The best spa hotels in the UK and Ireland take 'OOO' seriously
Listen, guys, I get it. When you’re tired in a way that sleep alone can’t fix, when your body feels overused, your patience is gone, and the idea of sharing a tepid pool with a flotilla of shrieking children feels actively counterproductive, there’s only one thing for it, and that’s a sincerely great spa break.
Of course, all spa breaks aren't created equal. So, in our hunt for the best spa hotels in the UK and Ireland, we took great effort to cast about for destinations with more than decent pools and/or aromatherapy diffusers 'round every corner. Sure, those places have their time and place, but we’re looking for much more than a convenient spot to get in a few mid-week lengths here.
We’re looking for spa hotels that understand that when someone checks in, they are opting out of life’s day-to-day stresses. They’re there to be taken care of – nay, pampered – and that means no competing noise, no unnecessary admin, and no sense that you’ve wandered into someone else’s day out.
As a result, the British and Irish hotels in this list take switching off seriously – staffed by people who take ‘OOO’ as gospel, with amenities that extend far beyond the treatment room. Some are best for a full reset, others for a short, sharp recalibration, but all of them meet the same baseline expectation: if you’re booking a spa hotel because you genuinely need a break, these places guarantee it, and have all been personally vetted by GQ's travel editor, Lela London, or one of her trusted colleagues on the wider team.
Our UK spa hotel guide has been contributed to by various members of the British GQ team, including Lela London, Andrew Saxton, Olivia Vaile, Josephine Judd, Mike Cathro, Mahalia Chang, Jack King, Nathalie Kernot, Emma King and Adam Cheung.
The best spa hotels in the UK and Ireland in 2026, GQ Recommended…
1/20South Lodge, Horsham
- Address: Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 6PS
- Price: From £415 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: Pelegrims Fresh Leaf Fusion Face & Body
South Lodge has solved the perennial couples’ spa-break problem: what if one person wants to swim in a lake and the other wants a Michelin-starred tasting menu? Here, neither has to compromise.
Calling the spa a “spa”, though, feels like an understatement. It occupies 44,000 square feet of the Sussex countryside and contains a sequence of pools that make for a killer circuit: a 22-metre indoor infinity pool, a hot outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a natural swimming pool kept at roughly 14°C and, for the committed, supervised cold-water swims in the lake. There are botanical saunas, salt steam rooms and bucket showers too, so you can spend an entire day moving between temperatures until your body forgets where it actually is.
The treatments are better connected to the land than the usual botanical spa offering, too. South Lodge is fond of singing British skincare brand Pelegrims’ praises, using extracts from vines grown in its own vineyard. The Fresh Leaf Fusion Face & Body treatment, which combines a full-body massage with a facial and the brand’s vinotherapy products, feels appropriately specific to the place, and is probably one of the best treatments I’ve ever had.
Botanica, the spa restaurant, is also dairy-free, Mediterranean-influenced and serious about reducing waste, but mercifully free of the culinary punishment sometimes inflicted in the name of wellness. You can eat there in your robe until early evening, then change for The Pass, Ben Wilkinson’s Michelin-starred, seven-course restaurant set around an open kitchen a few hours later. Basically, South Lodge is one of those blessed places where you can behave like Gwyneth Paltrow all afternoon and abandon well-being entirely by dinner.
2/20Grantley Hall, Yorkshire
- Address: Grantley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3ET
- Price: From £716 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: 111SKIN Yorkshire Rose Gold Journey Face & Body Ritual
Grantley Hall is what happens when someone wonders just how far they might be able to push a luxury hotel stay experience… and never stops.
But before we get ahead of ourselves here – we must start with the spa, The Three Graces. It begins with an almost absurdly Romanesque pool (pale marble, classical columns and a statue of the three graces keeping watch while everyone else drifts about in damp robes) and, from there, you can move into the indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, then out to the Nordic garden for its sauna and ice baths. There’s even a dedicated snow room, because apparently Yorkshire winter wasn’t quite cold enough. The entire space is adults-only (thank the luxury gods) and resident access runs from 1pm on arrival until 1pm on departure, meaning there’s plenty of time to use it properly. Elsewhere, the ELITE performance centre delivers a faint air of Bond-villain wellness, guests can experiment with whole-body cryotherapy, altitude training and an underwater treadmill.
But honestly, that’s just the start. There’s Shaun Rankin’s frankly phenomenal Michelin-starred restaurant, with much of its produce sourced from within 30 miles; the glamorous, Asian-influenced Restaurant EightyEight; and Valeria’s, where champagne, cocktails and live music provide a compelling argument against an aggressively virtuous retreat. Despite all the glamour and finery, Grantley Hall really does manage to feel like a home away from home. Albeit a very grand one.
