Best UK spa breaks for solo travellers

If you avoid solo spa breaks for fear of looking like Billy-no-mates then you’re probably not alone. But, with Google reporting a 378% rise in ‘solo travel’ searches this summer, it might be time to give it a try. Who wants to chat whilst jogging on the Treadmill anyway? And who would shun the opportunity for a cheeky daytime nap for fear of looking rude? You’ve got us. Add these luxury spa hotels to your wish list and let the solo pampering begin.
 

Best for… meeting like-minded folk
The Retreat at The Londoner, London

Whether it’s a casual chat with a fellow hydrotherapy pool-er, a coffee after a group class in the studio or a conversation with a fellow diner at one of the hotel’s six restaurants and bars – including the vibrant Japanese rooftop garden – it would be hard not to meet people at The Londoner. And that’s before joining the throngs in lively Leicester Square mere metres from the hotel. The Retreat at The Londoner has much to occupy solo spa-goers, too, including Hiro Miyoshi Hair, Nails by AMA, an all-singing gym, Joe Vipond Gentleman’s Grooming, and a range of spa treatments from Ishga, Gentleman’s Tonic, Ila and Omorovizca.

Best for… swimmers
The Spa & Gym at The Edwardian, Manchester

When you claim to have the largest hotel pool in Manchester (the biggest city in the North-West), you’re crying out for regular back-strokers. But the five-star Edwardian hotel has more surprises up its sleeve, including an award-winning restaurant, a Champagne bar and a whole floor dedicated to wellness. Designed to imitate the city’s industrial roots, The Spa & Gym combines wood, glass, black and copper to create clean lines and a grown-up feel that’s devoid of chintz. After a swim, relax the muscles in the sauna and steam room before enjoying an ESPA facial or aromatherapy massage. Manchester will be ready when you are.

Best for… peace and quiet
Natural Health Spa at The Budock Vean, Cornwall

The shoulders will have a hard time staying up at this rejuvenating hotel surrounded by 65 acres of countryside in cool-as-a-cucumber Cornwall. The best way to enjoy such vistas? By strolling through the pretty gardens or sinking into the perfectly positioned outdoor hot tub (we recommend both). Weather in disagreement? Take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, relax in the spa lounge or treat the pinkies to a summer polish at the nail bar. The Natural Health Spa is renowned for its personalised approach, where in-depth consultations ensure tailored – and effective - treatments. Falmouth’s incredible beaches, boat-dotted waterfront and quaint streets are within easy reach.

Best for… more spa than you can muster
Hoar Cross Hall Spa, Staffordshire

Still sitting pretty after the £14 million makeover which transformed this luxury spa into one of the biggest in Europe, Hoar Cross Hall country house hotel is perfect for solo spa goers wishing to get lost in spa heaven. As well as one of the highest quantity of treatment rooms we’ve come across – at 41 – there’s a Nordic Heat & Ice Suite with two swimming pools, an Aqua Massage area, a snooze room, a dedicated spa café; and a Parlour for all things hair and nails. The 104-room hotel won’t disappoint either, with three restaurants - including two AA Rosette the Ballroom – and 43 acres of grounds to explore. 

Best for… alfresco spa-ing
Swinton Country Club and Spa, North Yorkshire

Making the most of the great outdoors is easy at Swinton Country Club and Spa which has the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate at its disposal. The dedicated wellness retreat provides an outdoor space for yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and meditation – there’s also a Barefoot Path to walk along in quiet contemplation. Want some company? Sign up for Forest Bathing, wild swimming, Reiki Drumming or Nordic walking. Afterwards, slide into the outdoor hot tub or grab a book - and a drink - and relax in a hammock. The spa experience continues inside with an 18-metre swimming pool, thermal suite, full schedule of classes and Bamford treatments.

Best for… Art Deco lovers
The Spa at The Beaumont Mayfair, London

At odds with your usual spa partner, who fancies sleek and modern when you want to immerse yourself in the roaring twenties? Go it alone at The Beaumont Mayfair, an intimate spa that’s more Paris than Mayfair. Aged mirrors, gleaming chrome, monochrome tiles and easy jazz ear candy set the scene nicely. After a Moroccan hammam, Oskia facial, session in the toasty sauna or steam room, or refreshing dip in the plunge pool, head to Gatsby’s for afternoon tea. More art deco loveliness can be appreciated in the lobby of this whitewashed hotel, with its statement chequerboard black and gold floor, and grand piano.