How to find the best UK spa breaks for couples
It’s ironic that choosing the perfect couples’ spa break can be stressful business. With so many packages, locations and treatments on offer, it’s easy to lose your vision of blissful R&R to information overload.
But if more relaxation is what you need from your next romantic getaway, you can save yourself from needless scrolling. With some expert advice, the spa break you’ve been seeking is closer than you think.
GET ORGANSIED
Before diving into the booking process, make sure you both want the same thing. For some, a spa break means detox and purify, for others it’s pure indulgence.
If a gym or golf course needs to be factored in, then Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, set three miles from the historic market town of Grantham, has both. Or maybe you want a peaceful space to de-stress and reconnect. Dunston Hall Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, Norfolk, is a historic example of what 150 acres of parkland can bring to a spa hotel experience. And it’s close to everything Norwich and the surrounding area has to offer.
There are other ways to enhance your stay too. Set in scenic Shropshire, The Telford Spa Hotel offers a sauna, steam room, relaxation room, heated loungers, and a swimming pool. While massages don’t lend themselves to conversations, these complimentary extras introduce more opportunities to sit, talk and enjoy each other’s company.
Sometimes it also pays to think laterally. Look out for spa breaks that cater for your other interests. As well as a spa and health club, the Stratford Manor Hotel in historic Stratford-upon- Avon, has a cinema room, so you can snuggle up for a movie night if the mood takes you.
The setting of your spa can have a big impact. Rolling hills and tranquil gardens can make the demands of home feel very far away. For seclusion and intimacy, a plush country retreat like Slaley Hall, Northumberland, is perfect.
On the other hand, a spa hotel near a city works well for couples who want to get away from it all but keep their options open! The Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa is seven miles outside the historic university city, with its botanic gardens, iconic architecture and punting on the River Cam.
“Nothing relaxes our guests more than knowing they’ve got a comfortable bed just moments away from the treatment room.”
Given that a spa break is also a hotel stay, the style of accommodation matters. En-suite baths, extra seating areas, and spectacular views all add to the ambience.
A special occasion might call for the likes of Crewe Hall, Cheshire’s Royal Suite complete with carved four-poster. Or you might prefer the clean lines of a more contemporary setting. Sometimes, you can combine the two. Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Yorkshire, has a modern wing, its rooms refurbished just two years ago – or you can book a traditional suite in the Grade II-listed manor house.
Food is an integral part of any romantic getaway. Do you want fine dining, a cosy bistro-style restaurant, outside seating, or an extensive room-service menu for decadent breakfasts in bed? Picture yourself having a romantic meal after a lazy day of lounging then dip into the online galleries and see what sets the scene.
If you’re planning to detox, you’re a vegan or vegetarian, or you have other special dietary requirements, does the menu make that easy? And what about tea for two? For any couple dedicated to indulgence, Norton Park Hotel, set in 54 acres of parkland just outside Winchester, takes the traditional scones and finger sandwiches to the next level with a teapot of Hendrick’s Gin and tonic or a glass of chilled Moet.
Spas within the QHotels Collection all feature premium Elemis products, but it’s always worth looking at what’s on the menu and planning ahead. Do you want to pamper, beautify, or de-stress? Is a vigorous sports massage just what the doctor ordered, or do you want soothing hot stones to ease away every knot.
Booking in advance is always a good idea, particularly if you’ve set your heart on spending hours on the massage table or you want to try lots of treatments.
With additional grooming options including waxing and lash and brow treatments like those at The Park Royal Hotel & Spa in Warrington, you might need to book an extra night away to fit it all in! Like some others in the QHotels Collection, this spa hotel also works with the Amethyst Trust who offer specialist massages and facials to guests affected by cancer.
While spa breaks are a luxurious treat, yours doesn’t have to break the bank. Packages including accommodation, meals and treatments can save you money. Within the QHotels Collection, you’ll also find seasonal discounts as well as lower rates for booking direct or if you stay during the week rather than at weekends. Some hotels may also reduce the cost of dining-in for a second night.
Planning ahead and being flexible with dates can help you get the most value from your experience.
3 questions to ask when you call up to book your spa break
Can you accommodate any special requests for a romantic surprise?
This is a simple way to add a personal touch to your stay, particularly if you’re celebrating a special occasion. A glass of bubbly on arrival is a simple but effective way to set the mood.
Do you offer any exclusive couples’ packages?
With money off meals, complimentary bath robes and access to health club facilities, packages can make your spa break even more of a treat. Turning up as a regular hotel guest and trying to book into the spa often leads to disappointment.
Is there a cancellation policy?
As part of your mission to de-stress, make sure you check the terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, before you book. You may be able to pay a supplement to make changing that booking easier.
OUR SPA EXPERIENCES
Discover what we have on offer at The QHotels Collection.