3/20Seaham Hall, Durham
- Address: Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham SR7 7AG
- Price: From £199 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: ishga Hot Stone Massage
Few spa breaks begin by disappearing down an underground tunnel, but that’s only the start of the magic that comes with staying at Seaham Hall. In its simplest sell, the Georgian house above ground has all the appropriate country-house appeal (sweeping views, chandeliers, a Lord Byron connection) and the Serenity Spa beneath it seems to have never encountered a form of heat or hydrotherapy it didn’t want to share. There’s a 20-metre pool, salt and herbal saunas, eucalyptus steam, plunge pools, water beds and a hammam, as well as a newer Zen Garden, which takes proceedings outside with two heated infinity-edge pools, a cold plunge, fire pits and lounging decks.
Geko, the spa’s Japanese-inspired restaurant, is yet another reason to stay put. You can eat ramen, donburi, karaage and skewers in your robe (which is exactly the sort of behaviour spas should be encouraging, IMO), while the hotel’s other restaurants serve brilliant British- and Mediterranean-leaning cuisine using local ingredients, so you don’t really don’t have to venture out of that robe for much.
With only a couple of dozen bedrooms, Seaham still feels intimate, and several garden suites come with private hot tubs for anyone who feels the day has contained an insufficient amount of immersion. Add the unbelievably close Durham coastline (less than a five-minute walk), and you’ve got yourself a spa hotel you might just consider moving into.
4/20Low Wood Bay
- Address: Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1LP
- Price: From £163 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: Berry & Birch Lost in the Clouds Massage, followed by a long, long time at the face mask bar
Low Wood Bay is for people who look at Lake Windermere and think, “Beautiful, but could I be looking at it from a hot tub?” The answer is yes. But also from an infinity pool, a vitality pool and a wood-fired sauna, should your preferred form of relaxation involve lots of heat and little clothing.
Strictly speaking, this is a resort, but that only really adds to the draw of the spa. You can spend the morning kayaking, paddleboarding or hiking (with Pav Moskala, undoubtedly the star employee of the show), then disappear into the adults-only spa and render yourself pleasantly useless from there on out.
In addition to the outdoor spaces, there is also plenty inside, including salt and herbal saunas, steam rooms and another pool, although on a clear day you would have to prise us away from the Fellside Sauna with force. In a dedicated relaxation area (also accessible post-spa treatments), there is even a face mask bar, LED light therapy masks, and complimentary drinks and snacks.
One small but important detail: full spa access isn’t automatically included with a standard hotel stay. We’d advise booking a proper spa break, which includes a three-hour Thermal Journey, or you’ll have to add it separately. Rooms in the main hotel are perfectly comfortable, but if funds allow, book the Winander Club less than a 60-second walk away. It has lake- and countryside-facing rooms, a private breakfast lounge, rooftop terrace and its own gin and champagne bar. No level of fiscal restraint will beat it, tbh.
5/20Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa
- Address: Boreham Rd, Warminster, BA12 9HH
- Price: From £200 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The Wildsmith Rebalancing Massage: they’ll find — and squeeze out — knotty spots in the last places you’d expect
Just an hour and a half on the train from London, you can find Warminster in a charming little patch of Wiltshirian countryside — the sort of place where it’s all just fields and windy roads, and you can see horses out of the window as you roll towards the train station. From there, it’s just five minutes in a taxi to the Bishopstrow. Based on a remote-ish country estate, it’s a beautiful spot, flanked by pristine, rippling gardens.
But what you’ll notice first, especially if you’re visiting from the cacophonous capital, is the quiet: no cars, no blasting horns, no screaming neighbours. The result is genuine tranquility. That’s often the promise of a luxury getaway hotel, but it’s rare that you’ll find one that actually lives up to it.
Nowhere is this felt more than at the Garden Grill, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, which hosts a beautiful patio terrace overlooking the surrounding grounds. The food is very nice: for a pre-main graze, the olives are delicious with a spicy kick, while the salmon, quail egg and fennel salad burst with freshness. (The Bishopstrow prides itself on sourcing much of its produce via its on-site garden.)
The rooms have a lot of personality without eroding the estate’s historic charm; the junior jacuzzi suite boasts a lovely view of the grounds. And what about the spa? All of the standard spots are here: you’ve got your dry and wet saunas, you’ve got your heated indoor pool, and the outdoor spa — which is currently undergoing renovations, though the outdoor pool has opened as of 31 July — is a rare treat. There’s also a well-stocked gym if you want to keep up your fitness plan, though I’d love it if they added some barbells.
