Soho Farmhouse, a beloved rural haven for stressed-out Londoners, has unveiled a newly revamped and expanded outdoor spa concept – the Lazy Lake. Imagine four Japanese-inspired, Onsen-style sunken hot tubs seemingly floating on the lake’s surface. You can personalize your soak by adding soothing natural mineral salts, hand-harvested detoxifying seaweed, or even indulge in an organic clay face mask! But the delights don’t stop there. The spa also boasts infra-red sauna pods, ice Cryo huts, and an outdoor massage pavilion. And if that’s not enough, renowned skincare brand Sunday Riley has set up shop at the farmhouse, offering relaxing-meets-efficacious facials. Combining Korean facial massage techniques to contour and alleviate tension with glow-boosting active ingredients like vitamin C, these treatments are a true treat. Escape to the countryside and experience the ultimate blend of relaxation and skin rejuvenation at Soho Farmhouse’s Lazy Lake.
No. 42, Margate: A Coastal Retreat for Body and Soul
If a seaside escape is what you crave, look no further than No. 42, Margate. Just under two hours from London, this haven sits close to the beach, a short stroll from the charming town. Beyond its aesthetically pleasing, coastal-inspired bedrooms, featuring natural woods, cream fabrics, and traditional rolltop baths, No. 42 offers exceptional spa treatments. The Copper Cove, a two-person, 90-minute experience, is a must-try. Begin with a relaxing soak in a huge copper tub filled with magnesium salt-infused water, and end with an incredible massage, including a soothing scalp treatment. We guarantee you’ll leave No. 42 feeling completely refreshed and revitalized.
The Spa at Cliveden: A Historic Haven for Wellness
An hour or so from London lies Cliveden, a sublime stately home nestled within 400 acres of breathtaking British countryside. Once a favorite retreat of Winston Churchill, this jewel in the crown boasts a remarkable spa that instantly transports you to another realm as you ascend its renowned stained glass staircase. Beyond the excellent facials and massages, you’ll find specialized treatments, including IV infusions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and naturopathy that change seasonally. Experience the Seasonal Autumnal Nourishment, a combination of hot and cold therapies designed to refocus the mind and detoxify the body. But the real gem is the Meadow Hut, a standalone cabin set in one of the property’s wild meadows. This bespoke treatment is designed to cocoon and re-energize, starting and ending with a mind-moving sound bath and including a full body massage. The Meadow Hut’s secluded location creates an immersive and truly unforgettable experience. With full-sized indoor and outdoor pools, Cliveden’s spa is perfect for a restorative getaway any time of year.
Foxhills: A Family-Friendly Wellness Destination
Just an hour’s drive from central London, Foxhills in Ottershaw, Surrey, is a health and wellness destination that caters to the entire family. With five swimming pools, two championship 18-hole golf courses, plus a nine-hole course, and a wealth of children’s activities, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy. The spa offers indulgent Elemis facials and massages along with more targeted treatments like sports therapy. Indulge in the steam rooms, Finnish saunas, yoga cabin, and cycle studio, or relax in the spa garden featuring a chemical-free, natural swimming pool purified by plants and minerals. The family pavilion provides a dedicated space for kids to be entertained while parents enjoy spa treatments. Foxhills is a perfect destination for a family getaway that combines fun and relaxation.
The Signet Spa at The Retreat at Elcot Park: A Historic Retreat for Water Lovers
The Retreat at Elcot Park, a newly renovated hotel and spa in West Berkshire, is a historic retreat steeped in history, once the country home of Lady Shelley, mother of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. This spa is a paradise for water enthusiasts, with a sizable outdoor pool heated for year-round enjoyment and an indoor hydrothermal suite featuring a “wellness pool” with bubble loungers and water cannons. The spa uses the UK-based organic aromatherapy brand ila Spa for its facials and massages. While treatments are available to non-guests, a Signet Spa Club membership unlocks unlimited access to the pools plus complimentary PT sessions in the gym, tennis courts, and spin studio.
Ragdale Hall: A Picturesque Escape with a Bespoke Touch
Nestled in rural Leicestershire, Ragdale Hall offers a picturesque escape from the city without a long travel time. Its unique approach to health, beauty, and well-being creates a laid-back and truly bespoke experience for each guest, whether you’re staying overnight or just enjoying the spa for the day. The spa’s extensive offering includes several pools, each with its own unique charm. The rooftop infinity pool features massage jets and stunning countryside views, while the candle pool is a haven of light, warmth, and water, providing the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. The thermal spa offers a world of ways to regularize your mind and body, with spaces like the “Colorflow Cave,” a volcanic salt bath, and a rose sauna. For something truly special, we recommend the Balinese massage. Unique to Ragdale Hall but originating in Indonesia, this 90-minute treatment features long, strong movements, perfect for boosting poor circulation, releasing toxins, and improving energy levels.
The Sequoia Spa: A Luxurious Haven with a Holistic Approach
Less than an hour from central London, the luxurious Sequoia Spa has something for everyone. Highlights include the inviting black mosaic tiled pool, the Natura Bissé and ESPA treatments, and a rotating program of wellness programs and residencies. It’s also one of only a few ESPA and Wellness for Cancer spas, offering Be Nurtured treatments designed specifically for those living with or recovering from cancer. The spa also features Bamford, offering holistic treatments such as the Wellness facial, leaving you feeling zen and rejuvenated. They’ve also incorporated Western and Eastern massage techniques like shiatsu, Swedish, and Ancient Thai into their treatments for an ultimate massage experience. The gym boasts state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym and Peloton and offers classes in the fitness studio. The recently renovated Mansion suites, designed by Martin Hulbert Design, beautifully complement the Georgian features. Be sure to leave time for a stroll through the walled garden, which hosts an Everyman outdoor cinema and a beach during the summer.
Sopwell House: A Luxurious Escape with a Touch of History
Sopwell House, reachable in about an hour from London by car or even faster by train, boasts the Cottonmill Spa, which has recently undergone a revitalization. The members-only addition, The Club, features an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a spa garden with cabanas and hot tubs, saunas, a salt steam room, and more. The main Cottonmill Spa offers Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates treatments, two vitality pools, an indoor pool, sauna, and steam rooms. The private Mews Suites, set within their own landscaped gardens with access to the hydro pool, are a perfect home away from home for families. Dining options include the new Omboo restaurant, which offers sushi and Asian-inspired sharing dishes, or simply relax in your robe in The Pantry. Sopwell House is the ideal weekend escape.
Hartwell House Spa: A Blend of History and High-Tech
Just over an hour from London, a beautiful Georgian stately home awaits – Hartwell House. This National Trust-owned manor house, where Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, and his wife Marie Josephine held court from 1809 to 1814, offers a unique blend of history and modern luxury. Expect a Bridgerton-worthy experience with maximalist sitting rooms, vast grounds full of follies, and unforgettable afternoon teas. This historic grandeur is contrasted with the high-tech treatments on offer. Hartwell House Spa is one of the few spas in the country offering treatments from the celebrity-beloved 111, including cryotherapy, quartz stone massage, and a redness-eliminating Signature Harley Street Facial. Of course, you can also enjoy the steam room, sauna, and extremely stylish swimming pool.
