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The 10 Best British spas

Pamper yourself into blissful oblivion before the festive season arrives in this selection of the finest spas in the country

Kate Hilpern
Tuesday 05 November 2013 18:03 GMT
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1. Dorchester Hotel Spa, London

The Dorchester Spa may exude an old-world glamour, but when it comes to treatments, it’s cutting-edge. Upscale Carol Joy London provides the facial treatments, while European skincare brand Kerstin Florian looks after the other treatments available in the nine sound-proofed treatment rooms. Double suites are available for couples, too.

Treatments from £70, dorchestercollection.com

2. Chuan Spa, Langham Hotel, London

This central London spa offers treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine, alongside traditional facials and massages. You can also swim in the 16m swimming pool, or relax in the herbal steam room or sauna.

Treatments from £60, chuanspa.com/en/London/

3. Chewton Glen, New Forest

Besides being one of the UK’s finest country house hotels, Chewton Glen also boasts a glamorous yet friendly spa with some of the most luxurious treatments around. The food is top-notch and they welcome day guests, with some enticing current offers.

Treatments from £25, chewtonglen.com

4. Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire

This has been described as the John Lewis of spas because it is of excellent quality, well-priced and delivered by friendly, knowledgeable people. The facilities are vast and dazzling, the food first-rate and you can buy gift vouchers.

Treatments from £18, ragdalehall.co.uk

5. Celtic Manor, Newport

A surprisingly tranquil spa given the size of the hotel. Their stand-out treatment is the Elemis Herbal Steam Temple, which incorporates an exotic steam cleansing ritual.

Treatments from £44, celtic-manor.com/spa

6. Four Seasons, Hampshire

Located in a beautiful 18th-century, converted stable block, you feel relaxed from the moment you step into the changing rooms. There’s a fantastic outside area with a vitality pool and the skincare ranges include Sodashi, whose treatments are to die for.

Treatments from £30, fourseasons.com/hampshire/spa/

7. Champneys, Hertfordshire

This remains Britain’s most traditional health spa, with nutrition and exercise still at its heart and an exceptional boot camp. But the multimillion pound revamp means the relaxation facilities are impressive, too, including a fabulous thalassotherapy pool.

Treatments from £15, champneys.com

8. Gleneagles, Perthshire

Another multiple-award-winner, this spa has everything going for it, including the most amazing location and accommodation. The attention to detail in the spa itself is unsurpassed and hotel guests can only enter if they’ve booked a treatment, which keeps it peaceful.

Treatments from £95, gleneagles.com

9. AWAY Spa at W London

Escape from the hustle and bustle of London’s Leicester Square at the tranquil AWAY spa at the W. The spa continues the hotel’s dedication to all things glamorous and decadent. Get the full VIP treatment (they have a team of celebrity therapists) in a blissful setting.

Treatments £40, awayspalondon.com

10. Bulgari Spa

A glass and onyx haven in the middle of buzzing central London. The spa is set over two floors and comprises 11 treatment rooms, a thermal room, ice fountain and a 25m pool.

Treatments £60, bulgarihotels.com

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