While you await your chosen treatment, you’re invited to have herbal tea in a dimly-lit “quiet room,” before you’re led into a private suite with your masseuse. I went with the full-body treatment, which was incredibly relaxing; they found areas of tension and knotty spots where I didn’t know they could exist. After that, a few more spritzes in the afternoon sun next to the pool. Top marks.
6/20The Balmoral
- Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
- Price: From £520 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The Full-Body Hot Stone Massage for deep, tissue-level relaxation and stress relief
The Balmoral, the five-star hotel situated right in the heart of Edinburgh, is iconic. Yes, that word is thrown around a lot, but this is one of those rare instances where it’s actually true. It hardly needs an introduction, but to set the scene: it was built in 1902 as the North British Station Hotel (to this day, the Edinburgh Waverley Station is right next door, offering direct routes across the UK, including London). After a major £23m refurbishment in 1988, it changed its name to its current iteration, meaning “majestic dwelling” in Gaelic, and James Bond himself (that is, Sean Connery) hosted the reopening in 1991.
The family-run Rocco Forte Hotels Group took over in 1997, which leads us to the present day: the hotelier’s daughter, Irene Forte, launched her first UK spa at The Balmoral in the summer of 2025. At 1,102sqm and designed by DO Design Studio, the quiet, subterranean space harks back to the brand’s Italian roots. Think hand-painted murals of lemon trees in the Sicilian countryside, soft terracotta and sage mosaic tiles twinkling in the warmth of low-lit lighting, and the unmistakable scent of sweet orange blossom floating throughout the lobby and treatment rooms, all designed to evoke the feeling of Mediterranean living.
Speaking of treatment rooms, there are five of them, partially decked out in wood panelling, each housing the comfiest heated massage beds with the plushest duvets imaginable. The list of services is varied – facials, massages, rituals, you name it – but highlights include the full-body hot stone massage, designed to ease anxiety and stress, and the Irene Forte Facial, which cleanses, exfoliates, and rejuvenates. The Irene Forte Spa’s products are delicate, light and natural, from the almond cleansing milk and the lavender foam cleanser, to the apricot penta-acid polish and the prickly pear face cream. Afterwards, you’re invited to relax in the spa’s indoor pool, use the brand-new sauna and steam room, or even take a nap on the daybeds with a green juice.
Outside of the spa, be sure to extend any relaxing break with visits to The Balmoral’s own Brasserie Prince for a Scottish-French steak dinner and the Palm Court for a sublime, award-winning afternoon tea, all delivered with the kind of white-glove service you’d expect from such a prestigious hotel. No request too big, the friendly staff even go as far as to provide kids’ slippers, towels, bath products and a rubber ducky if you’re travelling with children. Just make sure to leave time to visit Cafe Calton, a 10-minute walk from the hotel atop Calton Hill, where you can enjoy the best brunch and panoramic views the city has to offer.
7/20Fairmont Windsor Park
- Address: Bishopsgate Rd, Windsor, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0YL
- Price: From £273 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: Whole Body Cryotherapy to mega-boost endorphins, reduce inflammation, and boost your mood in minutes
Fairmont Windsor Park is the sort of place that messes with your sense of intention. You arrive thinking, ‘okay, this is what a spa break should feel like’, and leave planning black-tie parties, writers’ retreats, and gently feral birthday weekends to ensure you have a reason to return.
Glossy without being showy and grand without being too 'toff', its rooms are havens in their own right: generous, luxurious, and properly thought through. Soft, neutral palettes, deep tubs, excellent beds, and that rare feeling of being somewhere that works just as well for flopping post-spa as it does for sitting up in a robe, newspaper open, pretending you live this kind of life on the reg.
Of course, the spa is where Fairmont Windsor Park earns top spot on this “best of” list. It’s large, beautifully laid out, and refreshingly chilled for the amount – and range – of treatments on offer. Even without booking one (though we’d implore you to), hotel guests can enjoy private indoor and outdoor pools, a salt bed lounging space, a hot tub, and a thermal circuit so comprehensive it adds a loop of rainforest showers to your sauna and steam rooms.
Treatments skew smart yet indulgent – particularly those of the ‘Diamond’ variety. In partnership with Natura Bissé, both The Diamond Well Living Destress Massage and Ultimate Diamond Facial use the brand’s ultra-luxe products (which also happen to be full of hard-working actives) to both de-stress you and improve the health of your skin. For the facial, ultra-experienced technicians even use LED therapy, myofascial massage techniques and an Onyx microcurrent gua sha for added anti-ageing benefits. Our recommendation? Get yourself in for some Whole Body Cryotherapy, then add a few treatments for one of the best self-care days of your life.
