Wow-factor spa experiences

Most of us expect to find certain things at a spa - maybe a pool, a sauna, a steam room, and hopefully some spa therapies as well. However, spa retreats across the UK take great pride in creating experiences that truly excite and delight, offering beauty and wow-factor that supports wellbeing but also delivers something extra special. From places where a pool isn't just a pool and a sauna isn't just a sauna, here are just a few of the wow-factor spa experiences we love.

The Candle Pool at Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire

Ragdale Hall has a wealth of beautiful and unique spa facilities making up its world of wellbeing, so when we talk about beautiful spa experiences really every aspect of this destination should feature. That said, alongside the waterfall pool, rooftop infinity pool, immersive thought zone, colourflow cave and experience showers with their own tropical storm, there's the candle pool - a haven of lights, warmth and water. In a cavernous space with sultry lighting, it's a tranquil environment where the heat helps mind and body align so you can truly unwind.

The infinity pool at Shangri-La The Shard, London

Everything at Shangri-La The Shard is exceptional. The five-star destination takes up 18 floors of London’s iconic Shard. iT’S 125 metres off the ground and celebrates views of the city from every angle. Perhaps the most spectacular view however, is reserved for the aptly named infinity sky pool on level 52, inviting you to swim with panoramic views of London’s skyline.

The TecnoBody® D-Wall at Pan Pacific London

Pan Pacific London is a state-of-the-art spa that's leading the way in tech-driven wellbeing. Alongside a world of luxury experiences, those with a passion for health and fitness can supercharge their experience in moments thanks to the unique TecnoBody® D-Wall. Within three minutes it delivers a posture analysis, which can help the team understand your needs. You can also combine it with their Body Assessment - an in-depth analysis of heart, lung, muscular and neuromuscular function in real time, combined with food intolerance and allergy testing with their in-house nutritionist.

The Estonian Iglu-sauna at Sawcliffe Manor - Natural Spa

Sawcliffe Manor - Natural Spa is a one-of-a-kind experience, where everything is natural and largely off-grid. The spa itself is nestled into the gardens and you book spa sessions where you have use of the experiences for two to three hours. The experience is set up entirely for you - for example, the wood fired larch wood tub takes the team seven hours to prepare, heating 1700 litres of fresh water by hand. Another unique aspect is the Estonian Iglu-sauna enjoyed whilst being served natural electrolyte water, tapped from pine trees. You are even given a sauna kit containing, a gorgeous essential oil sauna infusion and handmade wool sauna hats.

The rooftop spa garden at Rudding Park

Rudding Park is a mesmerising, North Yorkshire retreat where everything is done immaculately, but the rooftop spa garden really takes things to new heights. In contrast to the heritage beauty of the hotel, the spa is a contemporary, adult-only destination spanning three floors. The rooftop features an exquisite infinity pool, oxygen pod, Kneipp footbaths, saunas and steam rooms that use herbs from the garden. There’s even a Cabana that’s ideal for groups, with soft sofa seating for 14, a fire bowl, infrared heaters and electric louvred roof to allow sunlight in and automatic sensors to keep rain out.

The ballroom pool at Pennyhill Park

There are so many things to recommend Pennyhill Park - a 45,000 sq.ft world of luxury wellness. Alongside a Natura Bissé ‘bubble’, 23 beautifully appointed treatment rooms, and a world of thermal pools that travel from inside out. One of the timeless features however, which always impresses, is the ballroom pool. The 25-metre long, deck level indoor pool features soothing, underwater music as well as fibre optic lighting and is flanked by loungers, creating a space that's not simply somewhere to swim, but to relax as well.