The Spa Spies®
A Good Spa Guide Spa Spy is a committed, professional journalist at The Good Spa Guide who is passionate about all things spa. From Jacuzzis to the gym, massage to mud wraps, there is nothing they won't try to find the pinnacle of pampering perfection.
Feel free to browse the Good Spa Guide blog, to gather even more news from the world of spa, beauty and well-being –- from the everyday to the weird and wonderful.
If you've got a story you'd like to share, an idea you'd like us to consider, or a beach you'd like us to lie on, please email us at [email protected] and we'll get straight onto it.
Below is a list of our current Spa Spies, do any of them like the things you do?
Our trusted Spa Spies

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Author
Scottish Spy
- Age 50s
- Skin type Normal - dry
Spa Likes
"Picturesque views; firm massages; friendly therapists who make you feel at ease; stylish interiors; attention to detail; outdoor hot tubs; infinity pools; fluffy robes and towels; a good selection of spa treatments."
Spa Dislikes
"Any attempt to hard sell; inconsiderate therapists; areas in need of a clean; rowdy guests; cheap toiletries; restaurant menus that are overly healthy; cold swimming pools; no private changing areas; paper pants."
About this spy
Scottish Spy is a globe-trotting travel writer who enjoys easing her jet lag, tired muscles and frazzled nerves in the spa. She is a nature lover who has a penchant for organic products that are kind to both her skin and the environment.
“Hot tubs, saunas and treatment rooms with scenic views are the most calming thing for me, whether it's of a Scottish loch, a tropical island or the ocean from a cruise ship!”
— Scottish Spy
Recent writing by Scottish Spy:

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Author
Spiritual Spy
- Age 40-something
- Skin type Combination
Spa Likes
"Heated outdoor pools, yoga-based therapies, beautiful grounds to wander in, personalised treatments."
Spa Dislikes
"Crowded changing rooms, whale music, complicated booking systems, hen parties hogging the hot tub."
About this spy
A journalist for over 20 years, Spiritual Spy is a reformed stress-bunny now seeking a more balanced life through yoga, meditation and long walks in beautiful places. She relapses now and then, but finds that escaping for a few days to a spa or wellbeing retreat is the best way get back in touch with what’s really important.
‘I’ve finally wised up and realised that looking after my body is also the best way to look after my mind. When I exercise and make time for relaxation on a regular basis, I’m a much nicer person to be around.’
— Spiritual Spy
Recent writing by Spiritual Spy:

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Author
Spirited Spy
- Age 20s
- Skin type Dry/combination
Spa Likes
"Boutique boltholes with a good dose of opulence; island retreats; panoramic views; informative therapists; fluffy dressing gowns."
Spa Dislikes
"Worn towels; wet floors; tired design; bad acoustics; unruly children."
About this spy
Spirited Spy is likely to be found as far away from the city as she can possibly get. She’s so obsessed with water that she should have been born a mermaid, and when she isn't frolicking in the sea, she's usually wallowing in the closest hydrotherapy pool.
“These days, switching off is becoming less of a luxury and more of an essential component in maintaining our health. I'm a sucker for innovative treatments delivered seamlessly, but at the end of the day, spa-time for me is more about finding tranquility than anything else."
— Spirited Spy
Recent writing by Spirited Spy:
- Spa News: Spas in Lockdown
- Spirited Spy tries an ESPA Strength and Resilience Massage
- Spirited Spy tries an ESPA Back, Face and Scalp Treatment
- Posh tops and leggings: Good Spa Awards 2020
- Eco Millennial shares her Lockdown ‘Holiday’ Diary
- Eco Millennial uses simple spa tricks to stop touching her face
- Review: Eden Hall Day Spa
- Review: K Spa at K West Hotel & Spa
- Review: Thermae Bath Spa
- Review: The Spa at No.15 Great Pulteney
- Review: Sequoia Spa at The Grove
- Review: The Spa at Lucknam Park
- Review: C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor
- Review: Spa Experience Wimbledon
- Review: Spa Experience Kensington
- Review: Aquarias Spa at Whatley Manor

