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Three Graces Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
LIFESTYLE

The Top 10 Most Popular Spas in the UK

These luxury spas are reopening and totally Instagram-worthy

Carina Bartle
By Carina Bartle, VP Sales & Partnerships

Sometimes you just need some time to unwind, relax and pamper yourself with something extra special and, after the year we’ve had, we’re definitely in need of some me-time. Now that UK spas are beginning to reopen, we decided to check out the top 10 spas and resorts and book in for some much needed pampering. Whether you love a massage, favour a mani-pedi, or just want to relax in a sauna, these top 10 most popular spas in the UK are some of the most-frequented in the country. 

To create this top 10 list, we looked into 421 different UK-based spas, cross-referencing them on Instagram to make sure their geo-tagging was correct. We then scoured the photos tagged in each location, making sure to focus only on posts about the spas themselves from 2021. We then narrowed it down even further by popularity to find the top 10 list of spas you need—yes, need—to visit this year.

Cliveden House Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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Cliveden House

Cliveden House in Berkshire boasts the top spot for the most-visited spa location of 2021. With over 1,060 geotags and a glamorous 5-star rating, this luxurious hotel and spa has over 350 years of history. It has served as the backdrop for many beloved films such as Sherlock Holmes, Cinderella and Thunderbirds, and the sprawling gardens (which you’re welcome to stroll) are a National Trust treasure.

The spa opened in 2017 and is one of the best options for full-body treatments, facials and manicures. Cliveden House requires pre-bookings for all of their treatments so make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Located in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, The Belfry Hotel & Resort is another popular option for a relaxing weekend. It also has over 1,000 geotags to its name and the offerings in its spa are second to none. Opt for an afternoon retreat or an entire weekend in its 550-acre resort.

Its facilities include a swimming pool, fitness classes and mani-pedi studio among many others. Some facilities such as the whirlpools and Fire & Ice rooms are currently closed but are well worth checking out once they reopen.

Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort

A hop over to the Emerald Isle takes us to our third spa resort, Galgorm Spa, located only 30 minutes from Belfast. This is a wonderful resort for those looking to escape the big city and get into nature. The grounds span 162 acres with the River Maine flowing right through them. A beautiful naturalistic escape in Northern Ireland.

Opt for a single day experience or choose one of the luxurious overnight packages. The spa is located in its very own spa village with experiences ranging from sumptuous soaks to indulgent massages and skin-brightening facials—all of which embrace a unique, natural touch that makes this spa location so special. Whether you’re bathing by the river, soaking up the forest vibes or relaxing in its serene garden, you’ll leave Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Bamford Wellness Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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The Bamford Wellness Spa

The Bamford Wellness Spa at The Berkeley, London is our fourth entry in our top 10 list and one where the variety of treatments on offer is expansive, ranging from foot soaks to facials, body wraps to massages and beyond. The spa has a holistic approach to wellbeing and uses products made by the UK-based brand Oskia for that extra-luxurious touch. And whilst these treatments are the only thing on offer at the moment, there are plans to expand the list of facilities with a rooftop swimming pool coming in the near future.

Three Graces Spa at Grantley Hall | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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Three Graces Spa

The Three Graces Spa is part of the Grantley Hall hotel in the Yorkshire Dales. This hidden jewel offers state-of-the-art facilities, a relaxing atmosphere and a wonderful range of treatments to help soothe out sore muscles and pamper yourself. The spa is named after the Three Graces goddesses who are thought to be the personifications of beauty, charm and grace—something you’ll certainly feel once you head back home. The treatments available draw inspiration from Greek mythology as well as ancient Indian and Chinese therapeutic wisdom and practice. The most serene pocket in the heart of Yorkshire.

Trigony House Hotel & Garden Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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Trigony House Hotel & Garden Spa

The first proudly pet-friendly option on our list, the Trigony House Spa is situated in the idyllic Nith Valley in South West Scotland. Its treatments are inspired by nature and use products made from some of the best quality natural and organic ingredients. Its list of facilities boasts a private garden with relaxation area, a secluded treatment room for the utmost privacy and complimentary drinks for you to enjoy during your time there. The Garden Spa also recently added a Swedish wood-fired hot tub as well as a Finnish sauna cabin to its repertoire, making it the ultimate relaxing way to escape the everyday.

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

Located in Knutsford, Cheshire, The Mere’s glorious spa is an award-winning establishment and offers the perfect mental and physical escape from the outside world. From decadent full body pampers to a heated indoor swimming pool, they have everything you need to unwind and relax in style.

There are six private treatment rooms available where you can experience the most satisfying pamper sessions. Treat yourself to the spa's wide selection of high-end treatments including refreshing facials, skincare rituals, relaxing and soothing massages and a whole range of body treatments.

Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa

Set in the idyllic Peak District, the Shrigley Hall spa is a secluded getaway for the ultimate pamper experience—a place to slow down, unwind and find peace. The cosy, intimate feel of its spa rooms helps you to feel relaxed and welcome as you choose from an extensive range of treatments.

From one-day packages to extravagant stays, you can experience a whole host of luxurious treatments, including muscle-melting massages, clarifying facials, incredible body wraps and relaxing rituals. The Shrigley also offers twilight packages for you to enjoy during off-peak times, often for a significant discount making it a post-work or mid-week treat for those on a budget.

Luton Hoo Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa

Whether you're looking for a lavish weekend getaway or simply a few hours out with a relaxing pedicure, the Luton Hoo Hotel spa has it all. Located within the converted stables of the Country Club, you can enjoy a plethora of relaxing treatments right in the heart of Bedfordshire. Upon arrival, every guest is supplied a robe, slippers and towel and each is welcome to use the Country Club and hotel facilities during their stay.

Choose from a staggering list of relaxing treatments, ideal for treating yourself or gifting some pampering goodness to someone special.

Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa | Read more about Britain's top spa hotels at LuxDeco.com
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Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

Last on our list (but certainly not least) is the Alexander House Utopia Spa in West Sussex. The Jacobean estate boasts 120 acres of garden to explore and has won multiple awards for its sensational spa. If you’re looking for a weekend away to celebrate something special or just interested in an intimate experience with family and friends, this is a well-situated place to pamper yourself. The hotel even welcomes dogs so you can bring your furry friend too!

The spa therapies available here are all inspired by various practices and philosophies such as Ayurveda and they even offer a range of treatments for those living with or beyond cancer, using products suitable for very sensitive skin. The range of treatments is vast and has an option to suit any budget so are well-suited for those new to the spa scene.

Have you spotted somewhere you’d love to visit? Whether you need a location for your hen spa weekend or just need a few hours away from the kids, any one of these luxurious spas is the perfect way to unwind and relax. If you’re based in or planning to visit the Big Smoke, read our article on the top London spas for a delightfully relaxing the perfect London staycation for even more inspiration.

All of the data here is correct as of 25th June 2021. Please be aware that some facilities may be closed due to COVID-19 but should be open again once restrictions are lifted. Some spas also operate an age limit so please make sure you check before you book for under 18s.

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