Celebrating one of life’s most important romances: top places to spa with friends on Galentine’s Day

For centuries we may all have followed the fairy stories of meeting a partner. However, modern wisdom is swiftly telling women that while a partner is a wonderful thing to have, few people make soulmate status quite as perfectly as a best friend.

It is no accident that journalist Dolly Alderton’s book Everything I Know About Love has been one of the world's best selling books (turned TV mini series) in recent years. Considering friendships to be amongst the most important romances of our lives, her writing resonated with a whole generation of women. Meanwhile, strong and empowered messages of female solidarity have dominated the public sphere all the way to Hollywood. Sisterhood lives on, and more than ever it seems something we are celebrating, not least on Galentine’s Day.

Far from being the singleton’s answer to a day of cuddly bears, chocolate and roses, the idea of dedicating a day to quality time with the people who are probably top of your call list, is empowered and joyful. In fact it is not limited to people who are single at all. It is an occasion that all women can take great pleasure in.

So, for the people who remember your birthday, for the ones who celebrate with you simply because, for the people who have been there for all the significant life events to date, for those people you have known forever and the ones you have only just met but know are going to be lifelong friends. This year, on 13th February, how will you celebrate Galentine’s Day?

Top destinations to spa with friends on Galentine’s Day

Manor House Hotel - Alsager

Saunter up to the swim-up bar - the only one of its kind in the UK - and enjoy the unique 'secret' garden at the unique English Country Spa Garden experience at Manor House Hotel - Alsager. An adult-only spa that's dedicated to beautiful experiences, it's purpose-built and perfect for quality time with your best friends.

The Spa at Breedon Priory

An achingly beautiful and ultra-contemporary country retreat that straddles the line between wellbeing and luxury to perfection. Spend the whole day with loved ones at The Spa at Breedon Priory in the East Midlands, sauntering through the thermal experiences and lounging in the outdoor pools. Perfect for groups is The Hideaway - a secluded, private space away from the rest of the spa for you to have all to yourselves, complete with a double treatment room, private lounge area, shower area, outdoor hot tub, mini bar, fire pit and double lounger. You can have drinks and afternoon tea, then dress up and head into the Terrace Restaurant for a beautiful dinner to cap things off.

The Spa at Carden

On a 1,000 acre estate in Cheshire, The Spa at Carden Park is an adult-only retreat and a beautiful destination to gather with friends. An adult-only spa, set within the grounds of a five-star hotel, the facilities are wide-reaching, from their own vineyard producing its own English sparkling wine to two on-site 18 hole golf courses and a clubhouse. The spa is a destination in its own right, combining a multi-floor indoor experience with an all-season 2,500 square metre spa garden. It's a feast of thermal facilities, as well as a beautiful Champagne bar and a dedicated spa restaurant, so you can spend all day in your fluffy robe and slippers, enjoying one another's company.

The Peak Fitness Club & Spa at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah

Looking for a day that's the height of luxury? It's hard to beat The Peak Fitness Club & Spa at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah. In the heart of Knightsbridge, it's an exceptional wellness destination, set across three floors and offering 360-degree views of London’s iconic skyline and a 20-metre pool with natural light. The 20-metre pool is one of the main attractions - it enjoys a glass roof that lets in the natural light by day and allows you to swim under the stars at night. There are also poolside cabanas, an oversized Jacuzzi and a thermal suite including two steam rooms and saunas - plenty of space to relax and unwind together.

Celtic Manor

Celtic Manor is a returning favourite for groups of friends looking for a spa day or a spa break. The hotel is world-class and vast, offering five-star facilities, multiple restaurant options and bars. The spa is a health Mecca, set within the extensive grounds and with lots of experiences to enjoy together. Facilities include a 20-metre pool overlooking the Rooftop Garden, a gym, enormous Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools. The Elemis Herbal Steam experience in a chamber where small lights mimic the constellations, is a favourite shared therapy, and there are also 16 treatment rooms for Elemis face and body treatments. The cherry on top is the Champagne and Beauty Bar - the ideal place to indulge in a glass of champagne or sip a cocktail while enjoying some heavenly pampering. You can even choose to go VIP with exclusive use for you and your friends.