Spas to get sociable in

Spas to get sociable in

Traditionally more peace and quiet than party party, a new wave of social experiences is rewriting the rules at spas up and down the country, with DJs, sunset sessions, swim-up bars and outdoor spa gardens complete with Prosecco vans now more de rigeur. Stylish Spy rounds up the best UK spas to get your social on this summer.

THE SPA AT CARDEN, CHESHIRE

With one of the largest spa gardens in the UK, Carden Park has unsurprisingly become a go-to for group spa stays. The Cheshire-based resort recently launched its Afterglow DJ & Acoustic Sessions, extending spa access into the evening with live acoustic sets, DJs and cocktails served around the outdoor thermal areas. The spa garden is spread across multiple levels, with hydrotherapy pools, heated loungers, fire pits and thermal cabins all connected by lit pathways. As darkness falls, the atmosphere shifts from laidback to lively, with tempered house music playing until dark - and beyond. Selected packages include overnight stays.

LOW WOOD BAY RESORT & SPA, LAKE DISTRICT

If you like your spa breaks with a side of scenery, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa won’t disappoint (far from it). With one of the best backdrops in the country - sitting directly on the shores of Windermere - the spa’s outdoor thermal experiences look straight across a shimmering lake towards the surrounding fells. This summer’s Sunset Sessions Spa Breaks combine evening access to the outdoor infinity pool, hot tubs and thermal areas with DJs who play lakeside as the sun goes down. Once dark, the fire pits keep things cosy (and the cocktails continue to flow).

THE SPA AT MANOR HOUSE (ALSAGER), CHESHIRE

Fan of a swim-up bar (er, yeah)? Look no further than Manor House & Spa (Alsager) which boasts not one but two swim-up bars to relax in this summer, cold drink in hand. Their recently-unveiled Secret Spa Garden saw the opening of swim-up bar no. 2 - The Brothy Bar – adding another string to its spa bow. As if that wasn’t enough, DJs will perform around the main outdoor pool on summer weekends, filling the air with Balearic house and relaxed Ibiza-style tunes, making the whole atmosphere more beach club than country house hotel.

HOAR CROSS HALL, STAFFORDSHIRE

Hoar Cross Hall’s Spa Garden – with its trio of rectangular hydropools, Juniper sauna, plunge bucket, day beds and bar – was almost made for music. Spa-lovers can either saunter between experiences before heading to the bar or simply flag down a spa host who will deliver drinks pool- or day-bed-side throughout the day and evening. Fingers crossed for a spectacular sunset (which this Spa Spy was lucky enough to witness). After dark, lighting and tunes (think chilled vocal house, Ibiza classics and summer playlists) give the alfresco space a clubby feel.

FFOLKESPA, NORFOLK

With its eye-popping colours, wacky experiences and neon signs, FFOLKES know how to put the fun into spa-ing. The atmosphere is deliberately informal, with its open sociable spaces inviting swim-up pool bar - is a thing of beauty with some unusual cocktails just an arms-stretch away. Unsurprisingly, weekends are particularly lively. Don’t want it all to end? Book one of the hotel’s spa suites – some with outdoor freestanding tubs – and keep the party going. The on-site pub is a must for a Norfolk-brewed pint.

FISTRAL BEACH HOTEL & SPA, CORNWALL

There are few better places for a sunset spa session than this property, overlooking the surf and golden sand of Fistral Beach. The hotel’s Summer Sundowner sessions combine evening spa access with DJs and drinks, served wherever you may be on the outdoor terrace. Guests typically begin with the thermal suite and pool before migrating outside for cocktails as the sun drops over the Atlantic. As much of the terrace faces directly onto the coastline, you can let the views do the heavy lifting – while you lift your glass. Cheers.

YE OLDE BELL HOTEL & SPA, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Ye Olde Bell’s new Ibiza-themed spa nights return this summer, combining evening spa access (between 6.30pm and 10pm) with DJs, cocktails and live music. You’ll have to be quick though: sessions are booking up fast, with tickets including some light bites on the night. Weather permitting, the outdoor hydropool – with its festoon lights and disco balls above – will set the scene. Want to stay dry? The pool is surrounded Tepidarium beds, baby pink loungers and cocoon day beds for two. Reasonable room rates are also available for guests not wanting the experience to end.