8/20SCHLOSS Roxburghe
- Address: Heiton, Kelso TD5 8JZ
- Price: From £230 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The 60-Minute Swedish Massage to let the world-class therapists work their magic
Sitting pretty just above the Scottish border is the Schloss Roxburghe, a historical manor that’s been given a revamp by a group that specialises in that sort of thing. About a 45-minute drive from the nearest station (Berwick-Upon-Tweed), it’s half old-fashioned castle and half swish modern elegance.
The 78-room hotel is mostly known for its lush golf course, which hosts both amateurs and semi-pro competitions alike. But under that, there’s a very good spa, too. The winner of the best hotel spa in Scotland at the World Spa Awards 2025, in fact. So whether that’s the draw itself or you fancy unwinding after hitting 120 over 18 holes (you’ll get ’em next time), it’s worth a visit. It’s tucked underneath the hotel itself, and has a number of treatment rooms, a fully-functional gym, an indoor-outdoor pool, a dry sauna and an aromatherapy sauna.
In terms of treatments, it offers both beauty (facials, scrubs, scalp care) and massages (from deep tissue and hot stone to lighter options) as well as a number of packages encouraging you and your body to ‘reconnect with nature’. For us, the massages went the distance. The Swedish massage starts with picking the right body oils for your vibe (we would highly recommend the rose geranium and warm frankincense combination), and then focusing on quickly and deeply relaxing those muscles using long, repetitive strokes.
Sound basic? We assure you it's not. The therapists at the Roxburghe really know what they’re doing and don’t pull punches, so don’t be surprised if you wander out after like Bambi on ice. Afterwards, you’re encouraged to chill out in the adjoining lounge, which also offers herbal shots, tea and some surprisingly banging spa music.
And if after that, you head out into the heated infinity pool to meditate over the sprawling Scottish countryside, well, who are we to stop you?
9/20No. 124 by GuestHouse
- Address: 124 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FA
- Price: From £153 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The Copper Cove Experience to treat two – whether you’re joined by a partner or a pal – to top-tier relaxation
Nothing quite reconnects you to nature like a seaside escape, and Brighton, with its familiar mix of grit and charm, does a pretty great job of it – whatever the season. Just moments from the pier, you’ll also find No. 124 by GuestHouse, which offers a calming counterpoint to the city’s buzz.
Perched directly on the seafront, this Georgian-style cocoon feels worlds away from the bracing sea air, while still complementing it beautifully. From the moment you step inside, there’s a sense you’re in safe hands. The lobby has a lived-in intimacy with plush chairs, warm candlelight and gentle, comforting aromas that immediately slow the pace. Upstairs, the rooms blend modern comfort with thoughtful vintage touches, from a 50s-style radio playing softly on arrival to a beautifully-chosen vinyl player.
The Field Trip Spa continues the grounded, natural feel. Dressed in earthy tones and anchored by a striking clay wall, the space is flooded with sunlight via a glass feature that frames an ancient olive tree. The signature Lessen Your Stress facial is designed to gently rejuvenate, using sustainably-sourced botanicals to restore glow and leave skin soft and balanced. The most indulgent treatment, though, is the Copper Cove experience – a shared ritual for two that begins with a deep copper bath, followed by side-by-side massages or facials.
This is a dry spa, without a sauna or steam room, but this absence only deepens the sense of tranquillity. The relaxation room encourages stillness, too, with mindfulness books and space to unwind quietly while sipping a homemade detox juice by Donna Batioli (also available in the bar and at breakfast).
Dining at Pearly Cow is an integral part of the stay, with a locally-sourced menu that delivers nourishing, beautifully-plated dishes (of which the Sunday roast is a standout). Guests also have 24/7 access to a well-stocked pantry filled with pick ’n’ mix, popcorn and electrolyte waters, perfect for cosying up in bed. For a winter escape to one of the South’s most beloved seaside spots, this stylish guesthouse promises genuinely the very best R&R.
10/201 Hotel, Mayfair
- Address: 3 Berkeley St, London W1J 8DL
- Price: From £740 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The de-stress massage
First and foremost, 1 Hotel Mayfair has one of the most calming interiors I've experienced in a long time. With warm earth tones contrasted with leafy greens, this is a space that invites relaxation at every turn.
