Spabreaks.com Co-Founder, Abi Selby, talks about why turning a summer holiday into a spa break is the secret that will supercharge rest and relaxation, whether you’re with family, friends, or your partner.
I, like lots of people, am starting to plan ahead for those summer holidays. It's almost impossible to find family holiday destinations that meet the needs of everyone - where both parents and kids are not only entertained, but have a chance to relax and enjoy both down time alone and quality time together. Even as a couple going on holiday, it isn't always easy to find places and activities that don't prioritise the interests of one person over another.
As a mum of three children, all of whom are at quite different ages (10, 14 and 17), planning school holidays has its challenges. On the one hand, it's amazing because they are all at a point where they can get involved and do things - they want to be active, and it's a joy to be with them. On the other hand, my 10 year old son has quite a different idea about what fun looks like to my 14 year old daughter.
There are lots of different types of holiday destinations out there, and some amazing places overseas. However, as a born and bred Devon girl, I think there are few places quite as special in the summer months as the UK, and when it comes to providing that Holy Grail combination of rest and relaxation alongside activities, entertainment, amazing food, and beautiful locations, spa hotels have the edge.
It's for all these reasons that I have found turning a summer holiday into a spa break to be the lesser known secret of the well-rested. It has the incredible capacity to make even a few days away feel like a week in the sunshine, whether you're with friends, family, your other half or on your own. There are hundreds of amazing places I recommend, but here are a few tried and tested favourites to give you a little inspiration.
For a summer spa holiday with the whole family, I can't speak highly enough of Celtic Manor in Wales. It would probably be quicker to name the facilities they don't have than the ones they do. This luxurious resort is set in 1400 acres of parkland in the Usk Valley, and is not only home to a world leading golf course, but also has a spectacular spa, and an extensive range of activities for kids.
The hotel is known for excellence across the board, offering multiple dining experiences and extensive spa and leisure facilities. Their Elemis Herbal Steam in the Forum Spa is a particular treat, and the Champagne and Beauty Bar is perfect for a glass of champagne while you have a manicure.
Celtic Manor is also one of the best family spa hotels around, offering just about everything you could ask for, from childcare to entertainment.
For example, they offer:
Again, there's a whole world of romantic spa hotel destinations out there, but for an extended stay, Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire is hard to beat. Surrounded by 50 acres of grounds, this Jacobean manor house is outstandingly beautiful, with turreted water towers, lofty gables and immaculate formal gardens. It has two restaurants, one of which is in the former ballroom, and both of which have won numerous awards.
The grounds provide ample opportunities for romantic walks and activities together, as well as time to do your own thing, whether it's jogging, cycling, croquet, boules, archery, golf or tennis. Meanwhile, the spa includes a beautiful array of indoor facilities as well as a brand new Spa Terrace for an outstanding outdoor experience as well.
Favourite features include:
For many of us, a holiday alone, whether it's a long weekend or a week away, is the stuff that dreams are made of. Time to rest and relax without being responsible for anything or anyone else. My preference on the rare occasions where I have a couple of days to myself, is to combine the superpowers of luxury and total wellness. As I said, I'm born and bred in Devon, so it's perhaps no surprise that one of my favourite destinations is Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall.
Boringdon Hall is also an amazing place to go with a partner, by the way, but the reason I like it for solo spa breaks is because the hotel and spa are both individual experiences in their own right. Just a day here will make you feel like a new person.
The hotel is five-stay, historic, and incredibly beautiful. It has royal connections dating back to 956, and alongside secret archways, stone towers, it has a Michelin Star dining experience at Àclèaf.
The spa is a total architectural contrast - brand new, lots of glass, and enormous. It's set over three floors looking out onto Dartmoor, and features a world of facilities, spa treatments, and its own Spatisserie spa restaurant, where you can go for Prosecco, brunch and afternoon tea wearing your robe and slippers throughout the day.
Favourite spa features include:
One of the things I am eternally grateful for is my amazing group of friends. These are the people who pick you up and make you laugh when you're having a hard time, collect the kids from school when you get stuck in a work meeting, and are always at the other end of the phone or ready to share a glass of wine and put the world to rights. So, taking time to go away with them and really spend time together is essential for me.
Going on a spa break with friends however, also means finding places that offer a combination of things to do together, and spaces to have time to yourself, catering to different wants, needs, and preferences. For this, I love Chewton Glen.
Also great for romantic getaways, and even family trips, it's the ideal combination of space, rest and relaxation and unapologetic luxury, all set on the edge of the New Forest National Park. There are different types of accommodation to choose from, not least these amazing Treehouses, set high among the trees in a secluded valley. The hotel itself meanwhile is a stylish Manor House, just a short walk from the sea.
Dining is an outstanding experience. The hotel’s Dining Room restaurant is a Three-Star Sustainability Champion with the Sustainable Restaurant Association, and also has three AA Rosettes, while The Kitchen is a less formal dining area where you can watch the chefs at work. I'm a big fan of the wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers!
The grounds and gardens are very much part of the experience, with jogging trails and beach walks alongside activities like yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Spin, Pickleball, tennis, golf and croquet available. Then there's the spa, where the pool hall (yes, a whole hall) features a world of hydrotherapy healing. There are 10-seater saunas in the changing rooms - great for groups! As well as 12 treatment rooms, so everyone can have a treatment at a similar time if you get your booking right!
Favourite spa features include:
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