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Author
Seaside Spy
- Age 30s
- Skin type Combination
Spa Likes
"Variety, luxury, great results."
Spa Dislikes
"Over-chatty staff when it's clear you want to switch off and relax, unhygienic settings and equipment, poor results ."
About this spy
Seaside Spy thrives on expert massages, good coffee and the finer things in life. When she's not spa-ing, she's busy being mum to two little ones and blogging and vlogging about family life and style.
"My favourite spas make you feel instantly relaxed and pampered from the first greeting through to the treatment and closing experience"
— Seaside Spy
Recent writing by Seaside Spy:

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Author
The Spa Spy
- Age 38 (going on 23!)
- Skin type Normal/combination
Spa Likes
"Intuitive masseurs, inspired or outlandish treatments and design, posh products and celeb spotting."
Spa Dislikes
"Anyone po-faced (guests and therapists) or stupid, boring design and treatments."
About this spy
The Spa Spy loves the perfect relaxation areas where she can whip out her laptop and report from the spa frontline!
"As a working mum, I relish peaceful spots to think and write. I also love people watching - you spa goers are a many and varied bunch!"
— The Spa Spy
Recent writing by The Spa Spy:
- The Spa Spies try out summer candles
- Best spas in the North East
- Nice Spa Hotels
- Best spa days in Northern Ireland
- What do you buy a Spa Spy for Christmas?
- Autumn: Spa News Bites
- Spa News Bites: July
- The Ultimate Spa Gift List - 12 Days of Christmas
- Italy: peak of wellness at Adler Dolomiti
- Five organic skincare brands
- Online Foraging and Wildcrafting: What the actual?
- The Spa Spy tries the Wim Hof Method
- Six Xmas spa days, pretty please…
- Eco Millennial gets that hygge feeling
- Life Begins finds a Work-Spa Balance
- Eco Millennial shares her wellness at work tips
- Life Begins creates a Shepherd’s Hut retreat
- New Mum tries a month of Headspace…
- Life Begins dives into Wild Swimming
- Introducing…. the Life Stage Diaries

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Author
Savant Spy
- Age 46 (and now reversing)
- Skin type Oily/sensitive
Spa Likes
"Clever, inspiring design, sublime views, a vast, clean and empty pool, solitary relaxation areas to read, write or commune with my muse."
Spa Dislikes
"Small talk, discussions about spirituality or astrology, any products containing tea tree oil or aloe (sadly am allergic), busy pools where you can’t do laps."
About this spy
A journalist, writer and mother of two teenagers, Savant Spy recently retrained as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, which feeds her love of knowledge, books and deep, philosophical conversation. An ideal spa day is about giving her brain space to muse creatively, while reconnecting to her body and senses.
“Perfect spas for me are samples of paradise where you can drift off into a state of bliss and come back with a genius new idea, or wander around in robes among gardens having Platonic dialogues. As someone who lives a lot in her head, I relish a full-body massage, hydrotherapy and heat treatments, and anything involving essential oils (well, almost anything…) to emerge feeling inspired, glowing and thoroughly interconnected.”
— Savant Spy
Recent writing by Savant Spy:
- Je suis fatigué
- 5 spas for gut health
- 5 outdoor spas to try
- Summer Solstice Spa Rituals
- Spas for hormonal balance
- The shroom boom
- Spring rituals
- Wellness Actually: what is it good for?
- Far Out: what is Psychedelic Therapy
- The Witching Hour
- Wanderlust: Far-flung spas we dream of…
- Why keeping a journal is good for your wellbeing
- Empty nest? More time to spa…
- Life Begins packs her “New Normal” spa bag
- Life Begins steps up her outdoor running skincare
- Life Begins on Spa Gifts for Mums
- Life Begins hopes horse whispering can cure her insomnia
- Life Begins attempts a Dry January
- Life Begins decks her teens with spa gifts
- Life Begins and the Green Caviar Facial at Ten Trinity
- Review: Champneys Spa at Mottram Hall
- Review: The Lanesborough Club & Spa
- Review: The Spa at Lucknam Park
- Review: St Brides Spa Hotel
- Review: The Spa at Lucknam Park
- Review: Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa
- Review: Sequoia Spa at The Grove
- Review: Aquarias Spa at Whatley Manor
- Review: Champneys Henlow
- Review: Champneys Tring

