There's something really special about this time of year, as the leaves turn gold, the light is warm and there's a slight chill in the air. Inviting us to take care of ourselves, snuggle up, wear cosy socks, light candles, breathe deep and nourish mind, body and soul, it's the perfect season for a spa break. Here are 10 of our top autumn spa retreats.
City romance at Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool
In Liverpool’s Georgian neighbourhood, Hope Street Hotel is an elegant hotel with impressive architecture and contemporary interiors. It's got a deliciously edgy style for the most chic of weekend retreats, and it's in an exceptional location for exploring the former City of Culture. The spa meanwhile is a real oasis in the urban landscape, complete with an array of thermal facilities and a 15-metre pool with underwater music, and a courtyard vitality pool. Their therapies from REN and Temple Spa are dreamy, offering holistic massages and facials.
Top tip: For a truly special getaway book a Rooftop Suite complete with its own outdoor hot tub with views of the city skyline.
Halloween afternoon tea at East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa, East Sussex
One of our favourite parts of autumn as it transitions towards winter is the opportunity to celebrate all things Halloween. From tricks to treats, it's a delicious excuse to indulge and enjoy and at the delightful East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa, they embrace the season. Spend the day enjoying their facilities, including a dip in the pool and time in the sauna and steam room, offset by golf course views. Then tuck into an afternoon tea with a twist.
Top tip: book their Autumn Spa Day package, which includes use of facilities, a 20-minute treatment and a dedicated Halloween Afternoon Tea!
Winter wellness at Away Spa at W London, London
As the weather turns chilly, it's the perfect time to give your wellbeing an extra boost, and the luxurious Away Spa at W London does exactly that with a spa experience to help you look good and feel better. The ultra contemporary spa sits in the heart of London. A vibrant favourite with celebrity vibes, it's known for its ultra-chic style. Spend an afternoon getting red-carpet-ready thanks to their combination of facilities and treatments designed by one of the most sought-after facialists in the world.
Top tip: Book their autumn special offer - Walk On Air - which includes an hour's use of the facilities, 30-minutes of spa treatment time, a pre-spa treatment Elixir Shot and a Comfort Zone lower leg spray to take home.
Trick or treatment at The Municipal Hotel & Spa - MGallery, Liverpool
A spa destination with a reputation that precedes it, The Municipal Hotel & Spa - MGallery is fast becoming a favourite amongst luxury lovers with a penchant for wellness. In the heart of Liverpool, this stylish escape offers an incredible location, amazing architecture, history, heritage and the best of modern hospitality. Amongst its amenities, discover The Thermae Spa, with beautiful facilities including an impressive 16-metre indoor swimming pool with city views, and treatments from Elemis and Grown Alchemist.
Top tip: Offering seasonal indulgence, their Trick or Treatment Halloween special offer is a sweet surprise, complete with a 50-minute signature spa treatment, a cocktail, use of facilities between 10:30am and 1:30pm or 2pm and 5pm, as well as a tote bag, flip flops and a mini product to take home.
Country style at Laceby Manor, Grimsby
Bringing you laid back luxury, Laceby Manor is a world unto its own. Surrounded by 150 acres of the Lincolnshire Wolds, it's five-star all the way. Stay in a choice of lodges and pods that bring you closer to nature, and dine in the elegant Clubhouse. In the day, head to The Spa, an eco-conscious, purpose-built sanctuary with beautiful thermal facilities and spa terraces, as well as luxury treatments from results-driven 111Skin, organic seaweed-based VOYA and natural Tribe517 product lines.
Top tip: Celebrate the season and spend time strolling or swimming in the great outdoors. There's a magical indoor/outdoor pool as well as Pods to stay in, sequestered in a secret garden.
Michelin mystique at Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
A well-known leader in the world of spa and luxury travel, Lucknam Park is a grand country house hotel set in 500 acres of grounds just outside Bath. Everything here is exceptional, from the Michelin starred Restaurant Hywel Jones to the sumptuous rooms and suites. When it comes to wellness, they provide a 360 degree experience, from their own equestrian centre and multiple tennis courts to the spa within the hotel’s walled gardens. There's a vast swimming pool, an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool with arboretum views, five thermal cabins and dry floatation. Meanwhile, treatments are decadent and effective, and there's even a dedicated spa restaurant - The Brasserie - for laid back lunches.
Top tip: Breathe in the fresh air on a stroll, or better yet, a ride around the grounds. The Equestrian Centre houses around 25 horses, whether you're a beginner or experienced rider.
Bubble, bubble toil and trouble at Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
Hoar Cross Hall has long been a favourite destination for those seeking total escapism and luxury combined. The Jacobean manor house is unquestionably beautiful, offering unparalleled style and surrounded by 50 acres of grounds and gardens. Their spa has long been an attraction, but this year they added a series of impressive outdoor experiences that take it a step further. There's something incredibly special about making the most of The Spa Terrace, complete with three 15-metre pools at a soothing 38-degrees and glass-fronted juniper log sauna, as well as fire pits surrounded by comfy seating so you can relax in the open air.
Top tip: Make the most of your experience with an overnight break. Their Serenity Spa Stay is a particular treat with dinner, bed and breakfast, a three course lunch and a bottle of Prosecco waiting for you in your room.
Natural high at Swinton Estate, North Yorkshire
Swinton Estate is a world of its own. The ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, it is a magnificent property surrounded by 20,000 acres of grounds. Views stretch from the River Ure in Wensleydale up to the moors, inviting guests to stay in 31 rooms, and dine in award-winning style. Spend your time roaming the grounds and taking Martin country pursuits, but amongst it all there's a world-class spa to enjoy. Alongside a pool surrounded by glass, as well as steam rooms and saunas, favourite features include an alfresco sauna and shower as well as a 10 metre outdoor natural pool that offers environmentally friendly, natural bathing in bio-filtered water.
Top tip: The estate is populated by fallow deer and a wealth of other wildlife - see if you can spot them as you swim in the natural pool.
Evening escape at Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, West Sussex
Despite being built as a high society home in 1927, Bailiffscourt Hotel gives the impression of an ancient summer house, while the spa’s architecture is contrastingly modern. Set in 30 acres of private parkland with a moat, and an abundance of wildlife, the medieval-style house is charming whilst the spa is a complete sanctuary with timber framed barn-style architecture and indoor and outdoor pools to luxuriate in on an autumn spa day.
Top tip: If you don't have time for a full spa day, enjoy a sunset escape with their dedicated Evening Sunset package. Arrive at 4.30pm to a glass of sparkling wine, spend time using the facilities, enjoy a 25-minute treatment and then tuck into a delicious two-course dinner.
Rest and rebalance at Cloud Twelve Club, London
The change of seasons can set some of us a little off balance, but Cloud Twelve Club is all about helping us to rest and restore in style. Taking a unique approach to wellness, it's the best of luxury and holistic wellbeing. Spend time reclining on quartz beds, in a rose-infused sauna, eucalyptus-infused steam room and a salt room, visit their experts in herbal remedies and naturopathic medicines in the Wellness Clinic, enjoy treatments in their Salon and tuck into and organic, plant-based brunch in their spectacular brasserie.
Top tip: Knowing that a little of what you fancy does you good, their Rebalance spa day is a delicious treat, with time to enjoy a 30-minute infrared sauna session and use of thermal suite followed by a selection of truffles and a glass of Champagne, as well as plenty of herbal tea.