There’s no better testament to a brilliant spa stay than booking it for a second time. That’s why we asked Spabreaks.com to share their most re-booked spas that guests simply can’t stop going back to.
Spa breaks make fantastic staycations in the UK. The opportunity to unwind, take time to relax and rejuvenate and have quality time with friends, family and loved ones is so valuable and often rare these days. But on a spa break you'll get all of that and more.
But which spa should you book? How can you tell a brilliant spa from a basic one? Which spas offer the best value for money? Spabreaks.com has thousands of spas on its website, and there are hundreds more not covered there. The choice is overwhelming.
"Discovering a place where you feel at ease is key to having a fabulous spa break," says Abi Wright, founder of SpaBreaks.com. "Whether you prefer an outdoor or indoor area to relax in, a fluffy robe or a swimsuit as your choice of loungewear, or a certain brand of products used in your treatment, there’s hundreds of choices around the country.
"A great spa is somewhere that fits your needs, provides value for money and a relaxing environment, efficient yet not invasive customer service giving you time to unwind, and places equal emphasis on providing fabulous facilities and expertise in treatments.”
More like this: The best spa breaks in the UK
Spabreaks.com has shared with us the top 10 spas their users keep re-booking. They don't just give them great reviews, but they go back for more again and again. These are the 10 most popular re-booked spas in the UK.
UK spas so good guests go back again and again
1. Rudding Park, North Yorkshire
This is the most re-booked spa in the UK on Spabreaks.com. Brits love this place for its outdoor pools and sunbeds, its rooftop garden, the 300 acres of grounds for a post-spa roam and, of course, exceptional treatments. Popular with couples for a romantic break, it costs from £157 per person for a one-night escape including bed and breakfast, a dinner allowance for the Horto or Clocktower restaurants and a 50-minute treatment, plus use of all the facilities.
2. Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa, Manchester
The north of Britain has the best spas, according to this list, and Manchester sits in second place with its Mercure Norton Grange. Just eight miles from the city centre, this hotel is a favourite with Brits looking for an affordable spa break. There are two restaurants, a golf course and all the spa facilities you'd hope for. Have a relaxing massage before retreating to the poolside with views out to the leafy gardens. A break here costs from £85 per person and includes bed, breakfast and dinner and 15% of treatments booked.
Note: This spa is currently undergoing refurbishment. Check Spabreaks.com for updates.
3. Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire
This adults-only spa is the ideal break in Northamptonshire, whether you're planning a hen do or you want a restorative escape. There are specially-trained therapists offering sublime massages, there are foot spas, an aromatherapy crystal steam room and an ice cave. There's also a golf course onsite should you fancy a round or two. Spa breaks here cost from £99 per person and include bed and breakfast, a two-course lunch on arrival, and use of all the facilities.
More like this: 10 luxurious spas in London worth splashing out on
4. Mercure Holland House Hotel & Spa, Cardiff
Spend a weekend in Cardiff at the Mercure Holland House and you'll come away feeling positively refreshed. This lovely hotel has brought spa-goers back again and again thanks to its brilliant location near the Welsh capital's shops, its excellent pre-natal packages and the 18-metre pool. There's a gym for working out before relaxing in the hot tub, and massages and facials using luxurious Decleor products. Breaks start from £80 per person for dinner, bed and breakfast, use of the facilities and a 25-minute massage.
5. Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel, Cheshire
This exceptionally good-value hotel has a seriously good package. Based here you're close to Chester race course, the cathedral, a Roman amphitheatre and great shops. Plus, the spa and heatlh club has a state-of-the-art thermal suite, with a sauna, steam room and experience showers, as well as 11 different treatment rooms for splashing out on serenity. Try Chinese cupping or acupuncture, or go for a traditional relacing massage. Spa break packages start from £64.50 and include one night's bed and breakfast and a 25-minute treatment of your choice.
6. Five Lakes Resort, Essex
This Essex resort offers an excellent all-round leisure break. Play tennis on their courts, complete a round of golf and take part in the fitness classes at the gym before retiring to the spa and pool to relax and recuperate. There are pre-natal packages available, perfect for those with grandchildren in the making, and it's even family friendly, meaning the little ones can join you in the pool anytime. Breaks start from £109 per person including dinner, bed and breakfast, a 40-minute treatment and use of all the facilities.
7. Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
A spectacular country house hotel, Hoar Cross Hall is perfect for a romantic, indulgent spa break – which is why it's one of the most re-booked spas in the UK. There's cycling, tennis, archery and croquet on offer througout the grounds, and plenty of space for walking. They offer specialised retreats for those recovering from cancer, and the entire place is adults-only meaning it'll be quiet from dawn til dusk. Take an overnight spa break here from £147.50, including bed and breakfast, prosecco in the room, a three course a la carte dinner or lunch, a welcome drink and full use of facilities and outdoor activities.
8. Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, Surrey
This spa has it all. In fact, this spa has facilities you never knew you needed. Expect to find indoor and outdoor pools, a hydrotherapy pool, experience showers, an ice cave, a herbal sauna, an aromatic schnapps steam room, an outdoor hot tub and a ballroom pool with underwater music. There are pre-natal and recovery retreats for cancer sufferers, and the glorious scenic setting makes for fabulous strolls if the sun is out. Book in from £170 per person for bed and breakfast, a £40 allocation for dinner, a 60-minute Rasul Experience and use of all the facilities.
9. Reynolds Retreat, Kent
This excellent spa is actually just a day retreat, but you only really need a day here to feel utterly at peace again. Set in an historic Victorian building, it's got a pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and experience showers (including a chilling ice fountain). You can book in for the day from £79 and you'll get a 25-minute treatment using divine Decleor products.
10. Mercure St Paul’s Hotel and Spa, Sheffield
City breaks needn't be exhausting, especially if you're in Sheffield staying at the Mercure St Paul's. The onsite spa here makes for a brilliant place to soak into serenity after a long day shopping and sightseeing. Relax in steam room or sauna before taking a dip in the pool, and book in for a wonderful massage using Decleor products. A Night here costs from £54.50 including bed and breakfast, a choice of dinner or afternoon tea and full use of all the facilities.
All images from Spabreaks.com
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