Top romantic spa hotels for a Valentine’s Day gift to look forward to

ESPA Life at Corinthia, London

Just off Regent’s Street, The Corinthia in London is about as decadent and central as a hotel spa gets. However, it is the spa that is the bucket list destination’s most romantic gem. A subterranean haven, it’s like being wrapped up in the world’s finest cotton wool. All white and flowing curves, there are no hard edges and the seductive light is brought to you by fire torches throughout. The expertise of therapists is second to none, and treatments are the kind that make you believe in magic. Perfect for a day spa experience designed to impress your other half.

Gleneagles, Scotland

You can’t go wrong with a classic like Gleneagles. The hotel has a historic reputation for excellence, located in a building designed as an homage to the French aristocratic chateaux tradition. Surrounded by a world-class golf course and views of the idyllic glens of Perthshire, its spa is an extensive wellness destination with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room, arctic mist shower, relaxation rooms, a Courtyard Garden and the cherry on top – a collection of tailored ESPA treatments as well. There's also the charming Bob & Cloche to enjoy - a Jazz age-inspired beauty space where you can spend time feeling your best and dressing up for dinner.

The Vineyard, Berkshire

Famed in large part for its extensive wine offering, The Vineyard is unsurprisingly and aptly named. Hinging on superb food and wine, the five star hotel offers everything from red grape treatments in its decadent spa, to tasting menus in the restaurant. Rooms and suites are named after wines, and wine tours and tastings introduce you to the 30,000 bottles in its exquisite cellar.

Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Surrey

Widely reputed to be one of the largest and best spas in the UK, Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa has two distinct sides to it that operate beautifully both on their own and in tandem. The hotel is a five star destination in a historic building dating back to 1609. Sympathetically updated over the years, everything is sumptuously furnished to the highest standards. While all the food is superb, it is the award-winning Latymer that garners the most pronounced reputation for dining. Meanwhile, the spa sits just a short walk from the hotel, within the grounds, and is a destination in its own right. Enjoy the ballroom pool with underwater music and the 11 heat experiences. One of the chief attractions is the Natura Bissé ‘bubble’ - here you can indulge in treatments that feature crushed diamonds and rose essence. 

Elan Spa at Mallory Court, Warwickshire

A charming and unimposing hotel and spa, the Elan Spa at Mallory Court is intrinsically British. Think croquet in the garden and home grown veg in the kitchen, all the details are beautifully considered at this country house hotel. Children are permitted in the pool, but only over the age of four and at restricted times, so it is peaceful and quiet for the most part but also helpful for parents spending Valentine’s Day with the kids in tow. The spa itself is nestled into a sheltered wooded area in the hotel grounds, screened by trees and very private. It is complete with an outdoor vitality pool so you can bathe surrounded by nature, and a thermal suite.

Barnsley House, Gloucestershire

This luxury house hotel in the Cotswolds is something of a tale of two halves. The hotel itself is all old world elegance, and is achingly romantic. Meanwhile, the spa is a contemporary retreat, hidden away in the grounds and an experience in its own right. Spend time exploring the grounds and gardens, enjoy exquisite dining and plenty of time lounging by the pool.

South Lodge, West Sussex

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. The spa in particular takes inspiration from its surroundings, set into the natural contours of the land with a grass and sedum roof as well as green oak cladding and lots of natural light. The spa has its own product line, inspired by nature, made in the UK from natural ingredients and created exclusively for The Spa at South Lodge and The Spa at Pennyhill Park. It also has the Ridgeview Beauty Bar, teaming up with with award-winning English sparkling wine producers from the South Downs, Ridgeview, to bring pampering and pedicures together.

Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire

Surrounded by 12 acres of gardens, Whatley Manor is a country estate turned luxury hotel and the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, where historic charm and contemporary hospitality combine with a distinct 1920s charm. The five star hotel and Michelin standard restaurant is accompanied by a world class spa, set within the grounds. It fuses the warm elegance of traditional Cotswold style with the best of modern wellbeing experiences. For example, there is a Natura Bissé Bubble Suite, which is exclusive to the Aquarias Spa and created to house the Natura Bissé Bubble.

Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire

Grantley Hall is not only a magnificent hotel but also one with a rather wonderful heritage. A 17th century property, it has been home to some of the most characterful aristocrats as well as playing host to their abundant royal and political friends across the years. It has welcomed Dame Vera Lynn to sing, and has been painted by many an artist, including LS Lowry. Today it’s a celebrated hotel with ornamental Japanese gardens, fine dining and Gatsby-style glamour and late night partying at Valeria’s subterranean den. Equally, their Three Graces Spa and Elite Luxury Gym offers indulgence and wellbeing, from the indoor to outdoor hydrotherapy pool to the thermal suite and the Three Graces Spa Lounge for healthy, nutritious drinks and snacks.