Whether it's an infinity pool with Atlantic Ocean views, a wild swim pond fringed by moorland or a sun lounger positioned within arm's reach of a poolside cocktail, Scarlet shares the UK spas to catch some summer vibes.
Best for: a slice of the Med in the Midlands – Eden Hall Day Spa
Set against the backdrop of Eden Hall's Victorian mansion - all red-brick chimneys and turrets - the Spa Garden here is total Mediterranean vibes: sandstone tiles, pale-wood planters lined with lavender and rosemary, and beautiful curved wooden seating, with Japanese Maple, Olive and Birch trees creating an axial design full of chill-out spots. At its centre sits an outdoor hydrotherapy pool with crystal-clear water and an infinity edge flowing onto pebbles below, heated to an average of 39 degrees with underwater jets, 16 benches, standing therapy stations, air loungers and two water cannons for stressed-out shoulders. Loungers line the poolside, a lit pagoda and firepit add atmosphere and spa butlers circulate with cocktails.
Best for: Atlantic views – The Salthouse Hotel
Newly opened on Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast, Salt Spa at The Salthouse Hotel is a £5 million wellness facility built around a horizon infinity-edge pool. This Irish beauty makes the most of its dramatic Ballycastle coastal locale, with panoramic views toward Rathlin Island, the Glens of Antrim and Scotland; every lap or lounge comes with an uninterrupted sea view. It's a contender in the Best New Spa category in the Good Spa Guide Awards 2026 and has nudged its way into Ireland's best outdoor spa scene - well worth the schlep for anyone chasing sea views with their swim.
Best for: sunrise dips – The Retreat at Elcot Park
Elcot Park truly comes into its own outdoors, particularly on a sunny day. The striking 11-metre pool, tiled in teal with almost iridescent-blue water, is surrounded by 24 sun loungers and six candy-striped umbrellas. Two pre-bookable hot tubs sit up on the bank with uninterrupted views across open fields, with two cold immersion baths below for a bracing alternative. Drinks service reaches you poolside throughout the afternoon, and an ice cream freezer stocked with Hackney Gelato proves predictably popular. Early birds can book the Sunrise Experience, with full spa and pool access from 7am to 9am.
Best for: beachfront views – Source Spa & Wellness at Saunton Sands
Set atop the cliffs on the North Devon coast within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Source Spa and Wellness at Saunton Sands Hotel overlooks the breathtaking Saunton Sands beach, the Atlantic Ocean and the awesome dunes of Braunton Burrows. The modern Source Spa and Wellness occupies its own three-storey wing at the end of the hotel; the thermal suite, couples' treatment room and relaxation lounge have to-die-for views. The heated 17-metre outdoor pool delivers Riviera-style bathing with those same sweeping beach views on tap, whether you're swimming lengths or simply horizontal poolside.
Best for: forest immersion – Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Woburn Forest
Woburn Forest is Aqua Sana Forest Spa's biggest spa, with two whole floors of facilities and 25 sensory experiences all inspired by nature. Beyond the thermals, the outdoor infinity pool is the place to be, surrounded by a forest of tall swaying trees; bubble away on the bench or bed jets or brave the knot-busting swan neck pipes. If the sun is shining, make a beeline for the surrounding sun terrace and top up vitamin D supplies between dips. Whether you're floating in the pool or simply watching the forest canopy from a lounger, it's a great spot to get your forest bathing fix.
Best for: wild swimming – Yorkshire Spa Retreat
On the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Spa Retreat has built its spa around a natural Wild Swim Pond. Spa-goers can immerse themselves in nature all year round; in the summer months watch swifts swooping across the water; dips in the rain offer their own rejuvenating magic. After an invigorating swim, warm up in the hydrotherapy pool or raise your body temperature in the Himalayan salt sauna, before retreating to the spa dome or lounge for some nourishing food, drinks and treatments. The laid-back setting is made for summer spa-ing for nature lovers.