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Author
Summer Spy
- Age 30s
- Skin type Oily/combination
Spa Likes
"Warmth and sunshine; spas which take me away to another country; fruit infused waters; beach-worth pedicures; deep tissue massages."
Spa Dislikes
"High footfalls; treatments that over promise and under deliver; heavy lunches; loungers drapped in used towels."
About this spy
Summer Spy is most likely to be found dipping her toes into spa water facilities and trying out alternative treatments. She's so laid back she's almost horizontal... until it comes to bad customer service!
"I absolutely love trying new and interesting treatments, experience rooms and spa classes. Give me a little bit of luxury, good food and helpful, friendly staff and I'll be your fan for life"
— Summer Spy
Recent writing by Summer Spy:
- Good Outdoors: Spa in the Sunshine
- 5 botanical body oils
- Preventative health - how to take control of your wellbeing
- France: Spa Evian Source at The Hotel Royal, Lake Geneva
- Sun Care - knowing your UVA from your UVB
- Spa Beauty Treatments
- Night treatments
- Spa Spotlight on Italy
- Italy: JW Marriott, Venice
- 5 spring serums to renew your radiance
- Summer Spy tries a Hammam Ritual at The Beaumont Spa
- We try VOYA’s Organic Seaweed Leaf Wrap
- New Mum and the lash artist
- New Mum dreams up six spa gifts for tired parents
- New Mum tries Horse Whispering in Arizona
- New Mum takes back (a bit of) control
- New Mum and the Seaside Healing
- New Mum and the Temple of Spa
- Spa Spy Life Stages: New Mum
- Five life changing wellness retreats
- Review: Akasha Holistic Wellbeing at Hotel Café Royal
- Review: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental London
- Review: The Spread Eagle Spa
- Review: Ockenden Manor Spa
- Review: Weavers’ House Spa at The Swan at Lavenham Hotel
- Review: Hanbury Manor
- Review: Mandara Spa at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
- Review: ESPA Life at Corinthia Hotel London
- Review: Lifehouse Spa & Hotel
- Review: Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

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Author
Supreme Spy
- Age 30s
- Skin type Normal to dry
Spa Likes
"Picturesque views, innovative body treatments, knowledgeable therapists, results driven skincare and small touches that surprise and delight."
Spa Dislikes
"Areas in need of a deep clean, noisy guests that spoil a calm ambience, treatments that aren’t personalised and being cold."
About this spy
With a wealth of spa industry experience Supreme Spy has high expectations for customer service, treatment excellence and a customer journey that naturally flows from one stage to the next.
"I love a warm welcome and a tour of the spa and those little touches that make your experience memorable. Treatments by knowledgeable therapists that personalise the treatment. I don’t want to feel like I am on a spa conveyor belt!"
— Supreme Spy
Recent writing by Supreme Spy:
- Spa-ing with claustrophobia
- Facial Trend: We try Ultherapy
- Can work make us happy? Happiness expert Samantha Clarke explains how…
- Countryside Spa Hotels
- Pretox instead of Detox this Christmas…
- What makes a luxury spa?
- Spa News Bites: August
- Switzerland: Peak Health Retreat at The Capra, Saas-Fee
- Czech Republic: Four Seasons Prague
- Spain: Princesca Yaiza Resort, Lanzarote
- Can a week at a retreat really change your life?
- Does your gut rule your life? Grayshott Medical Spa has the answer…
- Clear your mind: start the New Year with a mini-retreat
- Supreme Spy in Spa Wonderland
- The Gainsborough Bath Spa
- Reynolds Retreat: a Kentish spa treat
- A healthy way to enjoy chocolate at Sanook Spa
- Soar Mill Cove
- Review: Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall
- Review: The Halcyon Spa
- Review: C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor
- Review: Champneys Forest Mere
- Review: The Runnymede on Thames
- Review: Hoar Cross Hall
- Review: Aqua Sana Longleat Forest
- Review: St Brides Spa Hotel
- Review: The Belfry Spa
- Review: Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

