Landsdowne Place Spa, Brighton
A cool, dark spa with a soothing aroma. There isn’t much to it beyond the
eight treatment rooms. The changing areas are small and stark and guests can
relax in the sauna and steam area where there are a few loungers.
The one hour and 40 minute Holistic Back, Face and Scalp Treatment with Hot
Stones costs £80.
(tel. 01273 732839; www.lansdowneplace.co.uk)
Aztec Spa, Torquay, Devon
Not a boutique place but a value-for-money spa with a hothouse ambience. An
Elemis Taster Facial is £29 and a 55-minute pedicure costs £28.
(01803 400190; www.tlh.co.uk/Aztec-Spa/)
Ocean Spa, the Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall
The spa has been newly refurbished in 2008 with an adult-only thermal suite
which includes an oversized spa pool, sauna, steam, caldarium, Cornwall's
only hammam and relaxation area. The sea views are impressive.
Spa therapies include 100 per cent organic seaweed treatments from VOYA,
facial skincare from REN and maternity treatments from Mama Mio. The Ocean
Spa Top to Toe (£117 for 2 hours).
(01637 860555; www.bedruthan.com)
St Michael's Hotel and Spa, Falmouth, Cornwall
The treatments are organic at this Cornish spa inspired by the sea. The spa’s
philosophy is holistic, focusing on Chinese energy lines across the whole
body to deal with specific problems. Aromatherapy and “gentle soothing” is
in. “Invasive” treatments and machines, such as electrolysis and steaming
are out.
Good value: A one-hour-25-minute aromatherapy back, face and scalp facial
costs £64.
(01326 312707; www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk)
Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall, Co Durham
Award-winning Asian-style spa in the North East, in a gloriously isolated
hotel with beach views. Statues of Buddha, plus a gym with chilled towels,
outdoor hot tubs, a Turkish steam room with “light therapy”, a soundwave
therapy lounge and ozone swimming pool. A chocolate facial costs £85 for 90
minutes.
(0191 516 1550; www.seaham-serenityspa.com)
Westin Turnberry Resort Spa, Ayrshire, Scotland
The spa has a big gym, 12 treatment rooms, relaxation rooms and a 20m swimming
pool, which has jaw-dropping views over the Irish Sea towards Ailsa Craig,
an island that looks like an enormous muffin.
Not too bad. A 25-minute head massage (“invigorating yet soothing”) for £34. A
facial (one hour and 20 minutes) is £90 or £65 for 50 minutes.
(01655 331000; www.westin.com/turnberry)
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, County Down, Northern
Ireland
A peaceful retreat in a dramatic beachside setting housed in a vast
19th-century Gothic mansion with 16 similarly spacious treatment rooms. It
has a rock sauna, amethyst steam room, Espa products and golfers’ treatments
(after a round on the world-class Royal County Down course). A range of
55-minute massages cost £65 each.
(028 4372 1066);
www.hastingshotels.com)
Ayush Wellness Spa, St Helier, Jersey
A healthy destination spa that offers four-hand massages and full Ayurvedic
treatments. The spa combines authentic Indian therapies with luxurious
treatments in stunning surroundings.
Taking into account the quality of treatments and facilities, Ayush offers
excellent value. A two-day retreat including yoga, treatments and two
night’s bed and breakfast starts from £175.
(+44 (0) 1534 614000; www.defrance.co.uk)
For more than 275 independent spa reviews log on to timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide
