Pools are obviously a central feature on many a spa break, but this innocuous term covers a feast of experiences that some spa swimming pools have taken to a whole new level.
Setting the scene as well as creating the format for your spa day or break, a spa pool can take you from workout to wind down. It can be pre-treatment prep or therapy in its own right. From hydrotherapy to thalassotherapy, thermal suites and plunge pools, ballroom pools to wild swimming ponds, there’s much to choose from.
Amongst the most celebrated spa pool experiences, are those at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa in Surrey. The ballroom pool has underwater music and when you emerge there are plenty of loungers waiting for you. You can also swim from the inside into the outdoor hydrotherapy pools before reclining in style on an extensive outdoor terrace by yet another pool.
For groups of friends, the thermal suite, complete with a catalogue of spa pool experiences, at Whittlebury Hall, is always a treat. Central to the heat and ice experiences is a large hydrotherapy pool, surrounded by an aromatherapy crystal steam, caldarium, experience showers, foot spas, ice cave, roman salt steam, sanarium and tepidarium.
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is also famous for its catalogue of experiences. Amongst them an array of indoor and outdoor pools. On the banks of the River Maine, there’s a snail shell shaped experience shower, an infinity hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tubs with views of the waterfall. Their unique 'Beltane Experience' also includes relaxing around a sunken fire with friends before enjoying a dip in the 12 person hot tub.
Then again, one of the most unique spa pool experiences has to be the wild swimming pool at the stylish and sustainable South Lodge, which is a heated outdoor pond, complete with reeds and moss for a natural vibe.
