Spa Breaks

A spa break adds a night or two in a hotel to the spa day formula. The typical package includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner on one evening, full use of the spa facilities from check-in to check-out and one treatment per person. Because the facilities are yours for two days rather than a few hours, it is the format people choose for birthdays, anniversaries and proper rest rather than a quick treat.

The UK offer spans country-house hotels with large thermal suites, coastal spa hotels with outdoor infinity pools and city hotels where the spa is a compact basement. Read what the facilities actually are before booking: a hotel advertising a spa may have a pool and sauna only, while a destination spa will have a thermal journey of several heat rooms, experience showers and relaxation areas.

Prices are per room for two people. Expect around £250 to £400 for one midweek night with dinner and a treatment each at a mid-range spa hotel, and £500 to £900 or more at the well-known destination spas, with Fridays, Saturdays and school holidays commanding a premium. Many hotels release extra spa time on arrival day from midday, which is worth asking about.