Miraculous ‘me’ time in 24 hours? Hell yes it’s possible, just as long as the location is pitch perfect. From pimped-up pampering to plunge pools, discover our pick of luxurious spa days in the South West
Homewood, near Bath
Wilt into wellness within the relaxing confines of a new kind of country house, Homewood, a stunning location for that much-needed me time.
The Somerset countryside spa has a whole raft of day treatments to choose from, including Luxury & Wellness, Refresh & Relax and Twilight Spa, all offering a combination of bespoke treatments together with the chance to visit the indoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room. And not forgetting the heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub with views across the Avon Valley.
While it’s still warm enough, take advantage of Homewood’s recent outdoor expansion where thermal experiences include a vitality pool, outdoor sauna, experience showers, plus a chilled spot where you can relish quiet reflection while taking in the dopamine-inducing panorama of Somerset. Read our review of the newly developed spa.
Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay
For spa beauty both inside and out, Cary Arms’ coastal spa is the place to go, with its giant glass window showcasing the unspoiled charm of Babbacombe Beach.
The afternoon spa package combines one treatment – a back neck and shoulder massage or a facial – with two hours use of all facilities (including a waterfall hydrotherapy pool, steam room and exotic experience shower) followed by afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and a glass of Prosecco, all for £95. For those who can’t simply can’t step away from the nine to five, opt for the twilight spa experience, which includes use of the facilities, a glass of Prosecco and a three-course dinner for £75.
Soulful skincare is an absolute must to complement the surroundings and, happily, this spa uses organic and vegan skincare brand GAIA, whose entire range is handmade in the UK using artisan methods.
Monart Spa, Dorset
Poundbury isn’t only famous for being the classy extension to Dorchester keenly backed by King Charles III, it’s also home to the luxurious Monart Spa.
Three experiences are on the spa day menu, two of which last for three hours, while the full monty is an indulgent five hours of bliss. Even so, all options include access to the famous thermal suite which features a caldarium (a heated room with a plunge bath loved by the Romans), a Himalayan salt grotto (a salt and steam treatment room to soften the skin, aid circulation and ease existing breathing difficulties), a sanarium (a halfway house between a sauna and steam room), a Polaris ice fountain, a hydrotherapy pool. And breathe.
Treatments – which need to be booked according to the spa experience – range from Fire & Ice Facial to Papaya-Pineapple Crème Fraîche Wrap to the Ultimate De-Stressor Swedish Massage, typically using skincare from either award-winning Pevonia Botanica or the organic brand Made for Life.
Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath
Luxuriate in a retreat on Bath’s most erudite street, even if just for a day. The Royal Crescent spa delivers R&R in spades within its landmark building’s walls.
Not just one but five spa days are available to pick from, although rest assured all are gratifyingly spoiling. The Half-Day combines 60 minutes at the spa with a 60-minute treatment and a two-course lunch, the Serene Day features an aromatherapy massage, facial, 60 minutes at the spa facilities and a two-course lunch or afternoon tea. However, the high point of Royal Crescent’s spa menu has to be the Taittinger Champagne Spa Retreat which includes a glass of Champagne, chocolate truffles, two spa treatments and 60-minute use of the spa facilities.
The Royal Crescent uses TempleSpa skincare for its treatments while facilities include a 12-metre heated relaxation pool, massage jets and a Himalayan salt-infused sauna – useful for boosting the immune system as the temperature outside starts to drop.
Cowley Manor Experimental, Cheltenham
Cowley Manor’s C-Side spa is surrounded by stunning Cotswold stone, bringing a real connection with nature to the lavish spa experience.
A day or even half day is all that’s needed to sink deep into relaxation mode. Choose from three experiences: Half Day, Daytime and Twilight, all providing a combination of treatments and food, although there’s also the option to hit the spa (minus a treatment) from 11am to 3pm with its C-Side Recharge.
Treatments (using natural and organic products) include massages, facials and exfoliating wraps while the spa facilities boast a beauty room, steam room, sauna, rainfall showers, a 15-metre outdoor pool and 17-metre indoor slate-lined pool, both of which are open all day and all year.
In between the pampering, indulge in a meal crafted from seasonal ingredients foraged and harvested by Cowley Manor’s own kitchen gardens.
Enjoyed our round-up of spa days in the South West? Dive into more of our curated content.
We choose the companies included in our 5 of the best features based on editorial integrity. Occasionally, some inclusions will be handpicked from clients with whom we have a commercial relationship.
Share Spa days in the South West with your friends
