Spa to be different: truly unique spas and spa hotels

We’re not really into tricks on April Fool’s Day, but we do like to celebrate doing things differently. So here we bring together some of the spas and spa hotels that offer something truly unique to the health and wellbeing experience…

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Everything at Chewton Glen is done beautifully and they really know how to create a sense of occasion in their hospitality. Chiefly this has come to fruition in their treehouse suites. Guests occupy creative and contemporary private suites situated in the canopies of ancient trees. Look out across the wooded grounds as you wake. Watch the sun go down from your private balcony, and see deer roaming in the early morning light.

Old Thorns Golf and Country Estate, Hampshire

A vast destination offering every kind of experience you could imagine, Old Thorns Golf and Country Estate combines the old and new with effortless style. Masters of unique details, special features include a sub-tropical bubble pool in the spa, and glamping style eco pods to stay in. Get back to nature without compromising on luxury.  The insulated wooden huts sleep up to two people and are great for friends or couples.

The Ned, London

One of London’s most famous luxury meeting spots, The Ned brings you a luxury experience whether you’re popping in for a lunchtime manicure or a full day of treatments. In the former Midland Bank building, its uniquely stylish features include Cheeky - a no-nonsense nail bar, and Ned’s Parlour for haircuts, colours, blow-dries and up-dos. There’s also Ned’s Barbershop where the modern gentleman can enjoy a classic speakeasy-style environment for a quick spruce including a cold beer and a shoe shine. Then head to the bar to watch the world go by while live music tinkles away in the background.

Cliveden, Berkshire

Located in the grounds of National Trust grounds, Cliveden has always been a famous hotel. However, it’s had a renaissance in popularity since the Duchess of Sussex stayed there on her wedding night. Opulent surroundings are made all the more intriguing by the whiff of scandal that has filtered down through the decades. Royals have frequented it across the centuries and it was also the home of Nancy Astor, to whom the treatments in the spa continue to pay homage. Dine in the space favoured by George Bernard Shaw. Drink in the Duke of Westminster’s former stables. Snuggle down in a suite that, who knows, could have been slept in by Meghan Markle!

Lifehouse Hotel and Spa, Essex

There are lots of things to recommend Lifehouse Hotel and Spa. The range of knowledge. The beautiful grounds. The gardens frequented (and paying homage to) visitors including Churchill and JM Barrie. Perhaps a favourite feature these days however is one of the latest additions to the spa - its hidden sanctuary retreat for two. A two hour, 55 minute experience, it starts in your very own personal candlelit spa, complete with your own pool. You will be taken through to your private treatment room to experience a relaxing head to toe body scrub with a nourishing hair treatment. Your therapists will then guide you both to your private warm pool where you will enjoy refreshments; the perfect time to relax and reconnect. Once ready, you will be taken back to your softly lit double treatment room where you will enjoy a therapeutic full body massage, illuminating facial pressure points and warming scalp massage to fully relax your body and mind. After your treatment, your journey continues with some well-deserved time to yourselves in your own private sleep retreat for an hour.

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath

Arguably the UK’s original spa spa, Thermae Bath Spa has a history dating back across the millennia. While there are many attributes that make it special, the stand out feature of this spa are its natural spring waters. It is said the city itself grew up around them.  It’s the only day spa that that’s actually fed by natural thermal waters. It’s that magic passed on by Mother Nature that’s really special.  The water fell as rain 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. It then percolated 3km into the earth to an underground reservoir and through its own artesian pressure has come up in three springs.  One feeds Thermae Bath Spa, channelled into the four baths within thermae - naturally warm and mineral rich.