Five of the top luxury spas in the UK

Luxury comes in many forms, from romantic retreats to group getaways, real luxury comes from a personal approach and destination that really thinks about the details that make it uniquely memorable. To honour that individuality and exceptionality from health spas to lavish retreats, this year we launched our one of a kind Elysium Collection, celebrating the gold standard of luxury spa experiences. Here are five of the top luxury spas in the UK…

No Man’s Fort, Hampshire

Anyone whose heart belongs to the ocean is going to love it at No Man’s Fort. This completely unique hotel, in a 150 year old fort military fort in the middle of the Solent, is about character, luxury, style and creativity. An adult-only hotel, it boasts unparalleled sea views and historic architectural details that tell the story of its past. The fort is reachable only by private boat. So there is a sense of drama and ceremony as you arrive. Inside, its 22 rooms and suites are beautifully styled with a nod to the nautical surroundings, and they are further brought to life by original details that have been left intact. There’s the odd hammock hook in the ceiling for example, as well as the opportunity to stay in the penthouse, which is in the original lighthouse and comes complete with a wonderful vantage point to observe your surroundings. Favourite details of the spa include an indoor fire pit and rooftop hot tubs, where in the evening you can wrap up warm and head up for hot chocolate and stargazing at night. You may also fancy learning the art of sabrage - opening a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne with a sword - while you’re here!

Living Well Spa at Homefield Grange, Northamptonshire

Having experienced the life changing power of a true health retreat herself, naturopath Suzanne Peck has dedicated her life to health and wellness, embodied in Living Well Spa at Homefield Grange. Believing that health is at the heart of feeling good about ourselves, it is a destination spa where experiences are built on passion and personal goals. The result is an all-encompassing experience with a truly holistic sense of wellness at its core, and no lack of luxury either. The wide range of knowledge is like gold dust, while the approach is one that really helps you to reconnect with yourself and enjoy wellbeing in a long term way. Favourite features include the health kitchen offering a plant-based menu including cleansing drinks, inspiring food demonstrations to help you continue the feel good factor at home, and outdoor activities that range from yoga to Nordic walking in the exceptional grounds.

The Langley Spa, Buckinghamshire

Once a royal hunting estate owned by the Duke of Marlborough, the Langley is an exquisite manor house surrounded by acres of formal gardens and bountiful parkland. The hotel offers a real sense of romance and exclusivity. Meanwhile, the brand new, purpose built spa within the grounds delivers an exceptional range of facilities and treatments. Guests are shown to the spa lounge to complete their consultation forms over a welcome drink. They are then shown around the facilities by one of the spa butlers. For guests who want the ultimate in peace and seclusion there is also a VIP suite with couches, a private butler, Champagne, fruit and anything else that you want.

Barnsley House, Gloucestershire

One of the top luxury spas in the Cotswolds, Barnsley House near Cirencester fuses contemporary wellbeing and hospitality with old world elegance and countryside views. Surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens, you can choose to dine in either the adult-only Potager restaurant, or the hotel’s own family-friendly Village Pub. The spa, however, is a world of its own, nestled into the gardens and taking you on a wellbeing journey through wooden beams, Cotswold stone and plant life, with indoor and outdoor facilities, a signature treatment designed just for them by Elemis, and even Medicetics - a UK doctor-led clinic that specialises in non-surgical cosmetic treatments and skin surgery, including fillers, BOTOXTM and skin peels.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the five star spa, designer style, their own luxury spas product line and spa rituals: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is a world of its own, cocooned in the heart of London. The glamorous hotel is inspired by the Golden Age of Travel, offering a modern take on art deco finesse throughout. Meanwhile, the spa offers everything at the height of excellence with training programmes devised by award-winning trainer Hollie Grant, and treatments use Chinese medicine, Bastien Gonzalez renowned manicures and pedicures and anti-ageing Nescens facials. There are 13 luxurious treatment rooms, so it’s wonderful for groups, while the Oriental Suite, featuring two massage beds and a Rasul water temple, is loved for its health-enhancing heat, steam and mud, and is perfect for couples.