Why Macdonald Hotels make the perfect group spa break with friends

With destinations across the UK, Macdonald Hotels and Resorts have made a name for themselves for their reliably high levels of hospitality and welcoming approach to spa and general leisure experiences. With a range of facilities and a running theme of plenty of space to unwind in, both inside and out, Macdonald Hotels and spas have become a go-to for group spa breaks with friends, whether for special occasions or simply just because. However, despite the reliable brand leitmotifs, the lovely thing about a Macdonald hotel is the individuality of each one.

Macdonald Randolph, Oxford

A five star hotel in Oxford, The Randolph Hotel is a jewel in the Macdonald Hotels crown. In an iconic building where interiors have been updated in a classic/contemporary style, it has an award-winning restaurant and views of the Ashmolean museum. Meanwhile, the spa is a small and perfectly formed space in which to relax and wind down.

Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel, Warwickshire

A four-star hotel in the land that Shakespeare called home. Alveston Manor is a historic, red brick manor house surrounded by Cotswold villages and only a short walk from all the cultural attractions of Stratford-upon-Avon. It also includes many of the building’s 16th century features into the otherwise contemporary spa.

Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath

Subtly embedded into the historic spa town that is Bath, Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is a five-star destination in an elegant, regency mansion. Enjoy lunch in a beautifully open and light location, and spend time lounging by the pool, enjoying a range of treatments and experiencing a range of leisure facilities. A favourite is the outdoor hydrotherapy pool.

Macdonald Portal, Cheshire

A contemporary hotel set against the rural backdrop of Cheshire and tempered only by the more manicured undulations of the surrounding golf courses, Macdonald Portal is a complete leisure break. Using the Macdonald Collection’s signature product lines, the spa also offers Elemis face and body therapies to complete the experience.

Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa, Berkshire

The main body of the Macdonald Berystede hotel constitutes a historic manor house, with a large staircase and richly coloured interiors. In the reception area of the spa, space is set aside for a bento box lunch and tea is readily available. For larger groups there is the option of a private dining room in the main hotel. Meanwhile, the spa is a contemporary space that looks out onto the modestly sized but amply planted gardens, not least of all from the pool from which you can swim into an outdoor area.

Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa, Hampshire

Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa is one of the finest four-star hotels in Southampton. Set in the heart of Hampshire, it offers award-winning dining. Meanwhile, leisure is about a range of activities from squash courts to thermal facilities.

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel, Cheshire

Close to the Roman town of Chester, Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel is ensconced in 27 acres of mature woodland and gardens, and within the construct of what remains a country house atmosphere. Following a little pampering of their own, Vital Health and Wellbeing Club at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa now combines both leisure and relaxation side by side. Their £1.4 million renovation has left the venue with a state of the art thermal suite, and in addition to pampering treatments offers holistic therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese cupping, and sports physio massages.

Macdonald Crutherland House, Glasgow and Ayrshire

Built in 1705 as a manor house for Lady Dowager of Torence Castle, this Macdonald hotel just outside Glasgow is set amongst 37 acres of countryside and has been extended in more recent years. The Vital Health and Leisure Club at Macdonald Crutherland House has a range of facilities, and its own spa café serving light meals and drinks.

Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa, Shropshire

Located 20 miles from Chester and Shrewsbury, Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel is modern with a forested driveway. In rooms and suites, long French windows that open onto the verdant view. Vital Health & Wellbeing Club at Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel now combines leisure and relaxation alongside one another. So in addition to the gym complete with PowerPlate training; in a glass surround overlooking the fountain and the golf course there is a 20-metre pool which hosts aqua fitness classes, plus a sauna, steam room, experience shower, mud rasul and spa lounge where you can have lunch in the comfort of your robe.

Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa, Glasgow and Ayrshire

The sandy coloured, stone Macdonald Inchyra Hotel is set against its Scottish backdrop in Falkirk. The Vital Health & Wellbeing Club & Spa is an ultra contemporary addition to the traditional building, with a gym, 20-metre swimming pool with glass surround looking onto the verdant hotel grounds. Take some time to try their Lava Shell massages in particular.

Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa, Manchester

Located in the city centre and thus close to the wealth of diverse culture and entertainment that Manchester has to offer, Macdonald Manchester Hotel is an ultra contemporary glass building and the largest four star venue in the area. Many rooms boast sweeping urban views, and all feature hair straighteners and iPod docking stations. It has an award-winning restaurant, and the spa is small but has a wonderful cocoon of a thermal suite. The rock sauna, infra-red sauna and aroma steam room are particularly joyful after a day of shopping and exploring the city.

Macdonald Marine Hotel, Edinburgh and Lothians

A half hour drive from Edinburgh, this refurbished Victorian building on the east coast of Scotland enjoys sea views beyond the verdant landscape. The location is something of an idyllic start to some time out in Scotland - and of that you are reminded from the glass-encased pool. The marine theme continues with a salt water hydro-pool, and of course the experience is complete with beautiful treatments.

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, Cumbria

In a country house that sits pride of place in the Cumbrian countryside, the hotel has its own private jetties on the edge of the location’s most prominent landmark - Lake Windermere, which of course also lends itself to impeccable views from each of the rooms. The rural area means there are plenty of outdoor activities including fishing and forest adventure courses that include high wires and zip wires, to the more sedate Beatrix Potter Museum and Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum nearby. The state of the art leisure facilities and spa really brings all that beauty and space and relaxation.