We’re all about the staycation this summer and thrilled that there are so many heavenly spas with self-catering accommodation – perfect for a stress-free post-LD vacay. Whether you prefer country or coastal, here are 10 blissful breaks to ease into the holiday spirit. And if you want to bring your lockdown pup or faithful hound, some have dog friendly cottages, too.
Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, County Durham
The fresh North Sea air and stunning Durham Coast scenery is guaranteed to relax and recharge. Beyond the 20-metre indoor pool at the Serenity Spa, you’ll find two outdoor bubbly hot tubs, a Zen Garden and infinity-edged hydrotherapy pool. Check into a Garden Suite for bright and bold interiors and your own private garden, complete with Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub.
Beaverbrook is the quintessential British country estate. The influence of the English countryside setting is reflected in a natural healing philosophy, the range of treatments and state of the art facilities. There are six treatment rooms at the artsy Coach House Spa, plus beautiful indoor and outdoor pools. For extra privacy, stay at the whimsically delightful and dog-friendly Coach House Garden Suites for a country cottage vibe.
The Spa at South Lodge, West Sussex
South Lodge’s luxuriously modern spa was designed to take full advantage of the South Downs views. The 22-metre infinity-edge, ozone-treated indoor swimming pool has plenty of grey rattan loungers around it where you can chill out between laps. Or take a dip in the 18-metre natural swimming pond and warm up in the hot bubbly hydrotherapy pool with massage jets. The Bothy Cottage is a great place to rest spa-weary heads; the puppy will love exploring the private garden and 93-acres beyond.
Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa, Torquay, Devon
Perched on a hill overlooking the English Riviera, Lincombe Hall is a delightful British coastal retreat – located just a short walk from Torquay marina and beautiful beaches. Book a self-contained contemporary one- or two-bedroom apartment. Leave the kids at home, as the new £2m spa is just for grown-ups. Take a dip in the sleek lap pool and neighbouring hydrotherapy pool or treat yourself to a luxury Temple Spa facial in one of the five beautifully designed treatments rooms.
This five-star, red-brick spa hotel has it all, including self-catering apartments or a four-bedroom Woodland Mews Holiday home. Soak away life’s stresses in the infinity-edged pool with knockout views of the 365-acre estate. Treatment rooms are lavish and offer a range of Neom, Caudalie and Comfort Zone treatments. You can also hire the Spa Garden exclusively and spend two hours catching up with friends in the peaceful surroundings.
Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa, Ashford, Kent
This 450-year-old magnificent Neo-Elizabethan manor set in acres of verdant parkland. Check into the converted Victorian stables that make up the Eastwell Mews Suite and head straight to the on-site Champneys spa. Spoil yourself with a treatment in one of the 20 treatment rooms, before relaxing in the indoor and outdoor 20-metre heated swimming pools.
The views of the South Downs National Park alone make this pretty spa hotel worth the visit. The two-hour time slots allow for a semi-private dip in the spa pool and you can take full advantage of the extensive spa treatment menu, featuring Voya, Caudalie and Jessica. Stay in one of the six suites in the South Downs Cottage conveniently located adjacent to the spa. Or for extra seclusion, you can stay a mile away from Park House in the six-bedroom house Little Oaks.
Cary Arms, Babbacombe Beach, South Devon
Brimming with coastal charm, Cary Arms and Spa combines traditional seaside charm with cool contemporary beach side living. Beautifully styled and full of original features, this is Torbay luxury accommodation at its finest. For ultimate seclusion and breathtaking ocean views, book one of the five traditionally restored seaside cottages with their own outdoor dining terraces, gardens and barbecues. Located just a five-minute walk or shuttle ride from the glass faceted sea-facing spa with its waterfall hydrotherapy pool, Thalgo treatments and a sunbathing terrace with, yet more, spectacular views.
Northern Ireland’s mecca of outdoor spa-ing is top of our spa-cation hit list. Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is set in 163 acres of lush parkland and uses the four basic elements of nature, earth, water and fire to bring harmony to your spa journey. There are a collection of Cottage Suites on the serene grounds with the choice of one, two or three bedrooms. One is dog-friendly too. Or you can unravel in your own private hot tub at one of the log cabins overlooking the River Maine.
Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green, near Blackpool, Lancashire
This adult-only escape is set in 100-acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside. Sleep in one of the luxury self-catering holiday cottages or the Pine Lodges – set in glorious woodland with private hot tubs. The spa has a large bubbling hydrotherapy pool at centre, surrounded by loungers. The spa menu has a heavenly choice of Elemis, Neom and ishga treatments on offer as well as exclusive signature rituals.
Scarlet Spy
6th May 2021
Spy Likes:
Nature-inspired spas, cold water plunges, sound baths, deep tissue massage, delicious food.
Spy Dislikes:
Thin walls in treatment rooms, loungers hoggers, bright lights