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Author
Serene Spy
- Age 30s
- Skin type Normal to oily
Spa Likes
"Soft fluffy robes, imaginative vegetarian food, products that combine luxury with strong eco credentials and spas which look after their therapists’ wellbeing too."
Spa Dislikes
"Showers that aren't spotless, snootiness and having to get dressed for lunch."
About this spy
As a busy travel writer and new mum, Serene Spy takes her rare downtime seriously. For Serene a spa day is all about reconnecting with her inner butterfly.
“I love spas that are like cocoons: secluded, warm and soothing. I appreciate gorgeous scents and oils, strong massage, robes that feel like hugs, and healthy food. Let me retreat from the world for a few hours and emerge feeling lighter and prettier.”
— Serene Spy
Recent writing by Serene Spy:
- Wellness: Writing for Wellbeing
- Wellness: Re-entry anxiety
- Wellness: Positive Stress
- Spa to Sleep: how to love bedtime
- Relaxation Rooms: Spa chillout zones we love
- Tea, Vicar? Why spa brands are brewing this beauty elixir
- Glorious UK Spa Gardens
- Daytime Spa Rituals
- What is a Wellness Spa?
- Best Spa Retreats in the UK
- Serene Spy tries an ESPA Glow from Within Facial
- Serene Spy tries a Medik8 Platinum Facial
- Serene Spy tries a Voya Mindful Dreams Ritual
- Serene Spy tries a Tribe517 Pure Salt Grain Massage
- Serene Spy tries Oskia treatments at Rowhill Grange
- Serene Spy tries a Decleor Signature Body Scrub
- Serene Spy tries an Elemis Pro Glow Renewal+ Facial
- Serene Spy tries an All About The Glow Facial
- Serene Spy tries an Aromatic Moor Mud Tension Relief Treatment
- Serene Spy tries a Temple Spa Best of Both treatment
- Review: The Spa at Carden
- Review: Nàdarra Spa at The Coniston Hotel Country Estate
- Review: The Kinmel & Kinspa
- Review: ESPA at Hale Country Club
- Review: Hoar Cross Hall
- Review: Champneys Spa at Mottram Hall
- Review: Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall
- Review: The Woodland Spa
- Review: Smallshaw Farm Cottages & Spa
- Review: New Hall Hotel & Spa

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Author
Scarlet Spy
- Age 40s
- Skin type Normal/dry
Spa Likes
"Beautiful interiors, luxurious swimming pools, being pampered, long massages, quality food."
Spa Dislikes
"Noisy echoes, overlooking facilities, thin walls in treatment rooms, cramped spa layout."
About this spy
Scarlet Spy is our newest Spa Spy but already has strong opinions on what makes or breaks a spa. Colour, texture and beautiful architecture make her a happy Spa Spy.
“I like to enter a spa and be wowed by what I see. Architectural wonder and a splash of colour make for a day where I can escape into a different world and enjoy visually stimulating surroundings while having an indulging swim, dreaming in a hot tub, or dozing on a warm, sunny lounger. Drab design, noise or a busy spa will puncture the cosy bubble I like to float in."
— Scarlet Spy
Recent writing by Scarlet Spy:
- Best spas on the West Coast of Ireland
- Spa Festivals
- Comedian and actress Jayde Adams to present the GSG Awards
- Best spas in Wales
- The Spa Spies try… Ampoules
- The best spas with incredible baths
- The Spa Spies try… Winter Warmers
- What is Gut Health?
- Fighting male cancer: how spas can help
- The Good Spa Guide Awards 2022 Winners
- Scarlet Spy tries… a Relax & Rebalance: Autumn Bliss Leg & Foot Renewal
- Scarlet Spy tries a Signature Rasul Journey
- Scarlet Spy tries… an ishga Hebridean Sound Treatment
- Scarlet Spy tries an Ishga Five Senses Ritual
- Scarlet Spy tries a Manor House Spa Ritual
- Scarlet Spy tries The Long Exhale
- Scarlet Spy tries a Kohler Waters Signature Facial
- Scarlet Spy tries a Signature Manor House Temple Spa CBD Massage
- Scarlet Spy tries… Slow Motion at Camp Bestival
- We try a Tailored For You Massage at Whittlebury Spa
- Review: Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall
- Review: The Parkgate Hotel and Spa
- Review: The Spa at South Lodge
- Review: The Spa at Pennyhill Park
- Review: The Headland Spa
- Review: Rudding Park Spa
- Review: Swinton Country Club & Spa
- Review: Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall
- Review: The Spa at The Nici
- Review: The Spa at Breedon Priory