Now the spa. I must say, the masseurs at the Bamford Wellness Spa below 1 Hotel Mayfair might look unassuming, but they're the most unbelievably strong people I've ever had the good fortune of being rubbed down by. Clearly, they've indulged in the plentiful gym facilities at the hotel too.
Beginning with a foot soak and a selection of calming oils, the de-stress massage was undoubtedly the best massage I've had in the UK – and that's just about the highest praise for a London-based massage as I can think of. In fact, I may have nodded off entirely. Be warned.
11/20art'otel London Hoxton
- Address: 1-3 Rivington St, London EC2A 3DT
- Price: From £320 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The deep tissue massage
Starting off with the most vacuous but undeniably important element of your stay; the aesthetics of art'otel are, unsurprisingly, major. The building itself is a striking cylinder of glass just off of Shoreditch High Street, granting every room with a sweeping, panoramic view of the city that is unlike anything I've seen in the area.
Now, getting into the amenities: even in the most reasonably-priced of rooms, guests get access to the gym, the on-site art gallery, the swimming pool (and sauna and steam), an espresso machine and all the rooms are fitted with a complex-but-easy-enough-to-operate air conditioning/heating system.
A particular highlight of my stay, though, was surely the Solaya restaurant and bar. Situated almost above the skyline on the 25th floor of the hotel, Solaya is a French-Mediterranean restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, and both the food and the cocktails are pretty sensational. That focaccia? I still think of it.
Finally, the spa itself. An irrefutably cool and subtly sexy place, the atmosphere of the spa feels expensive and exuberant. The space itself isn't too busy, although all guests have access to the poolside, changing rooms, sauna and steam. The massages, though, is where the calming, deeply aromatic space comes into its own.
12/20The Newt In Somerset
- Address: Hadspen, A359, Bruton BA7 7NG
- Price: From £495 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The ‘Turkish’ treatment, which takes inspiration from the traditional hammams in Istanbul, is next-level
We named The Newt in Somerset as one of the most stylish hotels in the world, and it is every bit as holistic as it is aesthetically pleasing. You only have to watch Kendall Jenner's recent viral AD Open Door to see that we’re all yearning for that grandma-knows-best kinda chic.
Set across over 800 acres of irresistible countryside, the estate houses a labyrinth of gardens, a deer enclosure, apple orchards, and a whole farm — a fully functioning operation that feeds directly into the property’s farm-to-fork concept putting nutritious, high-quality produce at the forefront of all its offerings. That's not to mention its on-site specialists from a honey sommelier to Japanese garden engineers. It’s the kind of circular economy utopia you’d want to seek in event of a zombie apocalypse…
Previously a milk barn, The Newt's spa boasts reclaimed wood beams and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the estate’s serene natural surroundings of sculpted hedges and exotic plants. Take the sauna, for example, which facilitates gazing out at luminous green tropical plants through a large pane of glass. Even the indoor pool has a glass opening that lets you swim outdoors into a heated, open-air jacuzzi.
A sister property to the highly-acclaimed Babylonstoren in South Africa, the spa’s treatments are worth every bit of clout. I tried the hammam, and contest that it’s the kind of treatment that will alter your brain's chemistry. More importantly, the results were lasting: I had smooth skin for weeks afterwards. If you prefer something a bit more low-key, the Newt also offers a garden massage in which you can pick your own botanicals from the herb gardens.
You may lose your sense of time at the spa, and might not get time to get your steps in and explore all of the gardens, so you’ll be happy to know that once you visit The Newt, you’ll have a year's worth of access to its sister estates, which include the likes of Kew Gardens.
13/20Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa
- Address: Ockenden Lane, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, RH17 5LD
- Price: from £257 per night
- Recommended treatment: The Absolute Floatation
What happens when you mix Elizabethan-style legacy with modern wellness techniques? The answer can be found at Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa. Perched on the edge of Cuckfield village and overlooking Cuckfield Park, Ockenden Manor is an oasis among the hustle and bustle of West Sussex, steeped in family history dating back to the 17th century, but welcoming guests from this century.
The hotel has two distinct styles: the historic manor, exuding traditional manor-house charm and quality dining, and the separate contemporary spa building, with modern facilities and suites. With 21 rooms in the main house and six spacious spa suites, there is an intimacy to any stay at Ockenden Manor, especially in the evenings when visiting spa members have departed.
When it comes to the spa, guests are spoiled for choice, with an indoor pool that leads directly through to a heated outdoor section, a thermal suite featuring a sauna, steam room and walk-through rainforest shower. As well as an extensive choice of treatments to purchase, including their signature isopod flotation, massages and facials, all offering unique variations to cater for guests needs.
