Top spas and spa breaks for healthy eating and nutrition

Healthy eating and nutrition are an essential part of any hotel getaway, but especially a spa experienced focused on boosting health and wellness. Every year we learn more about the importance of nutrition when it comes to overall wellbeing, from overall happiness to the impact of our gut health on our emotional and neurological in addition to physical wellness. However, food is also a joyful part of a spa break too. Here are a few spa hotels that turn leisurely lunches, healthy brunches, and decadent dinners into an experience worth visiting for, all in their own right.

Spa breaks for healthy eating and nutrition:

Eating for wellbeing at Champneys, UK wide

A wellness bastion, known for their luxurious and knowledgeable approach to health and wellbeing, it was founded by naturopath Stanley Lief in 1925. Much of its ethos centres around showing that health and indulgence do not have to be mutually exclusive, and that healthy eating and nutrition can be rewarding and fun as well. As a result, their healthy eating philosophy is a cornerstone of the experience. Alcohol is limited; instead they offer a bounty of healthy fare that celebrates British heritage as well as an international influence. Everything that’s served is innovative and tantalising, designed to make you feel your best by the time you leave.

Plant-based cuisine: Glass House Retreat, Essex

The ultra-modern, eco-friendly Glass House Retreat in Essex has many things to recommend it, but one key element is its nutritional offering. They focus on plant-based cuisine - a healthy vegan menu of seasonal fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains—local, fresh, and delivered daily. The whole purpose is to make you feel cared for, happier and healthier than when you arrived as part of a luxury detox and wellness retreat.

A full health assessment at SENSORY Wellbeing at Pan Pacific London

Making waves as a state-of-the-art wellbeing experience within a luxury hotel, SENSORY Wellbeing at Pan Pacific London offers holistic wellbeing but is also very much the spa of the future. A fusion of all the best things you could ask for in a spa, go there to rest and relax, or to level up when it comes to health and wellbeing. There's a world of wellness facilities to enjoy, from the impressive infinity pool to treatments combining Western science and clinical research with South East Asian traditions. You can also book to have a full Body Assessment as part of their spa experience, with data, reports and biofeedback to help improve your long-term wellbeing, featuring 360-degree assessment with a food intolerance and allergy testing with their in-house nutritionist.

Nutritious and delicious at Ragdale Hall Spa, Leicestershire

An all-inclusive retreat, Ragdale Hall Spa is a real destination spa, where everything is about the wellbeing experience. Nestled into the Leicestershire countryside, they have been at the forefront of wellbeing innovation for more than 30 years, providing space to rest, relax, and enjoy. You can choose from more than 100 spa treatments, spend time in the thermal spa, which comprises over 12 heat and water experiences, and don't forget to lounge in the rooftop infinity pool. Food is an intrinsic part of the experience, and Ragdale Hall prides itself on being able to cater to health and wellbeing as well as gourmet taste buds.

Sustainable sustenance at The Spa at Breedon Priory, Derbyshire

The Spa at Breedon Priory is a modern, purpose built, day spa experience that's designed to make you feel fab. Make it a luxurious and indulgent getaway or a well-being retreat - either way it's all about feel-good-factor. Alongside the Wellbeing Suite complete with an impressive pool and lots of natural light, there's a private Hideaway you can book and have to yourselves. Their on site restaurant serves stylish, sustainable dishes while you enjoy views of the grounds. Almost everything is sourced locally and seasonally, whether you're tucking into classic cocktails, a beautiful breakfast or an elegant evening meal. We love their house granola with blueberry compote in the morning, their mezzo platter at lunch and we'd never say no to their caramelised apple worm mini doughnuts for dessert.

A dairy-free and zero-waste restaurant at South Lodge, West Sussex

South Lodge is an achingly beautiful hotel and spa in the South Downs, enjoying 93 acres of tranquil grounds, luxury accommodation, award-winning restaurants and exceptional style. Amongst its prized features is the eco-friendly spa, complete with a grass and sedum roof, and lots of beautiful facilities, especially its outdoor hydrotherapy pool, swim pond and thermal suite. Botanica is their dairy free, sustainability and health-focused Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in the spa. It is where head chef Jonathan Spiers draws on the South Downs as a larder for fresh ingredients. It offers a largely plant based menu, including inspired dishes like the Wasted Burger, made entirely from the pulp from the freshly prepared morning’s juices.

Sustainability star at Chewton Glen, New Forest

A famously luxurious hotel, Chewton Glen is a five-star getaway with a wealth of unique features. In addition to suites in the main house they have the Treehouses set high among the trees in a secluded valley. The spa takes inspiration from its coastal surroundings, with its prized feature a hydrotherapy pool with 13 jet stations to ease muscle aches and pains, a communal steam room, an outdoor whirlpool and drench showers. The hotel’s Dining Room restaurant is a celebrated destination in its own right. It is a Three-Star Sustainability Champion with the Sustainable Restaurant Association, ensuring the quality of ingredients, and also three AA Rosettes. For an informal dining experience visit The Kitchen, with an open plan layout offering you the chance to watch the chefs at work.