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Author
Super Spy
- Age Ageless (47)
- Skin type Dry and sensitive
Spa Likes
"Length size pools; strong swan pipes; seriously deep tissue massages; beautiful views from outside thermal experiences."
Spa Dislikes
"Sniffing therapists; cold treatment rooms; hard sell on products."
About this spy
Super Spy does it all! She's our ultimate spa-ista and always knows what's hot and what's not in the world of spa.
"When entering a spa I want to leave the world outside and enter a dreamlike state of warmth and comfort. An amazingly deep massage, a beautiful view or an undisturbed swim make the experience. Feeling chilly, fighting for pool space or dirty showers break it."
— Super Spy
Recent writing by Super Spy:
- Best Spa Days in the North West
- Best Spas in the Midlands
- Best fitness spas
- Peru: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
- Mexico: Nizuc Resort & Spa, Cancun
- Italy: Masseria San Domenco Hotel & Spa, Puglia
- Austria: Jagdhof Spa Hotel, Tyrol
- Caribbean Queen: Wellness Retreat at Jamaica Inn
- Christmas Nutrition - ‘Tis The Season To Be Savvy
- Where to Spa in Jersey
- Pre-London Marathon De-Stress at The Ned
- Parents can ‘have it all’ too
- Spa Day Packages: Price vs Value
- Treatment review: Moroccanoil Honey and Lavender Sensation at Spa Illuminata
- Total Medical Massage at the Orucoglu Thermal Resort, Afyon, Turkey
- Facial Care at Korel Thermal Resort Clinic & Spa, Afyonkarahiskar, Turkey
- Sehrazat Hammam treatment, Ikbal Thermal, Afyon, Turkey
- The Sultan
- Treatment review: Perfect Legs Retreat at Bulgari Spa
- Leave your wellies and worries behind you!
- Review: Three Graces Spa at Grantley Hall
- Review: Hoar Cross Hall
- Review: Thai Square Spa
- Review: The Kinmel & Kinspa
- Review: The Spa @ Suites Hotel
- Review: Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange
- Review: Smallshaw Farm Cottages & Spa
- Review: Moddershall Oaks
- Review: Malvern View Spa at The Bank House

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Author
Single Spy
- Age Young at heart. Oh, alright then, 50s.
- Skin type As therapists like to say: "mature".
Spa Likes
"Warm floors when you put your bare feet upon them; heated treatment beds; soft towels; attention to detail, so that your treatment room looks and smells beautiful when you arrive in it."
Spa Dislikes
"Cold floors when you put your bare feet upon them; therapists who use your treatment time to write up a list of product "recommendations" that they hope you will purchase."
About this spy
One of the founders of The Good Spa Guide, Single Spy is a font of spa knowledge. We all know that if we have a question, Single Spy will be on hand to help.
"My two favourite treatments are top and toe: scalp massage or a little reflexology soothe stresses, soften shoulders and make the sun shine. I like to be warm at all times (well, apart from in an ice cave). From cold floors to flimsy coverings on massage tables, being chilly doesn't make for a relaxing experience."
— Single Spy
Recent writing by Single Spy:
- Italy: Fonteverde, Tuscany
- Egypt: Somabay and The Cascades Spa
- Portugal: Macdonald Monchique Resort and Spa
- The Float Spa in Hove
- Cyprus: Antara Destination Spa and Resort, Paphos
- India: Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendranagar
- Marrakech: The Spa by Terraké at Kenzi Menara Palace
- Marrakech: Four Seasons Resort
- Marrakech: Royal Mansour
- Marrakech: The Espace Vitalité Chenot Spa at The Selman
- Treatments at the Cascades Spa, Egypt
- Treatments at the Macdonald Monchique Spa
- Yoga Retreat with Elaine Vaughan at The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa
- Natural Spa Factory at the Spa in Brighton’s Grand Hotel
- Sense Spa at Rosewood London
- Treatments at Ananda in the Himalayas
- The changing spa landscape
- Personalised treatments at Antara Spa, Cyprus
- A Ruby for Ragdale
- The ishga collection at Blythswood Square
- Review: St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
- Review: Spa Sirène
- Review: The Celtic Manor Resort
- Review: The Spa at Hatherley Manor
- Review: The Vaulted Spa at the Kings Head Hotel
- Review: Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa
- Review: L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa
- Review: The Spa at Gleneagles
- Review: Fairmont St Andrews