However, if tradition and history is more to your taste, the manor house is a must. It gives guests the opportunity to enjoy panelled rooms, wooden beams, cosy lounges, open fireplaces and period details combined with contemporary comforts, all in this beautifully preserved Elizabethan manor.
With its timeless spaces and modern touches, it's obvious why it’s become one of PoB Hotels' key properties for a relaxing yet accessible destination. There is nothing quite like a pre-dinner drink in the warmly lit lounge that is home to a drinks cabinet set in what was once the manor's original doorway – it all adds to a sense of indulgence after a day of well-deserved pampering in the spa.
14/20St Brides Hotel & Spa
- Address: St Brides Hill, Saundersfoot SA69 9NH
- Price: From £220 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The St Brides Full Body & Scalp Massage for head-to-toe euphoria
Pembrokeshire is famous for its knockout coastline, and St Brides Hotel & Spa takes full advantage of it. The luxurious coastal retreat gazes across Saundersfoot harbour, with the beach below and a dramatic, cliff-backed coastline stretching beyond. And yes, there’s an iconic infinity pool overlooking it all. Few things beat easing into warm water while watching the tide roll in, steam rising as the horizon blurs into calm.
The hotel itself has the charm of a traditional seaside stay: elevated yet understated, with a team who simply can’t do enough for you – not least of which, in the spa. Having visited numerous spas across Europe, this one comfortably ranks as a favourite. The thermal suite offers a variety of experiences including a Himalayan salt room, an infrared therapy room, and the much-loved classic sauna and steam rooms. There’s also a relaxation space with floor-to-ceiling sea views, perfect for reading, sitting or pondering, with tea, coffee and fruit close at hand. Heated loungers are a winter blessing, too – especially after a dash back indoors from the hot tub.
Treatments lean into the hotel’s coastal setting, using marine-sourced products designed to harness the ocean’s natural healing powers. The 55-minute St Brides Full Body & Scalp Massage is a standout: firm but soothing Swedish strokes that send you into that half-awake, half-dreaming state you never want to leave. Even the treatment rooms have ocean views; I enjoyed an early evening massage as the sun dipped and darkness crept across the water… bliss.
Food, thankfully, more than keeps pace. The wraparound glass restaurant and bar make the most of those aforementioned views, while the menu reads like something you want to order twice over. Lobster ravioli, seaweed-cured salmon, Dover sole that melts at the touch of a fork, a fillet of beef with lobster beignet, charred octopus with onion velouté – cue serious food envy from neighbouring tables. Dessert lover or not, do not skip the apple mousse with cinnamon crumble and Pembrokeshire cider sorbet. Just order it. Trust me.
15/20The Londoner
- Address: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
- Price: From £391 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The Golden Body Treatment to slough away all that Big City stress
The Londoner’s spa understands its role in the city. This is not a rural retreat fantasy, but a smart, subterranean space designed for people who could benefit from taking a Big City beat. Tucked beneath Leicester Square, the descent alone feels deliberate – a shift in pace, light, and temperature that signals you’re stepping away from stress and into something much, much softer.
The pool acts as a kind of ‘holding area’ between treatments, and while it’s busy on a Saturday, it’s not unpleasantly so – just very much a product of its postcode and the sets of friends and couples wanting to kick back before their big London nights out. If solitude is non-negotiable, you’ll want to book a midweek stay or early morning slot, although the treatment rooms themselves are complete sanctuaries.
The ‘Golden Body’ scrub ritual is a standout (thorough, physical, and unapologetically effective in the quest for smooth skin), but there is truly a treatment or two for everyone. Omorovicza facials and massages, Hiro Miyoshi’s luxe Japanese hair treatments, Joe Vipond on gentlemen's grooming, et al.
Then there’s all the extra amenities – like the private spaces for guests to relax away from the hoi polloi and the world-class gym – which elevate the whole experience. Take 8 at The Londoner; the rooftop atrium is tranquil in a way that feels almost surreal given the location, and it’s an ideal post-spa landing spot – especially for sushi and refined Japanese cocktails. Ultimately, The Londoner offers the ability to both unwind and float back into London life – polished, scrubbed, and slightly happier – without missing a beat. We adore it.
16/20Sopwell House
- Address: Sopwell House, Cottonmill Ln, St Albans AL1 2HQ
- Price: From £299 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The Ultimate Rebalancing Facial by Aromatherapy Associates to cleanse and hydrate stressed-out and sensitive skin
There’s a corridor of Sopwell House spa in St Albans that is lined with football shirts signed by athletes who have played for England, Manchester United, Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool. It's on the main drag between the hotel bedrooms and the spa, so chances are most guests get to see it. I imagine the point being this: if the spa is good enough for superstar footballers then you can bet your bottom dollar it’s good enough for you as well. And you’d be right.
