Making plans: daydream spa escapes from coastal getaways to rural retreats

Whether you can’t wait to get to the coast or you’re desperate for a countryside escape, we’re making a list and checking it twice when it comes to daydream spa getaways post lockdown. When the time’s right, here’s just a few of the places we want to go!

Alexander House Hotel Utopia Spa, West Sussex

A sumptuous experience awaits romantic couples or close friends looking for the ultimate in relaxing escapism. With its lavish accommodation and captivating history, the Alexander House Hotel Spa lends itself to decadence and making lifelong memories. While active types will enjoy playing tennis or croquet, those seeking gentler exercise can enjoy meandering in the beautifully manicured gardens. The Utopia Spa’s Grecian-inspired water therapies, treatments and bespoke outdoor barrel sauna and hot tub are the perfect place to unwind and enjoy being thoroughly spoiled.

Rockliffe Hall, County Durham

If it’s superior luxury you’re after, Rockliffe Hall has everything you could ask for, in an idyllic daydream spa escape. This world-class country retreat offers five star facilities at your fingertips, from high tea in its Orangery restaurant to a game of golf on its premier golf course. At the heart of this venue is Rockliffe’s award winning spa, which is a destination in itself. The outdoor infinity pool overlooking Rockliffe’s estate sets the perfect tone for a luxurious spa treatment with exceptional service and high end skincare products.

Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire

Whatley Manor is a grown up getaway in the heart of the Cotswolds, which offers leisure and relaxation at every turn. Michelin starred dining, a private cinema, live jazz and garden tours combine with a sumptuous spa which is a destination in itself. Here, you’ll spend your day relaxing in a robe and slippers, effortlessly floating between pools and relaxation areas and the treatment rooms, where you can choose from a selection of luxurious therapies, including those which are taken in a Natura Bissé Bubble. The thermal suite is not to be missed - beautiful water therapy aimed to rejuvenate you, ease tired muscles and lift the soul.

Champneys Tring, Hertfordshire

A truly exceptional destination spa, Champneys Tring prides itself on being able to make a real difference to people’s lives, through a variety of specialist retreats aimed at optimising a guest’s health and wellbeing. There are day as well as longer stays on offer, but regardless of length, each retreat is all-inclusive and the healthy philosophy and holistic approach is carried throughout the activities, the treatments and the food. Incredible facilities include a first-of-its-kind for the UK marine and wellness daydream spa.

The Grove, Hertfordshire

You will be enveloped by a true sense of romance when you step into this stunning hotel set in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. Walk the nature trails, indulge in some intimate dining then share in the pleasure of a relaxing and indulgent daydream spa therapy at The Sequoia spa, designed to leave you rested, restored and revitalised. Don’t forget to enjoy the spa’s excellent facilities too, which include a decadently stylish black mosaic-tiled pool.

Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall, Devon

A beautiful spa that lends itself to being a destination in its own right, you can spend all day here luxuriating in the impressive facilities. From the swimming pool that overlooks the countryside to the swim-through hydrotherapy pool that takes you from indoors to out, you will feel like you’re in your own private escape. All treatments use Gaia’s own signature spa brand and are designed to suit each individual’s wellness needs. A treat for the body, soul and mind.

Living Well Spa at Homefield Grange, Northamptonshire

Prepare to press your re-set button at Living Well Spa - a gorgeous farmhouse property set in lovely countryside. Whether you visit for a treatment, a day or a residential stay, you’ll leave feeling brighter, lighter and inspired to live better after visiting Living Well Spa, thanks to its personalised programmes that support each guests’ individual goals. Diagnostic testing, nutritional advice, mind body coaching, healthy food and lots of pampering therapies are combined with state of the art and well-thought-through daydream spa experiences.

Ockenden Manor, West Sussex

Built inside a 19th century walled garden and part of the superb and luxurious Elizabethan architecture that is Ockenden Manor hotel, the Ockenden Manor Spa is a haven of tranquillity. Perfect for a romantic retreat, facilities include a gorgeous indoor heated pool that connects to the outdoors, an outside hot tub, as well as an isopod flotation tank for extreme relaxation. Treatments include decadent aromatherapy and reflexology therapies using natural ingredients and designed to offer the ultimate in relaxing daydream spa experiences.

Barnsley House, Gloucestershire

A total retreat where you need to do nothing but relax and unwind, Barnsley House is the perfect romantic getaway for you and a special someone. Nestled in fairytale gardens, the spa is a series of unique experiences that make the most of the surrounding Cotswold gardens, including an outdoor bath that is as intimate as it is relaxing. Five beautifully designed treatment rooms are warm and tranquil and provide instant relaxation for your luxurious therapies and the spa lounge with its enchanting views of the countryside will imbue a feeling of instant calm.

