While Valentine’s Day is now an institution enshrined by Hallmark, Galentine’s Day is the newer tradition that’s fast gaining popularity, and how better to spend it than a spa with friends?

For centuries we may all have followed the fairy stories of meeting a partner. However, modern wisdom is swiftly telling women that while a partner is a wonderful thing to have, few people make soulmate status quite as perfectly as a best friend.

It is no accident that journalist Dolly Alderton’s book Everything I Know About Love was one of the best sellers of the last year. Considering friendships to be amongst the most important romances of our lives, her writing resonated with a whole generation of women. Meanwhile, strong and empowered messages of female solidarity have dominated the public sphere all the way to Hollywood. Sisterhood lives on, and more than ever it seems something we are celebrating, not least on Galentine’s Day.

Far from being the singleton’s answer to a day of cuddly bears, chocolate and roses, the idea of dedicating a day to quality time with the people who are probably top of your call list, is empowered and joyful. In fact it is not limited to people who are single at all. It is an occasion that all women can take great pleasure in.

So, for the people who remember your birthday. For the ones who celebrate with you simply because it’s ‘Tuesday’. For the people who have been there for all the significant life events to date. For those people you have known forever, and the ones you have only just met but know are going to be lifelong friends. This year, on 13th February, how will you celebrate Galentine’s Day?

Top destinations to spa with friends for Galentine’s Day

Best Friends Break at Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, Essex

At this haven of health, wellbeing, beautiful design and bountiful space,
Brooklands have a girls night in, the team at Lifehouse Spa and Hotel have created a spa break that’s made to be shared with friends. It includes one night’s bed and breakfast, a glass of Prosecco on arrival, 50% off a room upgrade, 10% off if you pre-book dinner at the Lifehouse Restaurant, 10% off pre-booked treatments over £50 and 15% off bar drinks between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. You will all have a robe, towel and slippers provided and have full use of the spa facilities from 10am on day of arrival until 6pm on the day of departure. It’s perfect for groups of up to around six of your best friends – perfect for a spa with friends Galentine’s Day.

From £62 per person

Bubbles and Treats at The Langley Spa, Buckinghamshire

At this purpose built spa, which sits in the grounds of a magnificent country house hotel, no luxury stone or attention to detail is left unturned. It’s even complete with spa butlers who show you around at the start of your spa with friends experience and make sure you want for nothing throughout. Taking Galentine’s Day to the next level, their Experience Elysium Luxury At Its Finest With Friends is a luxurious spa day that’s best shared with friends, this experience includes a full day’s exclusive use of the VIP Suite, Champagne on arrival and a three course lunch in the spa lounge.

A Langley spa gift will be waiting for you in your locker. Enjoy the Langley Hammam as part of your VIP experience as well as a one hour butler-led hammam enjoyed together as a group, where you will be guided through the traditional journey of the cleanse with black soap, exfoliation with a kessa mitt, rhassoul lava clay hair treatment and a ceremonial misting of orange flower water. You will also have a small group personal training session in the beautiful Langley grounds, a one hour treatment journey experience each tailored to your individual needs and a Supreme Manicure or Pedicure.

From £2750 for a group of four people

Elysium Oriental Water Wellness & Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London

In a cocoon away from the urban buzz, but still provides the sophisticated style of a world-leading city, spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers space and serenity. Here, their Elysium Oriental Water Wellness & Champagne Afternoon Tea is perfect for enjoying quality time with friends.

A decadent spa day at this uniquely elegant hotel revolves around a luxurious Oriental bathing experience described as Oriental Water Wellness. Conducted in Mandarin Oriental’s exclusive Private Spa Suite, you enjoy head-to-toe rasul therapy through the health enhancing properties of heat, steam and mud for a relaxing and skin conditioning treatment. The experience is followed by a body massage as well as time to relax and enjoy peace and quiet complete with a restorative wellness snack. Following the spa experience, enjoy Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning afternoon tea, served in the hotel’s exceptional Rosebery Lounge.

From £485 per person

That’s Amore – 30% off at Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa, West Sussex

At this historic hotel and contemporary barn-style spa, you are always made to feel special. From lounging by the pool to chatting over cups of tea in the conservatory, this is a very special place to spend time. Even mores on their That’s Amore spa day, now with 30% off. It includes a 60 minute Full Nurturing Soul Retreat Body Treatment, a two-course lunch with a glass of Sussex sparkling wine, tea or coffee and homemade biscuits on arrival, a robe, towel and slippers provided and full use of the facilities.

From £87.50 per person (minimum two people)

Anti-Valentine’s Ball at Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Derbyshire

Part of the Best Western hotel group, Yew Lodge Hotel is a contemporary and welcoming hotel and leisure spa destination. On a spa break that’s all about having fun, their Anti-Valentine’s Ball includes one night’s bed and breakfast, a two course dinner, male dancers and a drag queen appearance with a DJ and disco until 1am and bubbles on arrival. You also have a robe, towel and slippers provided and full use of the spa facilities, and you can add a 25-minute treatment for £20 per person if you would like.

From £72.50 per person (minimum two people)