Best for: alfresco indulgence – The Spa at Pennyhill Park
Pennyhill Park's outdoor space is on another scale entirely. The headline act is a large outdoor pool heated to a properly balmy 30 degrees, joined by an outdoor hydrotherapy pool at 37 degrees and open-air hot tubs bubbling away at 36 - we recommend you saunter between them all at leisure. For those looking for VIP feels, four private cabanas come complete with loungers on a decked terrace, a large copper bath, a fridge stocked with soft drinks, a Nespresso machine, electric blinds for privacy and a tablet for ordering food and drink straight to your lounger. The Pool View Bar overlooks it all, serving cocktails, light lunches and indulgent sweet treats poolside.
Best for: a chic garden retreat – The Club at Cottonmill
Designed by gold medal-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show designer Ann-Marie Powell, the spa gardens at The Club at Cottonmill are a feast for the senses. Sip chilled rosé on a sun-drenched cabana as the scent of flowers unfolds at sunset. Three secluded outdoor hot tubs, each finished with intricate mosaic tiling and soothing massaging jets, sit alongside an infinity thermal pool that appears to emerge from the landscape. Gentle water features inspired by the River Ver create a soothing soundscape throughout. Add an outdoor shower and a firepit for gathering round, and you've got a private spa sanctuary in St Albans.
Best for: a brand-new coastal escape – Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall
Just in time for Seaham Hall's 25th birthday, Serenity Spa has unveiled a brand-new Zen Garden - reason enough to linger all day rather than settle for a quick dip. Two heated infinity-edge pools sit outdoors, letting you soak while taking in fresh North Sea air and views across the landscaped gardens; loungers, decking and fire pits create a resort setting for drifting between bathing, cold plunge recovery and relaxation. Access is included in every spa experience. Look out too for summer wellness workshops and Golden Hour Twilight sessions.
Best for: indoor-outdoor swimming – The Spa at Lucknam Park
Lucknam Park's beautiful indoor 20-metre swimming pool will take your breath away: a curved glass ceiling shows off English skies, while creamy tiles cleverly mirror the hotel's Cotswold stone exteriors. A slick ribbon fireplace flickers seductively along one wall. The toasty indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool has a swan pipe jet for optimal shoulder pummelling. Press the button to open the sliding door to the outside, where you can bubble away while soaking in views. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, an arboretum and parkland, this is a pool made for lingering, whether you're taking a proper dip, reading a book on a sun lounger, or simply soaking up the peace.
Best for: Mediterranean vibes – Verbena Spa
Verbena Spa's outdoor area channels a proper Mediterranean feel from deep within the North Yorkshire countryside, with a 13-metre heated outdoor swimming pool, a raised alfresco hot tub and a fairy-lit terrace garden creating the setting for lazy afternoons in the sun. Poolside attendants are on hand throughout, delivering drinks and towels so you never have to leave your lounger. It's all set within the Feversham Arms, a former coaching inn turned boutique hotel full of rustic charm, with the spa running along one side of the courtyard around that Italianate pool. A homely lounge with plump sofas and bookshelves leads straight out onto the decked terrace, while a hexagonal thermal area with five heat experiences keeps things toasty.
Best for: a brand-new alfresco spa village – Bishopstrow Spa
Set in 30 acres of Wiltshire countryside, Bishopstrow's all-new spa launches 31st July 2026 with an immersive outdoor village at its heart. A 14-metre outdoor swimming pool sits alongside an 8-metre outdoor vitality pool, with multiple hot tubs, a spacious outdoor sauna and a dedicated cold plunge for proper thermal contrast therapy between dips. An outdoor bar serves refreshments and light bites throughout the day, while studio cabanas host fitness, lifestyle and non-touch therapy sessions beyond the pool itself. Sympathetic, local planting weaves through the whole space, tying the outdoor village to its surroundings.
Best for: summer beats - Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
With spectacular views across Windermere to the Lake District’s beautiful Langdale fells, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has all the right summer vibes for sitting back in the sunshine and immersing yourself in relaxing outdoor spa facilities. The venue’s outdoor spa includes two heated infinity pools, hot tubs and private seating, as well as fire pits and loungers to remain toasty long into the evening. Book the spa's Twilight Thermal Journey to watch the sun go down over Windermere or enjoy the panoramic views whilst turning up the heat in the Fellside Sauna. This summer sees the return of Sunset Sessions, featuring classical Spa and Strings from the Lakeland String Quartet as well as an upbeat, Ibiza-style DJ.
Scarlet Spy
4th August 2026