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Author
Shy Spy
- Age 37
- Skin type Combination
Spa Likes
"Instant results; jasmine and frangipani scents; hot steam rooms; a good selection of magazines; modernist decor."
Spa Dislikes
"Whale noises (on CD, not in the pool hopefully); hard massage beds; tiny toilet cubicles; being spoken to like a child; lukewarm pools."
About this spy
Small but perfectly formed, Shy Spy loves a challenge. From Watsu to a fish pedicure, Shy Spy will try anything once. She likes her spa to be neat and discreet, but she's not too bashful to try the weird and wonderful spa treatments on offer.
"A seamless spa experience really is important to me. I feel terribly self-conscious if I have to walk past besuited business men in just my robe!"
— Shy Spy
Recent writing by Shy Spy:
- Best spa hotels in Essex
- Do anti-ageing spa treatments work?
- The History of Spas
- Review: Hand Chemistry Extreme Hydration Concentrate
- Review: JustBe Cleansed Eye Makeup Remover
- Review: Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Cleanser
- Eye Beauty Treatments
- What is Sports Massage?
- Colour Analysis
- What is Hydro Massage?
- The Gentleman’s Quarter in the Elan Spa at Bovey Castle
- Stateside Spy gets her glow on at the Golden Door Spa, California
- The Spies visit the new Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes
- The Professional Beauty Awards and World Spa and Wellness Awards 2013
- The Spa Spies head to Ashdown Park for the Kerstin Florian spa launch
- The Good Spa Awards 2012: Winners announced!
- Spa wanderlust: The Beach House at Iruveli Maldives
- Spa news: Sodashi launches at Four Seasons Hampshire
- Spa news from The Good Spa Guide
- The Good Spa Guide’s favourite summer swimwear

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Author
Suave Spy
- Age 30s
- Skin type Sensitive
Spa Likes
"Tepedariums (heated seats make my spa day); pools you can actually swim in; eucalyptus steams rooms; deep tissue massages."
Spa Dislikes
"Anything to do with ice or cold plunge pools; having to go outside mid-spa day; other people talking loudly; hot tubs with the bubbles on!"
About this spy
Our singular male spy, Suave Spy ensures we don't neglect all things male. Suave is always on hand to try whatever treatment, product or experience is reserved as "Just for Men" (although his hair colour is all his own, you understand.)
"When it comes to the world of spa, I like truly great treatments and flawless customer service. To top it all off, I like to be greeted well and seen off in style. If I miss out on the proper theatrics of a spa experience, I leave disappointed."
— Suave Spy
Recent writing by Suave Spy:
- Beauty Treatments
- Cambodia: Amansara, Siem Reap
- Cambodia: Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Phnom Penh
- Cambodia: Phum Baitang, Siem Reap
- Male Room: Spa at Blythswood Square Hotel
- Father’s Day Gift Guide
- Beyond Massage: Spa Man Goes Off Menu
- Male Room: Mindfulness at ESPA Life at Corinthia Hotel, London
- Male Room: Lifehouse Spa and Hotel
- The Lazy Guys Guide to Choosing a Massage
- In-flight skincare tips
- It’s a man’s world: The Good Spa Guide male edit
- Men worry about bikinis too!
- Do men and spas really mix?
- Review: Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa
- Review: Rudding Park Spa
- Review: The Spa at Carden
- Review: The Club at Cottonmill
- Review: The Bulgari Spa
- Review: Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes
- Review: Source Spa & Wellness, Saunton Sands
- Review: The Spa at Pennyhill Park
- Review: Galgorm Resort and Spa
- Review: The Spa at Gleneagles