Elan Spa at Mallory Court, Warwickshire

Enjoy a luxurious daydream spa escape in the heart of Warwickshire in this intimate hotel, which enjoys serving up memorable experiences. Elan Spa is tucked away in the hotel grounds and while it offers state of the art facilities, it retains its quintessentially English feel thanks to views overlooking Lavender gardens. Your own private sanctuary will imbue a relaxing vibe thanks to the positioning of the hydro facilities amongst natural surroundings and the decadent touches like a glass of Champagne during your manicure. ESPA and ila therapies complete the picture perfect experience.

Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa, Cumbria

A truly incredible destination spa experience awaits you at this property, where the breathtaking vistas are woven into every part of your journey. Inside the Spa are five treatment rooms, a four-person Rasul, champagne & deli Bar and a thermal suite comprising a laconium, aroma steam room, herbal sauna, salt steam room, ice fountain, drench showers and heated relaxation loungers. Outside, the pool looks out over the Catbells mountain range and the Finnish sauna is glass-fronted so you can drink in the outstanding beauty of the views. Treatments - divine ones - are the icing on the cake.

Beaverbrook, Surrey

With 400-acres of grounds to explore, this gorgeous hotel has as much to offer outdoors as it does indoors, but the spa is simply exquisite so make that your first stop, especially if relaxation is your priority. Uniquely designed with stained glass windows as a feature, you’ll be bathed in gemstone hues as you enjoy the thermal facilities, including The English Bath House - a variation on the traditional Hammam. As well as a menu of decadent treatments and holistic therapies, there’s a resident naturopath available and a dedicated spa deli for a light bite to eat.

Rudding Park, North Yorkshire

Rudding Park is a breathtakingly beautiful hotel with every luxury accounted for including a standalone spa, built with contemporary architecture and just as indulgent. A destination in its own right, you’ll need all day here to benefit from the extensive facilities and the impressive treatment menu. There are rooftop spa cabanas for groups and a rooftop spa garden, as well as a copper bath, outdoor hot tub and spa experiences that use natural spring water from the grounds. A truly holistic and decadent spa experience.

The Langley Spa, Buckinghamshire

Opulence at every turn, this is a hotel and spa experience that delivers outstanding personalised service at every turn. Built in its own property within the grounds of this former manor house, the spa is totally exquisite and as a guest, you will be treated to your own spa butler who will guide you through your spa journey. Extensive facilities, a comprehensive treatment menu and a collection of unique spa experiences await you as well as romantic hotel accommodation for a very memorable occasion.

Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire

If you listen carefully you may still be able to hear the dulcet tones of Dame Vera Lynn echoing through the halls at this illustrious country house hotel. Grantley Hall has played host to the good and the great across the centuries, and while its style remains in keeping with its 17th century roots, it’s also very much the height of modern hospitality. No stone is left unturned when it comes to luxe details, from a sensory feast at dinner, to its own Gatsby-style night club, and the magnificent, purpose-built Three Graces Spa and Elite Luxury Gym.

Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, Hertfordshire

The perfect mix of grandeur and comfort, this country house hotel is the height of luxury with an emphasis on hospitality at its warmest. Housing the UK’s first private members’ spa, Cottonmill is a luxurious sanctuary with state-of-the-art facilities and truly decadent spa experiences delivered by world-class experts. Innovative spaces provide relaxation areas post treatment, in private gardens and poolside terraces along with cabanas, hot tubs and fire pits woven into a landscaped oasis.

South Lodge, West Sussex

This exquisite hotel has so much to offer in the way of beauty, service and activities, however The Spa at South Lodge is a destination in its own right. Designed with sustainability in mind, the spa lets the outdoors in as much as possible, so you can expect spectacular South Downs views from many vantage points including the indoor pool and relaxation space. Outside, the luxury continues, with an infinity edge pool, natural wild pool and a hydrotherapy pool. Inside, the spa has a superb thermal suite and 14 nature-themed treatment rooms to enjoy massages, facials and body rituals.

Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire

Whether you’re here for a spa day or a spa package, everyday life will be left behind as you indulge in a tranquil experience that will make you feel wonderful. Award-winning, this is a spa with exceptional facilities and an impressive list of treatments to calm body and mind. Take a soothing swim in the saltwater vitality pool, sit back and relax under the stars in the luxury whirlpools and treat your feet to an Aqua massage before moving on to a decadent massage or facial.