Does social media influence your travel choices?

A new survey reveals that social media is having a seismic impact on our travel choices. Now, many of us might not find that surprising - the Insta-appeal of a good scroll is certainly enough to set ideas and inspiration in motion. However, the report from Relatable found that social media is having a significant impact on our travel choices. So where do you fit on that spectrum?

How social media is influencing our travel choices

Key findings from the report showed that:

• 90% of Gen-Z travellers say that their international travel decisions are influenced by social media.
• 86% of global consumers have researched a destination after being inspired by other user posts online (rising to 92% for Gen-Z).
• 56% of millenials have booked a trip based on an image they've seen on social media from friends, family or an influencer.
• Instagram was the most influential social channel for travel choices, followed quickly by Tiktok.

It's not hard to see why social media might influence our travel choices - it's something we look at in our downtime, it's easy to gain a first impression, and it's image and video focused. Naturally, most of us will go on to find out the destination details before booking, but those first impressions count for everything. Plus, if it's an influencer or family member we trust then it essentially feels like a personal recommendation. That's a wonderful thing.

The most Instagrammed spas

So, with all of that in mind, which spas are gaining the most attention on Instagram? A survey reported by Professional Beauty, revealed some of the most instagrammed spas in the UK - here are some of our favourites to reach the social stratosphere.

The Ned, London

With 54k Instagram posts, it's no surprise that The Ned is one of the most popular spas in the world of social media and beyond. The chic London destination includes Ned’s Club Spa, which revolves around a luxe pool, has treatments from Cowshed, a relaxation lounge, a sauna, steam room and hair salon. It even has its own speakeasy style barbershop.

Pennyhill Park, Surrey

A recurring favourite in the spa world, Pennyhill Park found 14.9k posts in the survey. It's a playground of luxury spa facilities and that's before you even get to the hotel. Amongst its prized assets are a ballroom pool with underwater music, 23 treatment rooms, their own product line, and it's home to one of only 24 Natura Bissé ‘bubbles’ in the world. That's just the tip of the iceberg at this 45,000 sq. ft spa.

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Boasting 14.2k posts, Chewton Glen is a blissful escape in the Hampshire countryside. The spa is a destination in its own right, but the five-star country house hotel is also exceptional - check out the Treehouse Suites for something totally unique. The spa includes a pool hall with a 17-metre lap pool and a hydrotherapy pool with 13 jet stations. There's also a steam room, outdoor whirlpool and drench showers, while each changing room has a 10-seater sauna and an amethyst crystal steam room. There are 12 treatment rooms and therapies from REN, Oskia and Natura Bisse.

Mandara Spa, London

Enjoying 10.5k Instagram posts, The Mandara Spa brand is famous for delivering world-class spa experiences with an Oriental flavour. The Mandara Spa at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, showcases Asian elements in its design including a bamboo forest, and in its treatment menu which is a delicious array of signature treatments that embody its Balinese heritage. There’s a VIP suite, a dual and six single treatment rooms to choose from as well as manicure and pedicure stations for finishing touches that can be enjoyed with a glass of champagne.

Shangri-La The Shard, London

Sky high serenity at Shangri-La The Shard enjoyed 10.4k at the time of the report, which is no surprise given its aptly named infinity sky pool. Located on level 52 of London’s iconic Shard, it has floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views of London’s skyline. They also use Neal’s Yard products for a little organic wellness in the heart of the metropolis.

Hoar Cross Hall, Burton-on-Trent

This five-star hotel and spa deserves its 10.2k posts and more. Set in 50 acres of immaculate grounds, the historic building offers an exceptional experience. Amongst them are award-winning, state of the art spa facilities. Past the manicured lawns and rose beds you will find a haven with a 26-metre saltwater vitality pool, flanked by two whirlpools. There is a plunge pool, saunas, steam rooms, saunariums, body jets, foot and shoulder massagers, Kneipp pools, heated loungers, a Snooze Room, and a Slumber Lounge. The spa also offers more than 40 treatments from Elemis and VOYA.

Rockliffe Hall, Darlington

A world class retreat with 8.5k Instagram posts, Rockliffe Hall is especially well known for its beautiful spa garden. Indoors the floor length windows let in lots of natural light as you enjoy 50,000 square feet of wellness. Outside, there is a hot tub, decking and lounging areas with garden views. There's also. dedicated spa garden is an exclusive space comprising an outdoor infinity edge pool, warmed loungers, glass fronted sauna and sumptuous daybeds is run in pre-booked sessions throughout the day, with a maximum of 16 people at a time and no one under the age of 16.