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Author
Student Spy
- Age 18
- Skin type Combination
Spa Likes
"Good food; friendly therapists; decent music to listen to during a treatment; therapists who understand that exams make you feel really stressed."
Spa Dislikes
"Robes that are too big for people who are only five foot tall; swimming pools with no room to swim; too much healthy food."
About this spy
Here to ensure we stay down-with-the-kids, hip, cool and ever-so-trendy, Student Spy is our youngest member.
"Fitting in a spa day or stay around my studies gives me the perfect opportunity to relax and take my mind off essays! I love a friendly therapist, and having some decent music to listen to during a treatment. When it comes to spa dislikes, it has to be robes that are too big for someone who is five foot nothing!"
— Student Spy
Recent writing by Student Spy:
- Chocolate Spa Treatments
- Review: SenSpa Relaxing Bath Oil and Body Butter
- The best spa treatments for teenagers
- Teen Spa Days
- The best teenage skincare products
- Eco Millennial and her mother-flippin’ gifts of spa
- Eco Millennial celebrates vegan Galentine’s Day
- Eco Millennial has herself a green little xmas
- Eco Millennial orders a home spa retreat
- Eco Millennial stays body positive
- Eco Millennial tries Ayurveda
- Eco Millennial reviews Elemental Herbology
- Eco Millennial tries 5 Free Yoga Apps
- Spa Spy Life Stages: Eco Millennial
- Cavallo Point - The Lodge at the Golden Gate

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Author
Stylish Spy
- Age 40-something
- Skin type Sensitive
Spa Likes
"Minimalist lines; organic products; facial massage; tranquillity; interesting people-watching."
Spa Dislikes
"Discarded towels on loungers; steam rooms that aren't steamy; mobile phones."
About this spy
— Stylish Spy
Recent writing by Stylish Spy:
- Your 2023 regional award winners
- Sunrose 7, Slovenia
- Bohinj Eco Hotel, Slovenia
- What the Spa Spies are loving this autumn
- The Spa Spies try health supplements
- Spa-ing by horoscope
- Two for the price of one
- The Spa Spies try face mists
- Best UK spa breaks for solo travellers
- What the Spa Spies are loving this summer
- Scarlet Spy tries Cryotherapy and a Warming Massage
- Stylish Spy tries a Chuan Yu Signature Facial
- Stylish Spy tries a Beaumont Body Scrub and Wrap
- Stylish Spy tries a Bamford B Vibrant Ritual
- Stylish Spy tries a Temple Spa Champagne & Truffles Facial
- Stylish Spy tries an ila Shorodhara Third Eye Ritual
- Stylish Spy tries a Comfort Zone Revive & Refresh Facial
- Can my 10-year-old have a spa treatment?
- Private spa-ing at Sandpiper Pool and Spa
- From Russia with love? Stylish Spy tries Russian Banya
- Review: Heavenly Spa by Westin
- Review: The Municipal Spa
- Review: The Club at Cottonmill
- Review: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental London
- Review: Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes
- Review: RE:TREAT at The Lowry Hotel
- Review: The Lanesborough Club & Spa
- Review: Taplow House Hotel & Spa
- Review: Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes
- Review: Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel

