Whether you’re looking to celebrate an occasion, are body conscious or simply prefer to swim without being splashed, a private session could be the answer to your spa prayers. Sound impossible? More spas than we anticipated emailed to let us know about their exclusive hire policies, from ten guests for half a day to eighty from dawn until dusk. Whatever your number, it seems there’s a spa willing to open its doors just for you. Count us in.
FOR SOLOS & COUPLES
The new Private Spa Cabanas at The Spa at Pennyhill Park aren’t just places to sit; they are entire three-sided structures containing copper roll-top baths with spa jets, fridges stocked with soft drinks, tea and coffee making facilities, loungers for two, bank seating with cushions, huge mirrors and towels aplenty. Named after the herbs you’ll find sprouting up around the pool, the cabanas are just steps away from a cooling dip. After a swim, relax with a book or cuddle up with a loved one. Peckish? Order food and it will be delivered. From £720 for up to two guests
Set on the oh-so-attractive Isle of Lewis, Scotland’s most remote spa isn’t just easy on the eye, it has a stylish interior to boot. Between Tuesdays and Saturdays, single spa-goers and couples can hire out the entire space, including its hot tub with beachy view, alfresco pool table (a rarity in a spa), outdoor fire pit, comfy spa lounge with crackling fire, Gazebo bar, Sauna and ice bath. The day also includes a bottle of bubbles, chocolates, a Charcuterie board (or sandwiches and sweet treats if you prefer) and a 60-minute Elemis massage or facial. How bonny. From £320pp for up to two guests
FOR UP TO FOUR GUESTS
Winner of Best Spa in the East Mids & East in the 2023 Good Spa Guide Awards, Breedon does modern spa-ing with aplomb. The purpose-built spa has just the right amount of glass to show off the pretty spa garden - with its sleek outdoor pool - and the Derbyshire countryside beyond. Groups of four can book a morning or afternoon at the Hideaway, a private spa garden with retro egg chairs, fire pit, Cedar hot tub and mini bar. Prices include lunch or afternoon tea, a bottle of Prosecco and a 60-minute treatment. From £320pp for up to four guests (£1,280 in total)
FOR UP TO 15 GUESTS
Liverpool’s newest spa - set in the basement of the grand Municipal Hotel – is a beauty, with a longer-than-average city pool that you can swim in whilst Liverpool winks at you through full-height glass. The spacious, well-thought-out thermal facilities are cleverly tucked around the corner. Private hire includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival, exclusive use of the space until 5pm (the pool is super atmospheric at dusk), sharing boards and signature cocktails served poolside, and a 50-minute treatment. Once your time is up, head to Palm Court for a drink - we challenge you to find a nicer looking bar anywhere. £300pp for up to 15 guests (£4,500 in total)
FOR UP TO 30 GUESTS
For twilight spa-ing with a swim-up bar, look no further than Staffordshire’s Manor House. Up to 30 people can enjoy exclusive use of the spa’s garden – with its vitality pool, hydro pool, salt steam chamber, ice bath, showers, quirky potting shed Sauna and meditation summer house – for three hours between 6pm and 9pm. This includes a glass of Prosecco, canapes, a bar tender for the swim-up bar, use of robes and towels, and flip-flops to take home in a tote bag. You can even tag on an acoustic guitar player for £200. From £69pp for up to 30 guests (£2,070 in total)
FOR UP TO 35 GUESTS
Bring the party to Nàdarra Spa with its evening spa-ty (their word). Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, sharing boards in the Blossom Kitchen between 7pm and 8pm and private spa access from 8pm to 10pm. A DJ will get the party started. Possible upgrades include Champagne, a bucket of beer or wine, a cake of choice and preferential rates for overnight stays. This is no ordinary spa either: sink into the sunken vitality pool or climb into one of two side-by-side copper bathtubs and just look at that view. From £129pp for up to 35 guests (£4,515 in total)
FOR UP TO 80 GUESTS
Shun the usual Christmas party in the local or the office boardroom and treat your hard-working staff to a bash to remember. Rudding Park– with its cabinet stuffed full of awards old and new – needs no introduction; to be able to exclusively hire the space is a gift. Not only will you be able to enjoy the Roof Top Spa, but will have the indoor pool, extensive thermal facilities and relaxation areas to yourself. It comes at a price (this is cult spa-ing after all) but would make the most civilised Christmas bash. Are you listening GSG HQ? From £249.50pp for up to 80 guests (£19,960 in total)
Stylish Spy
16th February 2024
Spy Likes:
Minimalist lines; organic products; facial massage; tranquillity; interesting people-watching.
Spy Dislikes:
Discarded towels on loungers; steam rooms that aren't steamy; mobile phones.
