Top tips for a spa break with friends or partners

The term ‘spa break’ covers a multitude of experiences. From time to yourself to time with a partner, time with friends, to time with a parent. It can be a time for healing and restoration, or celebration and indulgence. Every place you go, every package you choose and every spa treatment you have can help you make the most of the experience. Variety is most definitely the spice of spa life, and while there are abundant ways to enjoy spa experiences, here are a few top tips on the best ways to enjoy a spa break with others, whether it be a group of friends or your partner …

A group spa break with friends

A spa break can be a wonderful way to make time to really catch up with a group of friends, whether it’s one or two of you, or a whole group. Naturally, the number of people will have a bearing on where you choose to go, but the key is finding somewhere you can all enjoy the facilities together, and somewhere you can all have treatments either at similar times or in batches.

The Spa at Carden is a real treat for such occasions. Having updated their facilities in 2019, they now have a veritable theme part of experiences in a two-storey building with a wide range of pools and thermal facilities, all accompanied by a 2,500 square metre spa garden. It even has its own Champagne bar in partnership with Bollinger, and an exquisite hotel if you choose to stay overnight.

Another favourite, is Celtic Manor. The Welsh wellbeing Mecca sits in a vast complex of golf courses and hotel accommodation, but amongst its swathe of spa facilities, it has a beautiful Elemis Herbal Steam, which is the ideal group spa break experience.

Romantic spa breaks for couples

A romantic spa break is all about quality time together, feeling your best and making space to talk or simply be. For this, it’s best to find somewhere with a little extra luxury, and a variety of experiences you can indulge in together. We’re thinking of dual treatment rooms, therapies that can be shared, beautiful surroundings to walk in, intimate spaces to spend time together, and a cracking restaurant to enjoy at the end of the day.

For romantic spa breaks for couples, Hoar Cross Hall is a favourite for its old world charm in the hotel, five star credentials and abundant decadent spa facilities. Equally, Rudding Park in Yorkshire is a treat, with its spectacular rooftop spa garden complete with infinity pool (where Champagne can be delivered to you), and thermal facilities overlooking the grounds, as well as a five-star hotel with award-winning dining experiences.

Group spas break for celebrations

Much like other spa breaks with friends, a group spa break for celebrations such as birthdays, hen parties, stag dos and baby showers needs enough space in the facilities for everyone, and enough treatment rooms for everyone as well. However, the additional challenge is providing entertainment for people who may or may not know one another, and people who may have different ideas as to what constitutes ‘fun’. There may also be different budgets to consider.

Ultimately, you want everyone to have a relaxed time, but with a little extra ‘sparkle’ for the occasion. For these reasons, Whittlebury Hall has been a perennial favourite for groups of friends. Not only does it have one of the most spacious thermal suites around, it also has 23 treatment rooms, and is the reigning monarch of tribute nights and party evenings for group entertainment.

Meanwhile, other destinations offer experiences ranging from cocktail making to surf lessons, and there are options to hire private spaces so you can really spoil a friend or loved one in style. For example, Rockliffe Hall’s spa garden is an adult-only space separate from the spa itself, that you can for private use for up to 20 people.