon, as well as four rooms in which to try Elemis, GAIA and Grown Alchemist treatments.

Best for… design lovers
Le Petit Spa at Malmaison Manchester



Malmaison Hotels rarely put a foot wrong; the Manchester offering – conveniently located opposite Manchester Piccadilly Station - is no exception. Transformed into a 19^th century warehouse, the hotel oozes style in its individually-designed rooms and suites, retro restaurant and buzzing cocktail bar. As the name suggests, Le Petit Spa isn’t huge but definitely delivers, with a good range of Nimue face and body treatments and budget-busting day spa packages, including afternoon tea and lunch with bubbles.