Spring sensations: from swim-up bars to spa gardens

As the flowers come out, the weather improves and spring is in the air, there's a whole new level of spa experiences to enjoy that take in the beauty of the great outdoors. Here are a few of our sensational spring favourite spa experiences to look forward to.

The swim-up bar at Manor House Hotel - Alsager

Manor House Hotel - Alsager is a pretty, purpose-built, modern spa, but the addition of their 'secret' garden in spring last year really sets it apart. Nestled into the Cheshire countryside, their unique, adult-only English Country Spa Garden experience is in addition to the rest of their spa facilities. Softened by nature, it has a pool house, vitality pool, hydrotherapy tub, pavilion, summer house, salt steam inhalation chamber, potting sauna shed, plunge bath and seating areas. The cherry on top is the swim-up bar - the only one of its kind in the UK. Cheers.

Wild swimming at South Lodge

The Spa at South Lodge is known for its eco-friendly credentials. It is exquisitely built into the West Sussex countryside, with modern architecture that reflects and respects the undulating hills of the South Downs. Alongside a grass and sedum roof and lots of natural light, one of the spa's most unique assets has to be its wild swimming pool. It is a heated outdoor pond (so no loss of luxury), complete with reeds and moss for a natural vibe.

The rooftop infinity pool at Rudding Park

Rudding Park offers luxury at every turn, but its rooftop spa garden is the piece de resistance. The centrepiece of it all is the infinity pool, where waiting service means that you can even have a glass (or a bottle) of Champagne brought to you while you swim and enjoy the views of the grounds.

The Zen Garden at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall

Ribby Hall Village is a playground of wellbeing experiences and hospitality with a phenomenal variety of activities. Alongside an impressive Aqua Thermal Journey, they have an enchanting Zen Garden, which has been extended to include an energising salt sauna with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a refreshing monsoon shower with body jets, and a second hot tub with views of the garden.

The spa garden at the Spa at Carden

The Spa at Carden is a vast, purpose-built experience - a two-storey building of wellbeing facilities combined with a 2,500 square metre spa garden designed to enjoy all year round. The spa garden is a particularly joyful experience, perfect for groups of friends, couples and special occasions, there's much to enjoy, from metal hot tubs sunk into the earth to a wooden sauna with an earthen roof and plenty of space to relax and unwind.

Outdoor swimming at The Langley Spa

The Langley Spa is a five-star experience complete with spa butlers and a VIP suite. The destination has a range of facilities that flow from inside out, but in the summer months the outdoor pool is a particular attraction. Exquisitely designed and surrounded by yellow rose borders with space to relax on artfully arranged loungers, it's the kind of place that looks straight out of the pages of a magazine.