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Author
Sybaritic Spy
- Age 50s
- Skin type Dry
Spa Likes
"Warm treatment beds; fragrant steam rooms; therapists who listen to what you say; unexpected treats such as back massages that start with hot towels on your feet."
Spa Dislikes
"Small towels; crowded changing rooms; black mould in the showers; therapists who sniff; anyone who doesn't take my lavender allergy seriously - until I'm actually sick on them!"
About this spy
Luxury, luxury, luxury. As the other founding member of The Good Spa Guide, Sybaritic Spy has had more spa experiences in the last few years than most people have in a lifetime. If you want to know about spa, she is the woman to talk to.
"Spa to me is synonymous with sensuality. I want to hear, smell, feel and experience everything. Fragrances to intoxicate, warm treatment beds and unexpected treats make me happy. Black mould, sniffing therapists and people who do not take my lavender allergy seriously do not!"
— Sybaritic Spy
Recent writing by Sybaritic Spy:
- The ‘new normal’ at Weavers’ House Spa
- Spa at Home: Natura Bissé Face and Neck Rituals
- Best Spa Hotels
- How to Survive Social Distancing
- UK New Opening: Lake District: Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa
- Portugal: Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
- Switzerland: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
- France: Les Sources De Caudalie, Bordeaux
- Portugal: Epic Sana Algarve, Praia da Falésia, Albufeira
- Portugal: Conrad Algarve, Almancil
- Sybaritic Spy takes a winter ‘dook’
- Sybaritic Spy tries a Face & Body Ritual
- Sybaritic Spy tries a Mud and Steam Ritual
- Sybaritic Spy tries a Signature at One treatment
- Sybaritic Spy tries a Miracle Facial
- Sybaritic Spy tries a Glorious Mud Wrap
- Sybartic Spy tries a Comfort Zone Sublime Skin Active Lift Facial
- Sybaritic Spy tries a Clarins Serenity Facial
- Sybaritic Spy tries an Elemis Couture Touch treatment
- 5 things we’ve learnt from Natura Bissé
- Review: Fairmont St Andrews
- Review: Champneys Spa at Mottram Hall
- Review: Forest Spa at Middleton Lodge
- Review: Rockliffe Hall
- Review: Utopia Spa at Alexander House Hotel
- Review: Thermae Bath Spa
- Review: Rockliffe Hall
- Review: Three Graces Spa at Grantley Hall
- Review: Rudding Park Spa
- Review: Nàdarra Spa at The Coniston Hotel Country Estate

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Author
Sassy Spy
- Age early 20s
- Skin type Normal/combination skin
Spa Likes
"Luxurious scented candles; hot massage oil; being warm; unusual treatments; fluffy towels; natural light; firm pressure."
Spa Dislikes
"Mould; slamming doors; being walked in on while treatment in progress; therapists with cigarette-laced breath."
About this spy
You can always rely on Sassy Spy to cut to the chase. When it comes to spa, there's no sugar coating. No stone is unturned in her mission to find the perfect spa experience.
"I'm all about the luxury! I love fluffy towels, decadent candles and natural light. A therapist with cigarette-breath, and being walked in on during a treatment are definitely my spa-hates!"
— Sassy Spy
Recent writing by Sassy Spy:
- Switzerland: Cordée des Alps
- Greenhouse Glamour at Herb House Spa
- Sassy Spy visits The Magdalen Chapter, Exeter
- Colorado Spa of the Rockies
- Elmwood Spa: Toronto’s Urban Oasis
- Monte Carlo’s Fairmont Willow Stream Spa for PURE ener.g
- Jasper Park Lodge - the Rocky Mountain Spa
- Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - Sassy Spy’s newest crush
- Breaking news from behind the spa scenes
- The hills are alive…with the sound of spa-ing!
- It’s UK Spa Fortnight!
- Review: Aqua Sana Longleat Forest

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Author
Stateside Spy
- Age 40s
- Skin type Combination
Spa Likes
"Authenticity; happy staff; mineral waters."
Spa Dislikes
"Treatments that are showy and lacking in substance; uncleanliness; poorly thought out spa aesthetics; badly trained therapists."
About this spy
Stateside Spy thrives on hydrotherapy, expertly executed spa treatments and delicious cuisine. When she's not spa-ing, she's likely to be found somewhere in nature studying the stars.
"My favorite spas have a focus on green practices, integrate local products and hire top quality therapists"
— Stateside Spy