Our relationship with Spabreaks.com means we can book members into some of the best spa hotels in the country, at a great price. Here are some of our favourites – call a lifestyle manager for more information on any of these hotels or for full details of our Exclusive Spa Collection.
Hanbury Manor
Set in 30 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside, this 16th-century red brick manor house is a far cry from hectic London life – but only 20 miles away. Guests should take an amble around the walled rose gardens, mature orchard and 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Championship golf course to get a feel for this five-star hotel’s sense of history and grandeur.
While the spa area is small, there’s enough to make a day of it. The extensive range of treatments will knead, squeeze and pull every knot out of your body, especially the full body Swedish massage, and alternating between the 20-metre swimming pool, sauna and steam room is the perfect antidote to a busy week. When the sun comes out, take to the loungers in the spa’s quiet garden for a mid-afternoon siesta.
Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour
The view down the Thames to the London Eye is this five-star hotel’s big draw. An all-suite hotel, book in to the sixth or seventh floor river view accommodation or opt for a luxurious penthouse suite. It’s family friendly and ideal for shopping on the King’s Road.
Downstairs is the new Blue Harbour Spa. An extensive menu includes the wonderfully herbal Yon-Ka facial, ante- and post-natal Mama Mio massages and revitalising treatments for men. Couples enjoy the candle massage, lying side by side being massaged with scented melting oil. There’s also a pool, a small gym and a salon where you can have a blow-dry or manicure.
Post-treatment, light meals are available at the spa and, on a sunny day, the terrace overlooking the marina is perfect for afternoon tea.
Seaham Hall
Located by the beach, Seaham Hall is a great escape from urban life. It has an interesting history, too – Lord Byron got married here and spent much of his life living in the area.
Through a walkway reminiscent of a Bond villain’s lair is the Serenity Spa. The range of facilities and treatments is impressive, including a 20-metre pool, steam room, hammam, hydrotherapy pool, gym, sauna and sanarium.
The Ozone restaurant is a convenient spot for lunch between treatments but the White Room is the place for fine dining. Ian Swainson recently arrived as head chef after four years at the Michelin-starred La Becasse.
Travel writer Sophie Johnson recommends the signature hot stone therapy massage: ‘My favourite moment was basking in the sunshine – Bellini in hand – in the outdoor hot tubs.’
Ashdown Park
Everything at Ashdown is about comfort, from the indulgent afternoon tea with champagne and strawberries to the extravagant bedrooms, some of which have their own living room and dining area. However, it’s the hotel’s country club that best reflects this ethos.
Offering treatments such as facials, Swedish massage, aromatherapy and stone therapy, each treatment room has its own signature scent. We recommend the club’s Thermal Harmony treatment, an hour-long hot oil massage carried out on hot basalt stones, developed in-house by the club’s masseuses.
Ideal for a romantic break, Ashdown also caters for children and pets, with dogs being greeted with their own blanket, toy and basket.
Whittlebury Hall
This countryside retreat is 30 minutes by train from the capital and is close enough to Silverstone to hear the distant purr of engines. Many of the drivers, including Jenson Button, have stayed here during the Grand Prix.
Those seeking peaceful relaxation need not worry, however. Inside the Day Spa, the only noise you can hear is the jets from the hydrotherapy pool. The signature Well-being massage works on your muscles from head to toes. The spa also features a Heat and Ice experience – derived from ancient rituals – aimed at stimulating circulation, detoxifying your body and exfoliating your skin.
‘Afterwards, make sure you have afternoon tea in the lounge, with views across the neighbouring championship golf course,’ comments travel writer Matt Jenkins.
Lifestyle concierge travel writer Sophie Johnson travelled with East Coast (www.eastcoast.co.uk) from London Kings Cross to Durham (for Seaham Hall). Upgrade to first class for free wi-fi and complimentary refreshments. Matt Jenkins travelled first class from London Euston to Milton Keynes Central (for Whittlebury Hall) on Virgin Trains (www.virgintrains.co.uk; 08719 774 222). For more information or to make a booking, call one of our lifestyle managers.
