The Summer Edit: summer spa experiences for vacation vibes

Coast to country, cities to scenic villages, discover the best of all worlds with spa experiences that flow from inside spaces to spectacular outdoor wellbeing. Come rain or shine, you get holiday-level relaxation right on your doorstep, whether you plan in advance or book a spontaneous spa break.

If it’s forecast for sunshine this weekend, book a last-minute getaway where you can lounge in the pool until sunset. If the outlook is grey, head to an all-weather destination where you can swim in the rain or watch the wind blow from the comfort of a stylish thermal suite. If you’re booking in advance and want to cover all bases, then discover a whole host of destinations that give you a choice of indoor and outdoor facilities to explore.

Reconnect with nature and get a little island-life inspiration in the home counties, swim on the rooftops, lounge in private poolside cabanas, enjoy spa butler service, stroll through scented herb gardens, and bathe in environmentally-friendly natural pools surrounded by wildflowers.

Whether you're looking for holistic harmony or summer celebrations with friends, romantic retreats that feel like they're a world away, soul-feeding smoothies or sundowners and spa treatments, you’ll find it all in Spabreaks.com’s Summer Edit.

Summer spa inspiration

There are so many beautiful spa destinations to choose from, each with their own inspired summer experiences to offer, whether you want to relax and unwind in the city or escape to the seaside. Here's a little taste of what you can discover:

Six Senses Spa London

Just steps from Hyde Park in Bayswater, the global sensation, Six Senses, has opened its first London retreat, bringing luxury hospitality and wellness to the capital in the brand's own unique and celebrated style. Within an Art Deco building, modern wellbeing presides, with a 2,300 square metre spa that offers personalised therapies and an array of unique facilities.

Akasha at Hotel Café Royal

A sanctuary in the middle of London, you’ll feel instantly relaxed when you enter this holistic spa with its mood lighting, restorative sounds and uplifting aromas. From a swim in the lap pool and private moments in the sauna to some serious laid back bubbles in the Jacuzzi, you’ll feel tensions ease and ready for the divine treatments on offer that combine Western practices with Eastern philosophies. Try the Watsu pool for a very intimate and memorable spa experience.

Aria Spa

Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, Aria is a contemporary, day spa and wellness retreat dedicated to combining holistic healing, organic skincare, and results-driven therapies, in a mind, body, and soul approach to wellbeing. Its modern design, and tranquil vibe makes it perfect for self-care spa days, as well as quality time with a friend or loved one.

Horwood House Hotel and Spa

A four-star country house hotel surrounded by 38 acres of Buckinghamshire landscapes, Horwood House is a historic property with a brand new spa. Its charm, location and style make it perfect for romantic escapes, but its triple rooms and welcoming atmosphere also make it suitable for groups and families. The H Spa at Horwood House is the pièce de résistance, drawing inspiration from the gardens, which are a running theme throughout the hotel. A day here is a treat, but a weekend would be even better.

Lincombe Spa at Lincombe Hall Hotel

A pristine manor house surrounded by elegantly manicured gardens, Lincombe Hall Hotel and Spa in Torquay is south Devon’s adult-only hotel for stress free indulgence. Perfect for babymoons, intimate celebrations or simply just because, the hotel is a short walk from Torquay marina where you can stroll by the water, or a short drive to the pristine beaches of the South Hams. Meanwhile, dining is an exercise in local specialties, from cream teas to seafood, and the spa is the pièce de résistance - sparkling new and with everything you could hope for.

The Grand - Brighton

A four-star hotel with a reputation that precedes it, The Grand Brighton offers guests a relaxing and indulgent retreat that's truly exceptional. From a spectacular restaurant to an opulent spa experience, this is a destination that makes even the most ordinary day of the week a special occasion. Perfect for celebrations, romantic breaks, or simply just because, visit for a day or a break to ensure you feel like the best version of yourself.

Swinton Estate

Spa retreats at Swinton Park are all about indulgence. A destination in itself, the spa has world-class facilities and you’ll feel luxurious, pampered and glamorous by the end of it. From yoga in the woods, to bathing in a natural pool in the spa garden or taking a thermal spa journey, there are endless experiences here to create tranquil moments. The spa menu is lovely, there are ample relaxation areas and a fire pit to enjoy with friends at the end of it.

The Waterside Hotel and Spa

On the water’s edge in West Kilbride, with panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran, The Waterside Hotel & Spa is a stylish retreat where guests can unwind in boutique style. Alongside the hotel is the contemporary Si! Spa - blending indoor and outdoor spaces for modern holistic wellbeing. Perfect for romantic getaways or special occasions with friends, the location sets the tone for rest and relaxation.

Salthouse Harbour Hotel and Spa

A contemporary boutique hotel on the Ipswich waterfront, Salthouse Harbour Hotel & Spa is the best of heritage charm and modern hospitality. Within the hotel, the boutique spa is where you can step from your room into a world of wellness, with beautiful facilities and ishga treatments. Just steps from the town centre, it's the perfect place to stay for a romantic retreat, a celebration, or simply just because, enjoying everything the hotel has to offer as well as using it as a base for exploration.

Homewood Hotel & Spa

A boutique country house hotel near Bath, Homewood Hotel and Spa offers Georgian elegance with a playful edge, at a stylish retreat that's a combination of heritage charm and experience-based hospitality. Offering home-grown food and a whimsical atmosphere, it is home to a beautiful spa and an array of indoor and outdoor facilities. It's a beautiful place to stay, whether you're on a romantic break, visiting with friends, or celebrating a special occasion.

Discover a world of wellbeing

The most misunderstood element of the world of wellbeing is just how much variety is available. No two places are the same, no two treatments are the same, and each day you will want something different from your wellbeing as well. Here's a little insight into the variety of opportunities available to explore on UK spa breaks.

Outdoor saunas and the spas where you can find them

Sauna culture has been on the rise in the UK, but as more of us discover the combined benefits of holistic wellbeing, including thermal experiences, cold water swimming, and being out and about in nature, it's outdoor saunas that are the UK’s latest (and enduring) wellness trend. Here's where to go.

What you need to know about wild swimming

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why this fitness pastime gained traction in the pandemic years, but its continued popularity is testament to the feel-good-factor so many of us get from reconnecting with nature and moving in the great outdoors. Here's where to get started in spa style.

Some of the best sustainable spas in the UK

Wellness and the planet are inextricably linked, so what are spas doing to be more sustainable? Whether you're looking for a natural swimming pool, sustainable dining, Green Tourism awards, or a carbon neutral estate, eco-friendly spa experiences are awaiting your arrival.

Spa therapies with a seasonal twist

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.

The Summer Edit: coastal spa breaks

From Miami Beach vibes to being at one with nature, nothing says 'summer holiday' quite like a trip to the seaside - adding spa treatments to sun, sea and sand is the perfect combination for rest and relaxation.

Summer edit: spa gardens

There are few things as blissful as an English garden in summer time, but what really takes the cake is a spa garden. Replete with more than just swimming pools (although we love those), they take you from swim-up bars to rooftop infinity pools, private poolside cabanas with their own outdoor fridges, and even saunas with panoramic views. Here are a few favourite spa gardens for summer.

Spas with sea views

Few things are as soothing as sounds of the sea and views of the waves rolling in - unless you can combine the spa experience with coastal vistas. If you're in the mood for an oceanic experience, here are a few of our favourite spas with sea views.