Summer Edit: Romantic spa breaks for couples and connection

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy for couples to find themselves caught up in schedules, screens, and responsibilities — leaving little time for true connection. That’s where a romantic spa break can be transformative. More than just a luxurious getaway, a well-curated spa retreat offers couples the chance to unwind, reconnect, and rediscover each other in a setting designed for peace and intimacy.

Whether it’s soaking in a private hot tub under the stars, indulging in a side-by-side massage, or exploring wellness rituals together, these experiences create space for deeper connection and lasting memories. In this selection from our Summer Edit, we explore some of the most enchanting spa destinations and treatments designed with couples in mind — where romance meets restoration.

Perfection: Pennyhill Park

Pennyhill Park offers luxury on another level, but it’s the fact that each individual area of the hotel is an experience in its own right that makes it so special. The hotel is a Tudor manor house that dates back to 1609, looking out across 123 acres of grounds and cultivated gardens, and complete with two restaurants including one with a Michelin Star and five AA Rosettes.

The spa is a world of its own, spanning indoor and outdoor amenities, from its own spa restaurant to pools where you can swim from the inside out. Enjoy hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, a mud room, foot spas, and gardens with private cabanas to relax in semi-privacy, each complete with a copper bath, loungers, a fridge filled with drinks, tea and coffee facilities, and the option to order food.

Wander in wonderland: Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa

Whatley Manor is a grown up getaway in the heart of the Cotswolds, which offers leisure and relaxation at every turn. Michelin starred dining, a private cinema, live jazz and garden tours combine with a sumptuous spa which is a destination in itself.

Here, you’ll spend your day relaxing in a robe and slippers, effortlessly floating between pools and relaxation areas and the treatments rooms, where you can choose from a selection of luxurious therapies. The thermal suite is not to be missed – beautiful water therapy aimed to rejuvenate you, ease tired muscles and lift the soul.

Discover Dartmoor: Bovey Castle

It's hard not to fall in love with Bovey Castle, surrounded by breathtaking views across 275 acres of Dartmoor National Park, and complete with award-winning experiences. Romantics may prefer to stay in the castle, however for groups, there are private contemporary lodges set in the hotel grounds.

Either way, the Elan Spa is the perfect sanctuary for encouraging rest and relaxation with a touch of glamour, with its luxury ESPA treatments and gorgeous art deco swimming pool overlooking the River Bovey.

Soul mates: South Lodge

A luxury country house hotel with exceptional views of the South Downs, South Lodge is a stylish and sophisticated retreat where sumptuous soft furnishings meet innovative design. There are three restaurants, two of which are award-winning, as well as lounges and the terrace for coffee or afternoon tea. From Ben Wilkinson in The Pass - an intimate experience for up to 28 guests, to Camellia with its three AA rosettes, and a delicious plant-based menu at the spa restaurant, Botanica.

The Spa at South Lodge is a destination in its own right. Designed with sustainability in mind, the spa lets the outdoors in as much as possible, so you can expect spectacular South Downs views from many vantage points including the indoor pool and relaxation space. Outside, the luxury continues, with an infinity edge pool, natural wild pool and a hydrotherapy pool. Inside, the spa has a superb thermal suite and 14 nature-themed treatment rooms to enjoy massages, facials and body rituals.

Romance in Rutland: The Signet Spa The Barnsdale

On the edge of the breathtaking Rutland Water, The Barnsdale is a bijoux hotel offering a luxurious, rural retreat, perfect for romantic getaways. With just 45 rooms, it's brimming with country chic charm, complete with a popular restaurant serving British fare and delectable afternoon teas. The Signet Spa sits within the grounds, taking in the tranquil views and offering modern, holistic wellbeing with a sauna pod, outdoor heated pool, and wood fired hot tubs.

Love in Liverpool: The Municipal Hotel & Spa - MGallery

In an iconic building at the heart of Liverpool, The Municipal Hotel & Spa - MGallery is a spectacular, five-star hotel that honours the city's heritage whilst celebrating modern style and hospitality. Impressive features include the clock tower and bells with their timeless melody, vaulted arches, coffered ceilings, wood panelling, friezes, mouldings and marble fireplaces, while the Palm Court Bar is located in the central atrium, with vast glass ceilings and massive palm trees. The Thermae Spa is a state-of-the-art sanctuary where guests can escape the urban buzz and relax together in an impressive 16-metre indoor swimming pool with city views, a sauna, steam room, sanarium, experience showers and a Jacuzzi.

The perfect proposal: The Langley Spa

Once a royal hunting estate owned by the Duke of Marlborough, The Langley is an immaculate hotel set within acres of formal gardens and bountiful parkland. The ultimate romantic gesture, a trip here is always a special occasion, whether you stay for a day or overnight. Within the grounds, the spa is a contemporary building, where nothing is too much trouble. Spa butlers ensure you have everything you need, while facilities include an infinity edge vitality pool, a marble-edged swimming pool, a Himalayan salt sauna with a juniper wall, and a brine-infused steam room with a citronite crystal as the focal point. A hammam is open for everyone to use but can also be booked privately, making for the perfect couples' treatment. 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.

Art deco luxe: The Dorchester Spa

The Dorchester name precedes it, and at the ultimate in luxury London addresses, guests discover a world of Art Deco-inspired romance and pampering. The only UK hotel restaurant with three Michelin-stars, this five-star destination has it all, from the perfect location for exploring the city, to spectacular interiors, dining, and more. The Dorchester Spa is no exception, with a chandelier of south-pacific pearls, its own Spatisserie, and facilities including an impressive fitness suite, a steam room and experience showers. The real magic, however, happens in the treatment rooms, where therapists harness the healing powers of organic seaweed from the Hebrides, as well as leading skincare brands in a collection of treatments. There are even two dual suites so you can relax in style together.

Fall in love at the seaside: Scarlet Hotel

Perhaps the UK's most famous eco sanctuary, and a pioneer in sustainable, luxury wellness, The Scarlet is an adult-only escape located on the rugged Cornish cliff tops of Mawgan Porth. This architecturally-inspired haven is only surpassed by nature's own beauty, inviting you to spend quality time together as you look out onto the crashing waves of the Atlantic, knowing you are nurturing mind, body and soul. Spend time together in an outdoor natural reed pool, a clifftop sauna, and an impressive indoor pool. Enjoy Ayurvedic spa treatments and bathing rituals in a clifftop hot tub, hammam, rhassoul, or candlelit copper tub. The cherry on top is superb food and drink honouring local, seasonal ingredients and Slow Food principles. It's the place to fall in love with yourself, as well as one another.