Celebrate your local spas this summer

While we might have been stuck there a little more than we would ordinarily like, there really is no place like home, but how often do you really get to explore your local area? You don’t have to travel a long way to find a sense of escapism, with spas across the country offering peace, tranquility and a portal into a world of relaxation. So if you’re planning on staying closer to home this summer, you can still have a meaningful break and you might be surprised by the local spas you discover on your doorstep!

A little inspiration from your local spas

England: The Spa at Carden, Chester 

On a 1000 acre estate in Cheshire, The Spa at Carden Park is an adult-only retreat that’s a beautiful day spa destination as well as being an exceptional part of an overnight break. Celebrated for its luxury details throughout the hotel and grounds, the spa itself is a brand new addition, which allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors all year round. With state of the art facilities ranging from a variety of outdoor hot tubs and saunas to panoramic views from the indoor pool, it also has a dedicated Bollinger Champagne bar and its own restaurant.

Scotland: Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Resort, Aberfoyle 

How does hiking, pony trekking, tennis and a game of croquet with the spectacular backdrop of Ben Lomond sound? With a sun terrace for afternoon teas and cosy fires for evening drinks, this hotel is an ideal spot for getting some fresh air and relaxing. The spa also enjoys an enviable view and boasts a pool, hot tub and sauna as well as a gym and a menu of luxurious Elemis treatments, including massages, facials, scrubs and wraps.

Wales: Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa, Pontyclun 

Stylish and sophisticated, thoughtful and beautifully designed, Lanelay Hall dates back to 1873, and is a combination of timeless architecture and contemporary interiors. Following renovations in recent years, they count a contemporary but carefully integrated spa amongst its historic attributes. In a barn-style space with large windows letting in plenty of light, the pool is the central feature of this haven of relaxation. Attention to detail at this spa means a collection of extra touches that really make treatments unique as well. For example, you have your treatment in a room with a beautiful open fire, there’s the opening ‘tribal rite’ sequence for each therapy, you have powder dusted to your toes, a chime concludes your treatment and at the very end, a love link ribbon bestowed upon each guest. A love link is where they wrap a ribbon around your ring finger that is dipped in mandarin oil. You take a deep breath in from ribbon and then put your hand on your heart and think of things that are dear to you.

Ireland: Aghadoe Heights, County Kerry

Simply magical, this hotel and spa will whisk you away to an escape where every day stresses melt away and relaxation is the order of the day. Offering unsurpassed luxury, The Spa at Aghadoe is a destination in its own right; where breathtaking views combine with state-of-the-art spa technology and therapies are delivered using the highest quality beauty brands. Top all of this off with extensive thermal suite facilities and you have a very special spa experience to remember.

Northern Ireland: Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, County Down 

With a compassionate and intuitive healing approach, it is no wonder that the spa at Slieve Donard has a reputation for excellence. Exquisitely stylish and with state-of-the-art healing heat experiences, the journey even before your treatment begins is special, not least because the incredible views of the mountains and sand dunes are so beguiling. Cocooned inside your treatment room, you’ll feel a deep sense of relaxation as your therapist works wonders delivering a selection of beautiful and deeply nourishing therapies.