For one, being on the outskirts of town means that there is space. By which I mean: a pool big enough to swim lengths in without disturbing other people, and one that has plenty of loungers (read: no need to wake up at 7am to reserve one) around it. Next to the pool are two hot tubs with pumping jacuzzis to help you properly wind down, and a sauna and steam room that are both spotless (and appropriately hot). There’s a gym for those who fancy a workout, while treatments include massages and facials, with cosmetics supplied by Elemis (which also supplies your bathroom toiletries). Word of warning: the spa is so popular that treatments book up quickly: we’d advise booking both your rooms and treatments well in advance to ensure you get everything you want, when you want it.
On the food front, you can choose between the Brasserie and Asian-fusion Omboo. The Brasserie offers more traditional dishes while Omboo has an extensive menu of sharing plates or an à la carte menu. Our recommendation? Let Quentin and Snehal take care of you at Omboo: both of them are full of ideas for wine and food pairings.
With its facilities (including, we noticed, in-room air con for excellent breaks from any future heatwaves), its space and its setting in the Hertfordshire countryside, Sopwell House is quite simply wellness, done well.
17/20Montcalm Mayfair
- Address: 2 Wallenberg Pl, London W1H 7TN
- Price: From £282 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The Chakra Body Realign Ritual is a treatment that rebalances… well, seemingly everything
Located on a picturesque Park Lane road, approaching Montcalm Mayfair’s magnificent entrance conjures big screen images of the extravagant and beautiful London streets. The effect is turbo-charged by the appearance of a chipper, flat cap-wearing door man in head-to-toe tweed.
From the lobby and beyond, the décor flaunts tasteful Art Deco flourishes that bring an air of luxury to proceedings, and a lift cocooned in gold will take you upstairs (to the Marquis Suite if you're lucky). Boasting a fantastic view of the city, the elegant room serves as a perfect spa getaway base. The design carries on the subtle post-modern nods with rich, heavy furniture, brass light fittings and dark warming colours on the walls as well as a king-size bed that will work wonders on any kind of sleep deficit.
Not relaxed enough? That’s what the renowned Yatra Spa is for. We enjoyed a Chakra Body Realign Ritual, and couldn’t recommend it enough. Lasting an hour and a half, this holistic treatment has been developed broadly to realign your chakras and re-energise you — but the therapists are particularly attentive at ensuring they tailor the experience to the individual. It’s a bit of magic – much like the spa itself. A hidden sanctum, it is minimally-styled in neutral colours and warming wood with an ambient glow. On offer is a steam room and infrared sauna, a mineral plunge pool and a bubbling jacuzzi, all of which make it feel a bit like your own personal grotto.
Foodies will love the easy access to Lilli by Akira Back, too. The restaurant is a unique blend of Japanese cooking and British produce heightened by Korean influences. Sophisticated yet cool with some real moments of grandeur, the dining area is lined with sumptuous booths, perfect for intimate dining moments. Go for the tasting menu (feat. the gooiest baked Alaska you’ll ever eat) with paired wines and thank us later.
18/20Drift Farmhouse
- Address: Droimnin Farmhouse, Corderrybane, Bree Upper, County Monaghan, Ireland
- Price: From £3,950 per week, £2,950 per short break
- Recommended spa treatment: The private pool-to-outdoor-hot-tub experience was almost as good as the massage, to be honest
Arriving at Drift Farmhouse in the evening sets the tone immediately. The surrounding Irish countryside is completely unlit and properly dark, but ahead the farmhouse appears softly illuminated in the distance. Guests are greeted personally by the owner and shown through the property – a small but telling detail that establishes how the place is run.
The house sleeps up to ten guests across five bedrooms, with a smaller six-person option available if the annex isn’t required. Two bedrooms feature zip-and-link beds that can be configured as doubles or twins, while the annex bedroom comes with its own en suite. In the main house, two family shower rooms are shared between the remaining bedrooms, with an additional separate WC. It’s a layout that works very well for groups, avoiding the usual bottlenecks that come with larger stays.
What sets Drift Farmhouse apart is that everything you need is already there. The kitchen is fully equipped with two ovens, an induction hob, dishwasher, fridge, and freezer. Outside, there’s private parking for up to five cars, football goals, table tennis, and a fire pit with firewood ready to go. Practical details are well considered, too: wellies are provided for countryside walks, removing the need to overpack the night before.
