Five magical festive destinations for spa afternoon teas

Restore and indulge at The Beaumont Mayfair in London

The Beaumont Mayfair is magical from the moment you step up to the front door. Hop out of your taxi and you're greeted by the five-star hotel offering the elegance of the 1930s with a contemporary twist. Famous for its Art Deco style, it's got sparkle running through its veins, with Gatsby glamour and American charm. A decadent spa is all about pampering, while the dining experiences take you to a different decade of style and sophistication.

It's within the stylish lounge, Gatsby's Room, that afternoon tea is served. Tuck into sweet and savoury treats with a glass of Gusbourne English sparkling wine in hand, enjoying a selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly-baked homemade scones and hand-crafted dainty cakes and pastries.

The Restore and indulge spa day includes:

• A 150 minute spa treatment time per person
• Afternoon Tea in Gatsby’s Room with a glass of Gusbourne
• One hour's use of the spa facilities before or after your spa treatment
• Robe, towel and slippers provided
• Spa treatments include: a 60-minute Body Scrub and Wrap, 60-minute Oskia Revitalising Facial and Head Massage, and a 30-minute Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage.

Tradition and tea at Gleneagles in Scotland

A magical retreat at any time of the year, Christmas at Gleneagles is something to behold. Overlooking the rather idyllic glens of Perthshire, the historic hotel is made in the image of a French chateaux, surrounded by three of the top 18-hole golf courses in Scotland. Meanwhile, the spa experiences are carefully considered, spanning an in-depth wellness offering alongside separate leisure facilities and a Jazz-age-inspired beauty room, Bob & Cloche.

Afternoon tea is a natural extension of a trip to Gleneagles, adding Scottish flavours to this elegant pastime. Inspired by a bygone era of gracious hospitality, it’s a journey of quiet indulgence and honoured traditions, best savoured slowly. From delicate finger sandwiches to marmalade and chocolate cakes, each bite offers a taste of something timeless.

Their Gleneagles Day Spa and Afternoon Tea includes:

• A choice of one 50-minute spa treatment per person
• A Signature Afternoon Tea in the Glendevon Room
• Use of the spa facilities between 9am and 7pm
• Robe, towel and slippers provided

A sparkling experience at The Municipal Hotel & Spa - MGallery in Liverpool

The Municipal Hotel & Spa - MGallery is a modern hotel in an iconic building that was once the home of Liverpool City Council. In the heart of the city, honouring its heritage and hospitality, it's brimming with impressive architectural features and a state of the art spa. Perfect for romantic retreats and celebratory stays, there's an instant sense of occasion as you step into a five-star world complete with original features such as its clock tower and bells with their timeless melody, vaulted arches, coffered ceilings, wood panelling, friezes, mouldings and marble fireplaces.

Here, afternoon tea is served in the Botanic Tearoom, where you're welcomed by expert Tea Sommeliers before journeying through a welcome platter followed by a refined three-course service featuring freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches, and exquisite desserts.

Their Signature Spa Day includes:

• 100-minute Master Peace Spa Ritual per person, including a warm copper foot bath, a full body hot stone massage, and a rejuvenating face and scalp massage
• Afternoon tea
• Signature cocktail
• Two hours use of the spa facilities prior to spa treatment
• £10 voucher to spend on products on the day
• Tote bag and flip flops to take home
• Robe, towel and slippers provided

The ultimate English treat at Pennyhill Park in Surrey

Few places are finer than Pennyhill Park, and this magnificent retreat is certainly something to behold at Christmas. The five-star hotel and spa set in 123 acres is pretty as a picture over the holiday season. The main house dates back to 1609, which is the perfect backdrop for celebratory visits. This is a place that's well known for its 45,000 sq. ft spa - a world of its own spanning both indoor and outdoor experiences guarantees to leave you feeling rested, restored, and indulged.

Meanwhile, for those who also spend time in the hotel, it's a Tudor manor complete with two award-winning restaurants (one with a Michelin Star and five AA Rosettes, while the other holds three AA Rosettes). Afternoon tea at Pennyhill is served in the Hillfield bar, offering the ultimate English treat and inspired by iconic British fragrances from their friends at Molton Brown. There are five menus to choose from in a multi-sensory feast, including curated teas (as well as bespoke blends from Camellia’s Tea House), English sparkling wines, and three courses of special treats.

Their Lazy Afternoon Spa Day includes:

• A 60-minute Comfort Zone Prescriptive Facial per person
• Use of the spa facilities from 2pm - 8pm
• Robe, towel and flip flops provided

The royal treatment at at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath

Giving all the Bridgerton-esque feels, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for festive frolics - a Grade I listed, Georgian townhouse in the picturesque town of Bath. An architectural masterpiece, it screams style at every turn, from the world-class spa with a range of thermal experiences and a 12-metre candlelit pool, to the hotel itself. Notably, Montagu’s Mews is the hotel's bar and dining experience, named for the original resident of the property, Elizabeth Montagu, who was host of the Blue Stockings Society, writer, salonière and advocate for women’s education.

Within this 18th-century-style salon their afternoon tea is deliciously decadent and oh-so British. In classic fashion, enjoy a selection of delicious sandwiches, cut to mouth-watering perfection. Then there are their freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, along with a range of exquisite pastries and cakes – each one dainty enough to eat in one delicious mouthful.

Their Royal Experience Spa Day includes:

• A 90-minute Royal Crescent Signature Treatment per person
• Afternoon Tea in the English Country Garden (weather permitting)
• Complimentary Ground spa gift
• One hour's use of the spa facilities
• Robe, towel and signature flip flops provided