{"id":7582,"date":"2019-10-07T17:12:06","date_gmt":"2019-10-07T16:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=7582"},"modified":"2019-10-07T17:28:37","modified_gmt":"2019-10-07T16:28:37","slug":"six-spa-staycations-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/six-spa-staycations-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"6 spa staycations in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

From country pads to cool-as-cucumber contemporary escapes<\/h2>\n

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Great pampering is all in the planning. After all, if you\u2019re going to set aside a little \u2018me-time\u2019, it\u2019s worth getting a dash of inspiration first. So, to help you, we\u2019ve put together six of our favourite luxury spa hotels across the UK. Whether you\u2019re after the ultimate spa staycation, massages followed by mouth-watering food or simply fancy a weekend in the country, this is your go-to list.<\/p>\n

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1. FOR THOSE WHO LIKE…TREATMENTS ON THE THAMES<\/h5>\n

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Swap \u2018seen it all before\u2019 for a spa with a difference at Monkey Island Estate<\/a> in Bray-on-Thames. The first-of-a-kind floating spa takes its inspiration from the apothecaries\u2019 barges once moored at Chelsea Physic Garden, and the botanicals once used by monks in the 17th<\/sup>-century. Opt for its signature treatment, The Monk\u2019s Elixir, for a heady experience of herbal tonic-tasting and full body massage.<\/p>\n

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2. FOR THOSE WHO LIKE… A SIDE OF FINE DINING<\/h5>\n

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Nourishing your body is about more than just massages. At Dormy House<\/a> in the Cotswolds, you can relax in its award-winning, Scandi-style spa \u2013 then discover a trio of restaurants. There\u2019s the garden-to-table elegance of The Back Garden, tasting menus at exclusive MO, and \u2018pie and a pint\u2019 elevated in the Potting Shed. Or you can take out a Dormy hamper if the sun is shining. The best part? The spa is only open to guests at the weekend, so the peace and quiet will be all yours.<\/p>\n

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3. FOR THOSE WHO LIKE… THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE<\/h5>\n

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What\u2019s a spa staycation without a little bubbly? The Greenway\u2019s<\/a> Elan Spa not only comes with its own private champagne nail bar, this beautiful Grade-II listed boutique hotel is also within striking distance of some very fine Cotswold vineyards and wineries. Once the bubbles have settled, you\u2019ll be in prime position to explore the area\u2019s stunning countryside, as well as the Regency \u2013 and more contemporary \u2013 charms of nearby Cheltenham.<\/p>\n

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4. FOR THOSE WHO LIKE… TO SEE AND BE SEEN<\/u><\/h5>\n

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Striking turn-of-the-century architecture. Sweeping views of the Chiltern Hills. And within easy reach of London. No wonder Danesfield House<\/a> is a favourite with the in-crowd (see, George Clooney). But step into the \u2018come as you are\u2019 atmosphere of its Illuminata Spa and you\u2019ll see that relaxation is very much par for the course here. It also hosts classes such as Pilates and Chi Cong \u2013 and if you\u2019d rather get your heart racing, head to its Matrix gym. Perfect for whetting appetites for dinner in the Michelin-star restaurant.<\/p>\n

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5. FOR THOSE WHO LIKE… A TASTE OF ENGLISH COUNTRY LIFE<\/h5>\n

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There\u2019s nothing quite like escaping to the country and pressing \u2018re-set.\u2019 Cue Luton Hoo Hotel<\/a>. This magnificent mansion has turned its historic stables into an exclusive spa, complete with Heat Therapy suite, fitness studio and infinity pool with views of the surrounding woodland. It also has Capability Brown-designed gardens, an 18-hole golf course and a Victorian grass tennis court.<\/p>\n

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Or you could opt for Alexander House<\/a>. This West Sussex sanctuary celebrates the best of the British countryside and has a unique Jacobean heritage. But the inspiration behind its Utopia Spa is purely ancient Greek. Lower yourself into the bubbles of the mosaic-tiled hydrotherapy pool. Or breathe in the fresh country air in the outdoor barrel sauna.<\/p>\n

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TOP SPA TIPS<\/h5>\n