Summer edit: city spa breaks
For urban escapes and metropolitan relaxation, cocktails on rooftop terraces and city celebrations, whether it's wellbeing after work or weekend wellness, here are some of our top city spa destinations.
Read full postWith sunny weekends on the horizon what better way to spend them than with a cocktail in hand. We’re heading to these ultra chic rooftop bars for a cosmo or two.
Cambridge’s central hotel and spa enjoys prime position in the middle of this historic city, with floor to ceiling windows at every opportunity so you are reminded of just how pretty the location is.
The hotel is a joyful combination of rustic interiors meets ultra-modern facilities, while the spa next door is a chic world of white walls, exposed brickwork and wooden beams overlooking the river.
Wining and dining come with a sky high view at The Varsity Hotel & Spa, with a range of options available including SIX - a brasseries on the top floor enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. The pièce de résistance, however, is their iconic Roof Terrace - now a famous Cambridge landmark complete with knock-out cocktails like their lychee or passion fruit Martini’s, blushing Russians, summer G&T’s, and more.
Within the Courthouse Hotel London Soho, Lumi Spa is a haven of tranquility, sequestered away from the buzzing world outside. The perfect way to relax before dressing up for an evening on the town, it's complete with beautiful facilities and offers unique treatments such as Japanese Head Spa therapy.
The hotel itself is five-star all the way, with a unique history as a Magistrate’s Court, and beautifully located to enjoy the best that London has to offer. Within its elegant walls, there are multiple drink and dining experiences, from The BAR - a quirky gem featuring original prison cell blocks as cosy VIP rooms, to Soho Wala, the hotel's restaurant serving Indian street food.
The Soho Sky Terrace however, is a real treat, sitting at the top of Carnaby Street and looking out over the London rooftops. It has roll-out canopies to ensure comfort whatever the weather, while the central bar serves a selection of refreshing cocktails, fine wines, and chilled beers.
In the stylish capital St. Helier, on the exclusive island of Jersey, The Club Hotel and Spa sit in pride of place enjoying views of the water and one of the best locations in town. A five-star boutique hotel, it's classic good taste all the way, from opulent rooms and suites to The Club Spa, where you will find saltwater pool, an elegant thermal suite, and blissful Decléor treatments.
Food and drink is just as special, with the hotel's Bohemia Restaurant boasting a Michelin Star for its locally-sourced fare. The Club Bar is the place to go for imaginative cocktails, and quite literally on top, Bohemia’s Club Bar Roof Terrace is a favourite haunt of those in the know. Settle in for continental style as you dine under umbrellas and olive trees, enjoying relaxed lunches and afternoon teas.
A beachfront belle of a boutique hotel, No.42 Margate is the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit of this creative seaside town. Located in the characterful old town quarter of Margate, the Victorian property is a bijoux retreat where rooms are individually designed and many have their own balconies.
Everything here has been carefully considered from the Bluetooth Roberts Radio in your room to the right to raid the hotel Pantry. No.42 Margate's Field Trip Treatment Rooms offer a sense of calm with holistic therapies that use organic, and sustainably-and-ethically-sourced skincare products.
Food is fun and fabulous at No.42, with The Pearly Cow serving local ingredients at lunch and dinner, while Field Trip is right on the sand serving nutrient-rich and super fresh breakfasts and lunches. For drinks however, it has to be the Rooftop Bar overlooking Margate beach - the perfect place for drinks and snacks as the sun goes down.
A luxury hotel located in historic Royal Greenwich, InterContinental London offers the best of all worlds on a city spa break, with easy access to every main attraction as well as space to enjoy the view. Offering rest and relaxation, The Spa is an ultra modern space with a well-equipped gym, an indoor pool, sauna and steam room. There are also eight treatment rooms and a collection of unique therapies and rituals available, from a popular Chocolate Ritual to Express Facials using [COMFORT ZONE] skincare.
In true InterContinental style, dining is a cosmopolitan affair, with a mix of destination restaurants and bars. Kinaara is their Indian fine dining experience with two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, Market Brasserie serves Mediterranean inspired dishes, the Meridian Lounge is a sophisticated space for savouring pastries, cakes, and fine teas, and the Clipper Bar is a nautical themed haven with views of the Thames.
Soaring above it all however, is Eighteen Sky Bar. Located on the 18th floor, this cocktail lounge enjoys floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace with views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf. It's the perfect place for a cocktail or two.
With a central and glamorous London location, you can combine high energy exploring in the capital with some deeply relaxing down time in Rena Spa. The luxurious facilities provide an oasis of tranquility whatever your reason for visiting; just make sure you leave enough time to make use of all the thermal experiences, including a laconium, tepidarium and steam room and of course the stunning 16.6-metre heated pool. ishga skincare products are used for the treatments, which combine facials, massages and body rituals depending on how you choose to indulge yourself.
The hotel has a beautiful restaurant and bar. Leo’s Restaurant is a relaxed place for dining throughout the day, from a full English breakfast to a leisurely dinner. Meanwhile, for those seeking something extra special, head to the Sabine Rooftop Bar and Restaurant to indulge in delicious dishes while taking in panoramic views of London.
A very special sanctuary, the Shore Island Spa at Lough Rea Hotel manages to take you away from the everyday of life and make you feel wrapped up in warmth and luxury. How? With intimate lighting, rich textures and sumptuous fittings and of course, a decadent menu of treatments which restore body, mind and spirit. Ideal for couples, this romantic setting includes a thermal suite experience, which means you can enjoy a steam room, Jacuzzi and experience showers as well as a mud Rasul therapy.
Dining at the hotel is a real treat. The Lir Bar and Brasserie is perfect for lunch and brunch, while The Abbey Restaurant is a more formal dining experience showcasing Irish cooking with a modern twist. Drinks in the summer are not complete without cocktails on the Rooftop Garden, offering panoramic views of Lough Rea and the mountains beyond.
A five-star, luxury hotel on the south west corner of the iconic Leicester Square, The Londoner is a spectacular building spanning 16 storeys, curated to reflect the drama and elegance of West End life. The Retreat is a subterranean wellness sanctuary - a whole floor of wellbeing away from the world outside where you can relax, refresh and detoxify. There's a state-of-the-art gym with an adjoining studio, as well as a swimming pool, hydropool, sauna, steam room, and secluded cabanas. There's also a dedicated dining experience in the spa, and gorgeous treatments from Hungarian brand, Omorovicza.
After all that rest and relaxation, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat with six concept eateries and bars, as well as three guest-only parlour rooms. Choose from a variety of experiences, especially French Mediterranean flair at Whitcomb's and 8 at The Londoner - the decadent rooftop bar that reimagines the traditions and informal style of the Japanese izakaya drinking establishments.
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