Of course, the spa facilities are the real focus here. The indoor endless pool (complete with an underwater treadmill) feels purpose-built. Alongside it sits a sauna, and outside a hot tub positioned for privacy and comfort. There’s also a studio space that works equally well for yoga, stretching, or a light gym session. Despite its small size, guests can choose from a selection of treatments. The deep tissue massage is straightforward and effective, focusing on proper muscle release rather than indulgence, and afterwards, access to the pool, sauna, and hot tub encourages a slower pace without feeling prescriptive.
Waking up here feels peaceful, like an extension of the spa, with nothing demanding attention beyond making coffee, stepping outside for a walk, or sitting in the library with a book. The farmhouse itself carries real history, too. Originally built by the owner’s grandfather and renovated in 2023, it remains closely tied to the King family, who’ve lived in the area since the 18th century. That sense of continuity comes through in the way the house is run: personal, grounded, and quietly confident. Drift Farmhouse doesn’t push the idea of escape. It simply offers space, comfort, and facilities that work – and once you’re there, everything is taken care of. The makings of a proper break.
19/20Harbour Hotel Richmond
- Address: 152-158 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP
- Price: From £104 per night
- Recommended spa treatment: The Work It Out massage if you want to completely unwind from a day walking or cycling around Richmond Park
The beauty of Richmond, or any of the surrounding areas, is that you can feel like you’ve completely escaped London without having to separate yourself from the convenience of the Tube. Situated at the top of Richmond Hill, Harbour Hotel has captured that elevated staycation vibe perfectly. Whether you’re travelling to London and just want a few days of peace and quiet, or you live in the city and need a few moments of calm on a rare day off, think of it as the city spa that still feels like the country.
The décor follows this credo with simple but spacious rooms that are connected to the spa itself, meaning you can walk downstairs in your robe and feel instantly relaxed.
You’ll be talked through your preferences for each treatment, given a consultation, and then you’re in for an hour (at minimum) of total relaxation. We tried the Work It Out massage for 60 minutes, but would honestly suggest upgrading to the 90 minute treatment if your budget allows – it’s just so incredibly therapeutic. You do want to leave time to use the facilities after any treatment, too, as they’re expansive (see: sauna, steam room, swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, cold plunge and Scandinavian hot tubs). The hot tubs are one of the best parts of the whole place, in fact, set underneath some trees to help you feel totally removed from society (Note: they can get busy on the weekend).
It is very much the location that makes this spa hotel so impressive, with long walks through the park right on your doorstep, and wellies to borrow at reception. Do note that if you’re a cyclist (as so many people who plan to visit Richmond Park are) there’s no dedicated space to lock up your bike. Plan effectively, though, and this might just become your favourite hotel in London.
20/20W London
- Address: 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF
- Price: From £472 per night
- Recommended treatment: The Saturn Returns treatment for a little bit of spirituality and a whole lot of stress-release
Situated just around the corner from Leicester Square, the W London is an elegant, understated building, landmarked by a still-elegant but much-less-understated giant LED letter “W”. Upstairs, the twinkly, dark-tiled foyer gives way to a luxe warren of sharply designed spaces, from the double-height dining room to a circular fireplace seating area in the bar – a modern take on a ’70s conversation pit.
The rooms themselves have full-length windows with views over the square or across into Soho. They’re sleek and semi-minimalist: simple design elevated with unexpected touches like a statement wallpaper or a chandelier.
iPad-controlled rooms are high-tech, but it's the spa's Saturn Returns treatment that impressed the most. A holistic experience, it's more than just a massage. The package begins with breathwork, followed by a sound bath that tingles deliciously on the skin, and then the massage, in two parts. First, a muscle-melting oil massage, then a poultice massage that feels like being gently, wonderfully manipulated with hot pebbles. Finally, the lymphatic facial will de-puff, de-stress and de-everything your face.
How we chose the best spa hotels
Every hotel in this guide has been personally reviewed by a GQ writer or editor and tested against a number of factors we deem imperative to be crowned one of the best spa hotels in the UK.
Putting a facility through its paces meant testing treatments, spending a prune-worthy amount of time in any pools and thermal areas, eating in the restaurants, and sleeping in the rooms. We paid close attention to how the spa functions, as well: who else is allowed to use it, how busy it gets, how well it’s managed, and whether the atmosphere holds throughout the day. And, just as importantly, we considered whether the experience justified the cost (because, let’s be real, going broke for a sub-par massage is no-one’s idea of relaxing).
If it’s on this list, someone from our team has been there, used that, and would go back in an instant.
