Five amazing spa experiences to soothe aches and pains

AIRE Ancient Baths London

In the heart of London, the AIRE Ancient Baths London is an iconic destination just minutes away from Covent Garden. With a sultry, subterranean vibe, this historic building that was once home to Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, hinges around a complex of thermal areas designed to deliver an authentic spa experience centred on cleansing rituals, health, wellbeing and relaxation.

Spa facilities include:

• Tepidarium (36ºc)
• Caldarium (40°c)
• Frigidarium (14ºC and 10ºC)
• Vaporium (or steam room) - scented with eucalyptus
• Balneum
• A thousand jet baths
• Flotarium

The Bath House - Banya London

The Bath House - Banya London is a modern take on the traditional Russian banya experience. It blends the traditions of the Russian banya with the best of the contemporary day spa experiences, in one of the most sophisticated parts of London. An elegant thermal journey is completed with treatments like parenie rituals, organic honey and coffee scrubs. The experience is complete with a dining area offering Russian food from an Eastern European menu.

Spa facilities include:

• Parilka (hot room) - a lower temperature than a typical sauna
• Oak-lined banya
• Icy plunge pool
• Log cabin steam room
• Ceramic handmade stove
• Tipping buckets

Galgorm

A five-star hotel and spa in Co. Antrim, Galgorm is a celebrated destination, famous for (amongst other things), its Celtic Sauna Rituals and Beltane Experience complete with a 12 person hot tub and a sunken fire. Stay in a choice of suites, rooms, cottages or cabins, explore 163 acres of lush parkland and overlooking the River Maine, dine in one of four restaurants and relax in the Thermal Village.

Spa facilities include:

• A pool
• Orangery
• Celtic sauna
• A snow cabin
• Sanarium
• River House for classes with views over the River Maine
• Snail shell-shaped experience shower
• Infinity hydrotherapy pool
• Multiple saunas
• Outdoor hot tubs with views of the waterfall
• A 12 person hot tub

The Spa at Carden

A vast hotel and estate complete with 100 acres of grounds, including its own vineyard and two 18-hole golf courses, The Spa at Carden is a wellbeing and pampering playground. A wealth of indoor experiences are complemented by a spectacular 2,500 square metre spa garden (making it one of the largest spa gardens in the UK), that’s open all year round. Enjoy verdant views from outdoor saunas and steam rooms with entirely glass walls, and prepare mind, body and soul with a thermal journey that’s worth taking your time over.

Spa facilities include:

Outdoor spa facilities:

• Panoramic herbal garden lounge
• Fire pit
• Outdoor hot tubs
• Thermal garden pods
• Outdoor vitality pool
• Bollinger garden bar

Indoor spa facilities:

• Vitality pool
• Heated relaxation beds
• Finnish sauna
• Bio sauna
• Experience showers
• Tepidarium
• Salt steam room
• Aroma steam room
• Bollinger Beauty Bar with a manicure station, pedicure station, massage chairs and LED light therapy

Whittlebury Hall

One of the largest and most popular thermal suites around, Whittlebury Hall is a fantastic destination for groups thanks to its welcoming style and expansive facilities. There are all-encompassing Heat and Ice Experiences which sit alongside a separate area for the gym and swimming pool which has its own sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. There are also 23 treatment rooms including a hammam chamber and rasul room. It's even home to The Light Salon, a partnership between ESPA’s natural skincare and The Light Salon's LED light treatment.

Spa facilities include:

• Aromatherapy crystal steam
• Caldarium
• Experience showers
• Foot spas
• A hydrotherapy pool
• Ice cave
• Roman salt steam
• Sanarium
• Tepidarium