From luxury London retreats to country house hotels that bring the outside in, there's a world of rest and relaxation in stylish spaces. Here are a few favourites.
The Dorchester is an icon of luxury, recognised around the world, and it’s little wonder. From the moment you arrive the decadence and style is palpable, woven into the details of specially commissioned fabrics and the 1930s glamour it was founded in. Amongst the celebrated details is the only UK hotel restaurant with three Michelin stars, and of course the spa, bedecked with South Pacific pearl chandeliers, world-class treatments and its very own indulgent ‘Spatisserie’, all in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge.
A boutique hotel in the heart of picturesque York, No.1 by GuestHouse York is an elegant, contemporary hotel that honours the heritage of the Grade II Listed Regency townhouse in which it resides. The interiors from the hotel to the spa - think exposed brickwork, touches of copper, sultry lighting and warm earthy hues alongside Regency architecture.
Opulence at every turn, this is a hotel and spa experience that delivers outstanding personalised service at every turn. The hotel is an 18th century Grade II* listed Palladian mansion, while its spa is in its own property within the grounds of this former manor house. Think a marble edged swimming pool, a rose quartz steam room, a brine-infused steam room with a citronite crystal as the focal point, and more. It's the best of heritage style meets modern wellbeing.
Rockliffe Hall is a historic property dating back to 1774, giving it an elegance that only comes with time. Alongside the heritage features however, the opulent 50,000 square foot spa is ultra contemporary, making the most of modern style as well as views of the magnificent grounds. Indoor and outdoor spaces create plenty of photo opportunities, with a dedicated spa garden with a world of facilities, including an outdoor infinity edge pool.
The Spa at South Lodge has so many things to recommend it - set within the grounds of a luxury hotel, the purpose-built eco spa is set into the natural contours of the land, complete with a grass and sedum roof as well as green oak cladding and lots of natural light. That design is compounded by facilities that also make the most of the space and the environment, including an outdoor hydrotherapy pool and a natural swim pond surrounded by wildflowers.
On the famous Berkeley Street in the heart of London's iconic Mayfair, the 1 Hotel Mayfair prides itself on its luxury hospitality credentials as well as being a sustainable sanctuary. Chic interiors sit alongside a wellness ethos that runs through every experience. Stylistic elements range from living green walls and more than 1300 plants, trees and shrubs across the property, to tranquil spaces forged of oak flooring, hand-chiselled stone and soothing colours.
AIRE Ancient Baths London is a world of its own, with architecture straight out of Westminster, in buildings that were once home to J.M. Barrie who wrote Peter Pan. Right next to Covent Garden, it's all about a cavernous world of bathing experiences, under ancient stone arches and glowing by candlelight. In short, it's your very own Neverland.
You can't talk about beautiful spas without mentioning Pennyhill Park. The five-star hotel resides in a Tudor manor house that dates back to 1609, and itself is all about luxury design and opulent interiors. The 45,000 sq. ft spa is a world of its own, enjoying views of the grounds and offering a host of indoor and outdoor facilities. The sense of space is magnificent, and beautiful spaces range from a ballroom pool to beautiful outside spaces. The private cabanas with copper baths and loungers are especially pretty.
The Beaumont Mayfair is a five-star, Forbes Travel Guide recognised hotel offering the elegance of the 1930s with a contemporary twist. Famous for its Art Deco style, its Colony Grill Room has a reputation in its own right, and its spa is a haven of pampering in the heart of the city. It's a glistening world of elegance fit for Gatsby himself.
Hailed as one of the most prestigious spas and hotels in the UK, Lucknam Park is a spectacular country house hotel set in 500 acres of grounds just outside Bath. Achingly romantic, it offers outstanding levels of luxury, from the Michelin starred Restaurant Hywel Jones to the legendary spa. Set within the walled gardens, aside from the beauty of the grounds, which very much set the scene, the spa enjoys enchanting elements from an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool with arboretum views to materials including wood, marble and glass to reflect the warm seasonal hues of the outdoors.
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