A moment of mindfulness that's perfect for warmer weather - here are some of our favourite spa therapies that help you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
For those looking for rest and relaxation in a unique environment, the bathing rituals at Forest Spa at Middleton Lodge are a touchless experience in treatment huts sequestered in the wooded gardens of the luxury, eco-friendly hotel and spa.
Stroll down paths flanked by wild herbs, flowers, lavender and rosemary, all of which give off heady, natural scents to help you unwind, before a tranquil, botanical experience all to yourself set in a private hut.
The self-administered therapy sees you bathe in a tub by a log-burning stove (depending on the weather), soaking in a VOYA seaweed bath to boost circulation and skin health while listening to a guided meditation. Alternatively, enjoy an Aromatherapy Associates experience with either Rose or Forest Therapy scents. The rose has rose and geranium essential oils which are wonderful for hormone balance and general relaxation, while the Forest Spa therapy option contains pine, tea tree and cedar essential oils which are noted for their detox properties.
Afterwards, return to the main spa area afterwards and sit by the open-air pool watching the world go by.
Galgorm Resort and Spa is well known as one of the most impressive and luxurious spa destinations in Ireland. Alongside an exquisite hotel, which is enough of a joy all by itself, the spa is spread across 163 acres of lush parkland with the River Maine flowing through the middle.
The thermal village is a complete haven of wellness, from the pool and orangery to the Celtic sauna, snow cabin and sanarium, as well as the River House for classes, which is raised on stilts. There’s a ‘snail shower’, an infinity hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tubs and lots of saunas - the list goes on. It's the architecture and design as well as the scope of facilities that's so impressive, almost always with views of the gardens and offering something for every mood.
While the hotel and spa are highly recommended for couples, solo travellers or anyone else in the mood for luxury wellbeing, the scale of Galgorm makes it ideal for groups of friends. Amongst its popular offerings is the Beltane Experience, where you relax around a sunken fire with friends before enjoying a dip in the 12-person hot tub. The idea is to connect to the elements - fire, air and water - feel great and get back to nature.
Forest bathing is perhaps best described as a guided meditation - combining mindfulness and a walk in nature to help settle the body and the mind amidst an otherwise busy world.
A practice that started in Japan in 1980s, forest bathing encourages you to connect with the world around you on every level, strolling in woodland, along the coast or wherever you find yourself, you are invited to listen intently, touch the earth, the leaves, the flowers and try to be wholly in the moment. It may involve sitting and meditating in the fresh air, or perhaps some yoga elements to help you really slow down and relax.
This calming experience is a different type of therapy and a particularly nice way to enjoy spa experiences in the summer months. At Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa their sessions are led by the Helena Skoog, who practices what she preaches, living off grid in the ancient woodlands in East Sussex. She says:
"For me, forest bathing is like a conversation or a relationship with the natural world. The longer I’m here the better and deeper that conversation gets."
Combine the experience with therapies and time in the pool within the spa itself and you have true holistic wellbeing experience.
Laceby Manor is an immaculate luxury getaway, where everything is five-star, including a choice of lodges and pods to stay in, bringing you closer to nature but with all of life's luxuries as well.
The Spa is an eco-friendly, purpose-built sanctuary within this haven of wellbeing, where every experience offers that something extra special. Amongst the favourites are their bathing rituals, allowing you to sink into a slipper bath with moulded seats in your own private room with views of the grounds, and revel in the healing powers of pure organic, hand-harvested Atlantic seaweed.
A beautiful way to release toxins and alleviate aches and pains it stems from a 300-year-old Irish tradition, moisturising skin, increasing circulation and promoting healing.
A unique experience in every way, the Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa sits in a beautiful countryside location on the edge of the Staffordshire Peak Park and brings spa feel-good-factor to the warmth of a traditional inn. The Mill Wheel Spa offers rustic style and wellbeing that draws inspiration from its heritage. For example, it has a Peak District 'stone bath' steam room and a Mill Wheel Shower.
The surrounding spa garden gives you an instant sense of calm and tranquility, and amongst its unique offerings is The Beach Hut Experience. Not an outside treatment, but one that mimics the benefits of laying on the beach, it's a beautiful way to help counter the blues in winter, or get summer vibes on rainy days in August, with a vitamin D top-up.
Lay on a bed of warm sand for 25 minutes as the room goes from darkness to sunrise, peak sunshine and sunset, while relaxing music and essential oils add to the atmosphere.
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