Escape the city to indulge in a day or weekend of relaxation in the chicest of settings
If the summer in the city has you hankering for greener pastures and time to unwind in peace, where better to escape than a picturesque country spa hotel? With cosy communal living areas, Michelin-starred restaurants, and the possibility of a treatment or two, there’s nowhere better to while away a day — or a whole weekend.
Fortunately for Londoners, there are plenty of charming hotels within easy reach of the capital that offer indulgent treatment menus.
These are our favourite pampering spots near London — all within two hours' reach for a day trip, and less than three for a weekend of indulgence.
An exceptional spa on the edge of Windsor Great Park. Flop between indoor and outdoor pools, thermal suites and an extremely Instagrammable Himalayan salt room. Book a session in the cocooning hammam or the more punishing — yet deeply rewarding — cryotherapy chamber. The treatment menu is an A-Z of wellness with holistic massages and rituals courtesy of exquisite essential oils brand Ground Wellbeing or results-driven facials by Natura Bissé. Dr. Raj Arora runs her The FaceBible clinic out of Fairmont too, offering everything from Botox and Profhilo to Morpheus 8 and Emsculpt. The post-treatment relaxation room is worth the trip out of London alone, with its weighted blankets and heated loungers.
Spa days start from £85 per person. fairmont-windsorpark.com
You can reach the sprawling grounds of Elcot Park in under an hour and a half — and that’s just where the ticks against its name begin. Part of the boutique Signet Collection of hotels, its facade is a beautiful grade II listed 18th-century building near Newbury.
As well as 55 eclectically styled bedrooms (should you choose to sleep over), it also boasts tennis courts, a gorgeous outdoor pool surrounded by chic sun loungers and a kids’ area. And not forgetting the spa — The Signet Spa, has hydrotherapy pools, treatment rooms, a sauna, gym, spin class studio and wellness area. A spa day includes either afternoon tea or lunch at the contemporary 1772 Brasserie.
Spa days start from £150 per person, including a 60-minute treatment and £35 towards your meal. retreatelcotpark.com
The Gainsborough’s spa provides a modern twist on the city’s thermal water heritage. This spa is set beneath a glass atrium and offers several different spa days which include a welcome drink and afternoon tea. You'll have use of the gym, saunas, thermal pools and relaxation terrace and receive a personalised aromatherapy blending session.
Spa days start from £195 per day. thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
This stunning manor house sits within a wildflower meadow in Ascot and is known for its polo fields. Though don’t miss the jewel in its crown (nor Michelin-star Woven by Adam Smith): the tranquil spa. The oasis-like space has undergone a recent renovation and the impressive heated pool is lined with giant amethyst and plush relaxation daybeds to make lounging feel oh-so chic. There’s also a stunning new sauna, steam room and snow shower to hop between, plus a fully-equipped gym with top of the range Technogym equipment.
After a blissful treatment in partnership with either Made for Life Organics, Wildsmith Skin, Natura Bissé or ishga products, you’ll be well looked after as you sit back and relax with a herbal tea in the chill room overlooking the swaying lavender outside.
Day trips are very do-able, but the rooms aren’t to be missed: with sink-in four poster beds, copper baths and unbeatable views of the English countryside.
Spa days start from £240 for the day, the spa and dine deal is £95, with a light supper at The Drawing Room, and rooms start at £590 a night based on B&B for two. dorchestercollection.com