10 of the top spas with unique bars at beautiful spa hotels

Late night dancing at Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall takes the concept of luxury spa experiences to new heights. The 17th-century property has been transformed into world of its own, offering everything from vast romantic suites to formal gardens and a purpose-built spa. Having spent the day relaxing until you feel your very best, evenings are an opportunity to dress up and party the night away. Start with dinner in celebrity chef Shaun Rankin’s fine dining, pan-Asian Bar and Restaurant Eighty Eight, then head for a night of Gatsby-style glamour and late night partying at Valeria’s subterranean den. Other options also include casual meals at Fletchers Restaurant, heritage style at Norton Bar and Courtyard, healthy dishes in the Three Graces Spa Lounge, and afternoon tea in the Drawing Room.

Punting and cocktails at Graduate Cambridge

Graduate Cambridge is a unique hotel on the edge of the River Cam, imbued with luxury as well as a sense of scholarly sophistication, which is fitting as it's moments from the famous Cambridge University colleges. Unique touches include a DNA double helix light above the front desk in homage to Cambridge alumna Rosalind Franklin and 100-year-old punting boats in the lobby. Spend your days enjoying your surroundings, but make sure to leave time to sit and watch the world go by in the Garden Bar, which extends into the garden itself and serves an educational array of new world wines and cocktails.

Fine wines and champagne at Fairmont Windsor Park

There are actually six restaurants and bars at the expansive Fairmont Windsor Park in Berkshire. This veritable playground of luxury and wellness has so much to offer, you really need at least a full weekend to touch the sides of it. When it comes to food and drink, you can opt for fine dining in 1215 (named in recognition of the year that the Magna Carta was signed just a short walk from the hotel’s location), Middle-Eastern food at the Moreish Restaurant and healthy dishes at Greens Cafe in the spa. The 1215 bar is a real favourite - this is the place for fine wine and plenty of champagne, which seems in keeping with the surroundings. Meanwhile, The Library Club is the place for cocktails, whiskies and brandies, and Schroder’s Botanicals Bar serves smoothies in the morning and international gins in the afternoon. As if that wasn't enough, there's the Orchid Tea Room dedicated to afternoon tea including delicacies from the hotel's own expert Pâtisserie and Chocolatier team.

Sky high views at Shangri-La The Shard

Shangri-La The Shard has a reputation that precedes it. The iconic architectural monument in London stands at an eye-watering 310 metres, and 18 floors up (at about 125 metres high), you will find the Shangri-La hotel. Rise to level 52 and you will then be in the spa. Amongst the Shangri-La's many attributes, the views are definitely a standout feature, whether you're in the aptly named infinity sky pool or one of its multiple bars and restaurants. TĪNG is the Shangri La’s dining experience, with 360-degree views of the city below. Then there are three bars to choose from: the casual Bar 31; GONG, on Level 52, for sunset cocktails; and Sky Lounge, on the 34th floor - the perfect place for views and small plates to nibble on.

Garden style at The Midland

Rena Spa at The Midland in Manchester is a unique experience on every level, and when it comes to food and drink, it's no exception. Adam Reid, The French is their fine dining restaurant, which has received 4AA Rosettes and has been named one of the top 15 restaurants in the UK. It's a glittering space reminiscent of Gatsby glamour and perfect for an elegant evening. Meanwhile, their Mount Street Dining Room and Bar is a luxe space characterised by leather seats, high ceilings and a delicious fusion of contemporary style meets heritage reverence.

City skyline at Intercontinental London - The O2

Bringing you city chic at the heart of London, the Eighteen Sky Bar at Intercontinental London - The O2 is cool, calm and sophisticated, with huge glass windows and unrivalled views of the O2, Canary Wharf, Thames Barrier and Docklands, it’s particularly awe inspiring when the city’s lit up at night.

Champagne spa at De Vere Cotswold Water Park

Bringing all kinds of bubbles together, the spa at De Vere Cotswold Water Park has a Champagne Nail Bar within the spa itself. So when you sit down for that manicure or pedicure, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn it into a special occasion for a proper catch up with friends.

Nightclub at The Belfry

Not merely contented with a bar, The Belfry has its own nightclub within the resort the Bel Air. For those aged 21 and over, it’s a shirts and no trainers kinda place, and is located in a separate building within the hotel grounds, so you can dance the night away without a care in the world and no taxi fares back to bed afterwards.

Racing style at Brooklands

There’s a general racing theme at Brooklands Hotel and spa, thanks to its proximity to the famous racetrack. That continues into the 1907 Restaurant, Bar and Grill, named for when the racetrack was first built, and stylishly decorated to give a modern twist to 1920’s and 30’s décor.

Impeccable views at Aghadoe Heights

Surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural scenery, looking out onto the Killarney’s lakes and mountains, Aghadoe Heights is a peaceful place to sit back with a drink. Whether it’s afternoon tea or drinks in the evening, there’s The Heights Lounge and Piano Bar and for an informal vibe, head to The Terrace Bar; it’s known as Aghadoe’s secret escape and provides the ideal place for pre or post dinner drinks.