Spas to stave off the winter blues this year

You don’t need to be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to need a boost as the days get shorter and the light begins to fade.

As we head towards the autumn, whether you’ve got a case of the winter blues or just want to treat yourself, these are the treatments to try this autumn…

The Beach Hut

The Beach Hut at Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa

The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa is a family run inn and its Mill Wheel Spa is a beautifully choreographed, rustic space with unique facilities including their Beach Hut, a unique experience which replicates the positive benefits of being on a beach in the sun.

It is a comfortable, safe and relaxing environment where you lie on a bed of warm sand in a 25-minute experience that takes guests from darkness to sunrise to peak sunshine and then sunset. Relaxing music and essential oils complete the ‘holiday’ experience.

It is the perfect way to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), topping up Vitamin D levels and helping beat winter blues, this can even stimulate the metabolism. The experience can be shared with other guests at the same time.

Spa at Donnington Valley

The Aqua Sun Mineral Treatment at Donnington Valley

A favourite treatment at Berkshire’s highly acclaimed Donnington Valley, the Aqua Sun Mineral Treatment is a warm mineral bath containing 21 minerals from the Dead Sea, covered with a UV canopy.

It has a canopy over it, which is an excellent source of Vitamin D and not only effectively treats SAD but also helps alleviate dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, acne and stress.

Meanwhile, the minerals each play their part - including hydrating sodium, relaxing bromide, detoxifying iodine, and anti-stress magnesium… plus, there’s always an extremely good glass of wine waiting for you afterwards at this hotel that’s known for its food and wine.

Sun Meadow

Sun Meadow Room at K West Hotel and Spa

The central London spa at K West is amazingly quiet, especially considering its location in Shepherd’s Bush, and one of its most peaceful and soothing facilities is the Sun Meadow Room.

Featuring specially designed UV lights for light therapy treatment, guests are treated to the sound of birdsong and a running stream under gentle lights that feel like spring sunshine, encouraging the production of Vitamin D and serotonin.

Sunlight therapy room at Rudding Park

Designed to counterbalance SAD by giving guests a healthy dose of winter sunshine, the Sunlight Therapy Room at Rudding Park offers safe sun exposure from ‘sunlight simulators’. These mimic natural sun rays whilst filtering out harmful UV rays. Guests simply relax on heated, sculpted loungers beneath these simulators for 20 minutes to reap a host of benefits. These include reduced symptoms of SAD such as sounder sleep, increase in energy, reduction in aches and pains and a boost in vitamin D production. Following the Sunlight Therapy Session guests are encouraged to try the Roof Top Spa’s thermal and hydrotherapy experiences. These include the outdoor hydrotherapy infinity pool and spa bath.