Our life goals are changing and more and more we are all focused on feeling our best and taking care of our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. We know that that's about the habits we have each day, but it's also about making time to reset and recharge throughout the year.
Having things to look forward to is a powerful way to support mental wellbeing, and having dedicated time out is important for overall health... and it's a joy, which is also essential. A wellness holiday can be a wonderful way to plan for a happy, healthy year ahead. Here are some of our favourite wellness spa destinations we can't wait to return to.
The Spa at Breedon Priory, Derbyshire
A brand new spa, The Spa at Breedon Priory is a day spa that really takes the concept to new heights. Surrounded by countryside blissful views, the purpose-built spa centres around the Wellbeing Suite. It's a dreamy place designed to make you feel your best in luxury style.
There are steam rooms, saunas, experience showers, an ice fountain, outdoor pools, a relaxation area, sun terrace, spa garden, and a slumber room. They also have treatments from a delicious combination of Temple Spa, Tribe 517, Pinks Boutique and Proverb.
For couples or small groups, we highly recommend booking The Hideaway, which is essentially your own private spa area. It has a double treatment room, private lounge area, shower area, outdoor hot tub, mini bar, fire pit and double lounger, and you can have meals served there too.
Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall, Devon
Want to escape the white noise? Definitely head to Devon. Amidst the rolling countryside hills and proximity to the sea, this dreamy county is well known for those seeking holiday bliss. Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall takes that backdrop up a notch.
The historic countryside hotel has a dedicated, contemporary spa inspired by the goddess Gaia (the personification of the Earth). It straddles the line between luxury and pampering, with floor to ceiling windows letting in the natural light, and three floors of facilities including a swimming pool, hydro pool, an outdoor hot tub, two saunas, two steam rooms, two poolside heated beds and two luxury loungers.
There are also 12 treatment rooms where therapies deliver treatments from Elemis as well as the spa's own natural product range. Definitely try one of their signature rituals.
Glass House Retreat, Essex
In the mood for a serious detox? Head to Glass House Retreat. This eco-friendly, light filled retreat is the height of contemporary wellbeing. It's adult-only and is dedicated to the nutritional benefits of a plant-based diet.
Every aspect of your stay is geared towards a very intentional wellbeing programme, helping you to leave feeling healthier, fitter, and more relaxed, with tools and inspiration to carry on the feel-good-factor at home. As such, they have specialist facilities and experiences ranging from a salt block sauna, cryo chamber, a gym and a heated leisure pool to nutritionists and outdoor space to explore.
Their treatments range from holistic to high tech, including cleansing scrubs, and full-body mineral boosts to the latest Dermalux® and Lipofirm technology treatments for enhanced skin health and focused cellulite reduction.
Galgorm, Northern Ireland
A perennial favourite of the team at Spabreaks.com is Galgorm in County Antrim. A world-renowned spa, it's holistic healing as well as luxury experiences. Located amidst beautiful surroundings on the River Maine, its experiences revolve around the expansive Thermal Village, which flows from the inside out, no matter the time of year.
There's an abundance of facilities - for example, a pool, orangery, Celtic sauna where they offer unique wellbeing rituals, a snow cabin and sanarium, an infinity hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tubs with views of the waterfall, and a multiplicity of saunas.
The River House, where classes are held, sits over the river, and they offer unique experiences - particularly the 'Beltane Experience' where you relax around a sunken fire with friends before enjoying a dip in the 12 person hot tub. As if that wasn't enough, they have a five-star hotel including cottages and cabins to stay in, and an award-winning restaurant.
Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
Lucknam Park is something of a bucket list destination for spa lovers, and for good reason. In 500 acres of grounds just outside Bath, the romantic country house hotel has it all - Michelin star restaurant, beautiful location, exceptional service and immaculate wellness facilities. Wellness here goes beyond spa treatments - the arboretum and extensive gardens are perfect for taking in the fresh air, there are tennis courts, an Equestrian Centre and even a five a side football pitch. The spa itself sits within an walled garden, giving it a clandestine feel as you explore a suite of facilities including a 20-metre indoor pool, an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool with arboretum views, a relaxation area, five thermal cabins and dry floatation. Therapies are from the gorgeous 111Skin and Natural Spa Factory , and there's even a dedicated spa restaurant.