From beaches to historic cities and hiking along the coast, one spa break in Wales will never be enough.
Whether you've been 100 times, live there or are visiting for the first time, one of the wonderful things about a spa break in Wales is there are so many different experiences to be had.
Coast, country, city, mountains - Wales has it all in great and glorious abundance. The spas in Wales embrace their surroundings and regional heritage, offering warm hospitality and beautiful therapies, while beyond their walls you will find attractions and entertainment that beg you to turn your trip into a long weekend getaway.
Here are just a few of our top recommended things to do and places to stay on a spa break in Wales.
Wales is practically synonymous with its famous Snowdonia National Park - a feast of impressive waterfalls, ancient woodland, glacial landforms and the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway, which climbs to the summit of Wales's highest mountain. For nature lovers and fans of a good hike, time spent in Snowdonia National Park is a treat, with multiple walking routes to suit different activity levels.
Wales is brimming with history and a sense of mythological magic, which is very much enhanced by its many castles. With 427 of these impressive structures in total, it's perhaps no surprise that Wales has been referred to as 'the land of castles' - and of course, many are open to visit. Head to Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle or Cardiff Castle - to name a few.
The rugged coastline in Wales is another of its many aspects, with each beach offering something different to enjoy or explore. Whether you fancy hunting for Jurassic fossils, corals and echinoids at Llantwit Major, swimming at Tor Bay in Swansea, watching the world go by in Tenby, or simply enjoying the rich beauty of Carmarthen Bay - a trip to the beach is always a good idea.
There's no shortage of beauty spots for walking and hiking in Wales, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one that's certainly worth the journey. Encompassing 240 square miles of natural wonders, it's one of three national parks in Wales, the others being the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. It includes over 200 circular walks, whether you fancy a half-day route or a gentle stroll - either way, the views are marvellous.
Portmeirion is a unique experience if you are visiting North Wales. The Italianate style village brings Mediterranean architectural charm and perfectly manicured gardens to this coastal spot overlooking the estuary of the River Dwydrd. It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 and is now owned by a charitable trust, leaving it available to enjoy and explore. Spend the day soaking up the vibes, having lunch and taking in the views.
The capital city of Wales offers heritage, culture and vast amounts of entertainment, whether you're a history buff or fancy a night out. On a spa break in Cardiff, take a trip out to historic Flat Holm island, explore St. Fagans National Museum of History, go to a concert at Principality Stadium, or enjoy the waterfront bars and restaurants. Sometimes the best plan is to have no plan.
Having mentioned Wales' other National Parks, we couldn't leave out the Brecon Beacons. This mountain range in South Wales includes the area's highest mountain, Pen y Fan, and offers everything from nature reserves and woodlands to working farms and wildflower fields. Visitors can walk, hike, stargaze, enjoy water sports, pony trekking or even go rock climbing and abseiling.
The former home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Anglesey is a beautiful place to visit, with lots of things to do. An island off the mainland's northwest coast, it's accessed by the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge. The medieval town of Beaumaris is a particularly famous spot, known for its eponymous castle with concentric fortifications. It's also popular for its beaches, coast, wildlife and outdoor adventures.
The Llŷn Peninsula AONB is known for some of the most outstanding scenery in Wales, and that's really saying something. Known for its sea stacks, hill forts, sandy beaches and heritage sites, it extends 30 miles into the Irish Sea from North West Wales. Well known sights include Criccieth Castle, the market town of Pwllheli, the village of Abersoch, and the sheltered Llanbedrog Beach with its colourful beach huts overlooking Cardigan Bay.
With so many wonderful places to go and things to see, you will also need somewhere to stay, and some time to relax and unwind. Wales is blessed with a wide variety of spa destinations, each offering something unique and special. Here are a few favourites to inspire your travel plans.
Perhaps best known for its golf courses, Celtic Manor has something for everyone. The extensive, five-star property has a wealth of things to recommend it, from an array of restaurants to three golf courses and an expansive spa experience. The Elemis Herbal Steam chamber complete with a 'starry sky' is a beautiful experience, there's a 20-metre pool overlooking the Rooftop Garden, and 16 treatment rooms are just the tip of the iceberg.
A unique experience on the mid Wales border, Bryn Tanat is a tranquil riverside escape where you stay in self-catered lodges and eco pods. The spa is a haven of contemporary wellness, that's a real treat for couples or small groups of friends. Favourite features include the natural surroundings, the large hydrotherapy tub, infrared sauna, red light therapy and experience shower, and the architecture of the spa, which blends with the landscape.
A day is never enough at The Vale Resort thanks to a wealth of space and facilities, which make a spa break feel like a week-long holiday with something for everyone. Surrounded by 650 acres of Welsh countryside, there are tennis courts and golf greens, an award-winning restaurant and a popular Champagne bar. The spa features six relaxation zones, a host of facilities and 19 treatment rooms. Alongside using brands including TEMPLESPA and Clarins in their treatments, they have produced their own Maychang Halo product range for clients to enjoy at home, using Welsh sea salt.
Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia is a unique destination surrounded by mountains and valleys. The contemporary retreat is set within the most magnificent landscape, enjoyed with views from all aspects of the hotel. The Wave Garden Spa continues that theme, with a fragrant thermal journey flows around the warm vitality waterfall pool, which, along with the steam room and an oversized Himalayan salt sauna, looks out across the lagoon, leading to the mountains and forests beyond, all bringing you closer to nature. They also have five beautifully styled treatment rooms, as well as a Moroccan-inspired hammam, where you can enjoy relaxing face and body treatments created by the award-winning Tribe517 brand.
voco St Davids Hotel Cardiff is a romantic five-star luxury hotel with a blissful wellness destination inspired by the sea. It's in a prime location on the city's waterfront, overlooking the water and Penarth Marina, giving a little sense of riviera style in the heart of Wales. As well as facilities including a hot tub, sauna and hydrotherapy pool, their treatments use ishga products with ingredients including sustainably harvested seaweed from the Hebridean Islands in Scotland.
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