Calling all outdoorsy types! If you love a pool with a view, can’t get enough of woodland walks, fresh air and good old mother nature then we’ve got a spa (or 7) for you. This week, it’s all about spas set in the glorious great outdoors, be that breathtaking mountain backdrops, stunning lakeside locations or the oh so magical English countryside. Get pampered, feel relaxed and then head outdoors to enjoy an activity or three. Cycling anyone?
By Rebecca Hoffnung
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1 The Spa at Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel, Argyll and Bute
Best for: Highland walks
The great outdoors will be calling your name as soon as you arrive at the beautiful Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel in Argyll and Bute. Described as an enticing centre of indulgence, peace and serenity, this 5 star highland hotel is nestled right between the famous Scottish Trossachs, a national park on the edge of the Loch Lomand which offers plenty of opportunities for woodland rambles through its many famous hill ranges and breathtaking valleys. And once you’re all tuckered out, their inviting spa is the perfect afternoon hideout to kick back and relax in for the rest of your stay. Who said you can’t have it all?
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2 Carden Spa at Carden Park Hotel, Chester
Best for: the sports lover
We love kicking back and relaxing just as much as the next person, but if you’re hoping to add a little wow factor to your next weekend away then Carden Park in Chester has all bases covered. With a perfect balance of spoiling spa treatments (there’s over 40 to choose from!) and a wholesome range outdoor activities, this relaxing hotel is a great place to go to recharge your batteries after a hectic week. Set in 1000 acres of pristine Chester countryside, the peaceful surroundings of this hotel gives you a great excuse to soak in the outdoors while also enjoying their plentiful facilities. From a round of golf to aerial rope courses or even a segway tour, Carden Park has everything a nature lover needs to have a spoiling weekend away from it all.
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3 Champneys Tring, Hertfordshire
Best for: unrivalled luxury
Set in 170 acres of idyllic rolling parkland in the heart of Hertfordshire, Champneys Tring is a spa like no other, topping the A-list hot-list for rest and relaxation. Complete with state of the art spa and gym facilities and a new Wellbeing and Detox centre after a recent £14million refurbishment, you can rest assured that the expertly trained therapists at this beautifully designed health spa will ensure you leave feeling completely rejuvenated. But that’s not before you take a well-earned walk through their beautiful private gardens, complete with a Downton-esque driveway that will leave you feeling like you’ve landed in another era. And at only 45 minutes from London Euston, there’s never been a better reason to get out of the city and reward yourself with some serious R&R. Get booking now…
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4 The Spa at The Macdonald Elmer’s Court Hotel, Lymington
Best for: a seaside ramble
If you’re a fan of seaside escapes then The Macdonald at Elmer’s Court Hotel in Lymington is a must-visit. Featuring a beautifully designed spa that boasts a range of relaxing Elemis products, as well as a host of treatments to help restore balance and wellbeing in your life, the hotel also features luxurious 23 acre surroundings, and many popular attractions in the local area. Whether you venture into the picturesque New Forest, explore the local seaside town of Lymington or hop on the short ferry trip to the neighbouring Isle of White, when it comes to activities at this elegant hotel, you’ll be utterly spoiled for choice.
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5 The Orchid Rooms at Inspiration Leisure and Spa at Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa, Shropshire
Best for: garden lovers
Set in a beautiful 18th century manor house on the outskirts of the medieval market town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire, The Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa has everything a nature loving spa enthusiast needs to have a restful weekend away from it all. With over 15 acres of beautiful grounds to explore as well as a pristine ornamental lake just a stone's throw from the hotel, the breathtaking gardens of this historic house are ideal to take a wander through in between relaxing treatments at their Orchid Rooms Spa. And if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not spend an afternoon exploring the rolling countryside of the famous Welsh borders, or the picturesque local town of Shrewsbury? Whether you stay in the cosy confines of the hotel grounds or travel a little further afield, a stay at The Mercure Shrewsbury is guaranteed to leave you in a calm and tranquil state that lasts for days.
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6 Wave & Wellness at Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross, Buckinghamshire
Best for: animal enthusiasts
If you love nothing more than a muddy country walk (and a relaxing spa day while you’re at it), then the activities on offer at the Wave & Wellness at the Crowne Plaza in Buckinghamshire will be just up your street. Featuring an extensive list of relaxing spa packages, their colourful menu also offers a chance for you to go and visit a farm of local micropigs! Fittingly titled the ‘take your muddy boots off package’, this fun filled spa day allows you to spend an hour with the pigs, and then walk back to their spa for a relaxing afternoon of invigorating treatments and full use of all the facilities. Perfect for any animal lover!
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7 Spa 6 at De Vere Cotswold Waterpark Hotel
Best for: adrenaline-junkies
Perfect for people who love getting their feet wet, the Spa 6 at De Vere Cotswold Waterpark Hotel has got everything you need for an activity-packed weekend away. Set amongst a vast expanse of lakes, rivers, woodland and open countryside, this modern hotel and spa offers a tremendous range of adrenalin-fuelled sports, both in and out of the water. From sailing and waterskiing to horse riding or cycling, there’s so many outdoor activities on offer you might find it hard to pick just one. And with the beautiful Cotswolds right on your doorstep, the view itself will be enough to make you want to stay all weekend.