10 of the top spas and spa hotels for groups: relaxation retreats for friends, family and corporate getaways

The Belfry, Birmingham

You’ll be spoilt for choice in this relaxed hotel, which, with its wide choice of leisure and entertainment facilities, is the perfect getaway for groups of friends looking for laid back fun. As well as an outdoor and indoor fitness area, the Leisure Club offers yoga and spin classes and there are three golf courses on site. The Belfry Spa has a selection of luxury spa treatments, but a visit wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the 90-minute Fire & Ice biothermal rooms, guaranteed to increase your wellbeing.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• 12 treatment rooms
• A 90-minute thermal journey
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• It's the headquarters of the PGA and has three golf courses

The Spa at Carden, Cheshire

On a 1,000 acre estate, complete with its own vineyard, The Spa at Carden is a magnificent retreat, that's a joy as a day spa but also sitting alongside a marvellous hotel as well. The spa was purpose-built - it is adult-only, and vast in the extreme, spread over two stories. A partnership with Bollinger has resulted in a beautiful Champagne bar, signature spa treatments using herbs and grape juice harvested from their own grounds, and there's a 2,500 square metre spa garden that can be used all year round. There are indoor and outdoor thermal facilities, and a dedicated spa restaurant. That's all before you even get to the hotel.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• A two-storey spa with indoor and outdoor facilities
• A 2,500 square metre spa garden
• A Champagne bar in the spa
• Two on-site 18 hole golf courses and a clubhouse
• 1000 acres of grounds and gardens
• Two restaurants
• The spa is adult-only

Swinton Estate, North Yorkshire

This enchanting estate, with its magnificent country house hotel is a real oasis for groups enjoying quality time together. Surrounded by woodland and grounds, it offers luxury, tranquility, beauty and wellness, complete with a contemporary spa in the gardens. The estate stands at 20,000 acre from the River Ure in Wensleydale up onto the moors, and the hotel was once the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton. The spa on the other hand features a vast array of facilities, from yoga in the fresh air to an 18-metre lap pool surrounded by glass, an aroma steam room using seasonal natural fragrances and a Finnish sauna, a 10 metre outdoor natural pool, zoned relaxation rooms and a beauty cottage including a treatment room, manicure, pedicure and blow-dry bar.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• A 20,000-acre estate with woodland and lakes
• A range of indoor spa facilities including a pool, steam room, and saunas, and three zoned relaxation rooms
• Outdoor spa facilities including a sauna and a natural pool
• Eight treatment rooms
• A beauty cottage including a treatment room, manicure, pedicure and blow-dry bar
• An award-winning restaurant
• A variety of outdoor activities available such as archery, axe throwing, raft building, and laser clay shooting

Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire

With space in abundance and lots to do, Whittlebury Hall is ideally set up for large groups, which makes it perfect for a girly getaway. Tribute nights are a regular occasion in this hotel, so why not combine a fun night in with a day or more of pampering in the enormous Day Spa where there are 23 treatment rooms offering luxury spa massages and other pampering treats. Don’t miss out on the heat and ice experiences too – a perfect way to unwind and escape.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• 23 treatment rooms
• Heat and Ice Experiences with an aromatherapy crystal steam, caldarium, experience showers, foot spas, a hydrotherapy pool, ice cave, roman salt steam, sanarium and tepidarium
• Separate gym and swimming pool which has its own sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi
• Golf course (36 holes)
• Three dining options
• The spa is adult-only
• Events nights with tribute acts

East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa, East Sussex

All rooms at this contemporary East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa overlook either the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course or the lush green South Downs countryside, setting the scene for a relaxing weekend getaway. To keep in shape, the hotel’s Health Club runs yoga, pilates and studio cycling classes, after which a refreshing swim in the indoor heated pool will be just the tonic. Besides an aromatherapy room and monsoon shower, the main event here are the luxury treatments, which range from an invigorating massage to a relaxing facial.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• Two championship golf courses
• Two relaxation lounges
• A range of facilities including a 20-metre pool, a spa pool, a sauna and steam room, monsoon shower and a Jacuzzi
• 1000 acres of rolling Sussex countryside in the South Downs
• Three restaurants

The Peninsula Spa & Wellness Centre, London

The epitome of stylish grandeur in the heart of London's Belgravia, The Peninsula London occupies one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Embodying the best of old world charm and modern design, it's the perfect place for anyone who wants to impress or be impressed, complete with seven bars and restaurants (one with two Michelin Stars), a round-the-clock approach to wellness, and a spectacular 25-metre pool.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• Seven bars and restaurants
• A 24-hour gym
• A 25-metre swimming pool
• Separate steam and sauna rooms for men and women
• Seven treatment rooms

Hartwell House Hotel & Spa, Buckinghamshire

A spectacular stately home owned by the National Trust, Hartwell House is a Grade I listed Jacobean and Georgian property is set in over 90 acres of gardens and parkland. Accompanied by an elegant spa, set within the grounds, and complete with a unique pool in a former ballroom, it's dreamy for romantic getaways and special occasions.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• 90 acres of gardens
• Option to stay in The Old Rectory - a two-storey house set within the grounds
• Plenty of space to relax
• A range of facilities including a large swimming pool, a spa bath, steam room, saunas and gym

Old Thorns Hotel & Resort, Hampshire

This is a resort destination, where you can find complete leisure and relaxation with loved ones, without having to leave. Aside from indulging in wonderful food and wine, Old Thorns Hotel & Resort has an 18-hole championship golf course, an impressive gym, pool, wellness suite and a spa with 15 treatment rooms and holistic wellbeing experiences including a mindful therapy bed.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• Accommodation options including a penthouse three-bedroom apartment
• A dedicated health club
• A spa terrace with loungers
• A 20-metre swimming pool
• An 18-hole championship golf course,
• 15 treatment rooms
• Multiple dining experiences

The Vale Resort, Vale of Glamorgan

For some much needed restoration, look no further than The Vale Resort, which has a world of facilities in the spa, as well as tennis courts and golf greens. It gives you everything you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated, providing a range of experiences for groups of friends. The spa is an experience of its own, especially the five blissful relaxation zones where you can choose between water beds next to water features and twinkling lanterns and cosy duvets to nod off in - that's after you’ve indulged in one of their beautiful spa treatments.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• Six relaxation zones
• 19 treatment rooms
• A 20-metre pool
• 650 acres to explore
• Multiple restaurants
• Squash and tennis courts
• Two championship courses

Talbooth House and Spa, Essex

A luxury, boutique hotel on the North Essex Border, Talbooth House and Spa is a four-star retreat taking in views across Constable’s countryside and the Dedham Vale. With 12 individually styled rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and contemporary spa, it's an idyllic destination for a small group of friends. The spa has six treatment rooms, including four dual suites, and offers a collection of face and body therapies from Elemis.

What makes it perfect for a group spa break?

• Facilities including an outdoor pool, open-air hot tub, and infrared sauna
• Six treatment rooms including four dual suites
• They can arrange activities including canoeing, paddle boarding or bike hire close by
• An award-winning restaurant