In 2022 wellness has never been so important. We’ve embraced self-care like never before and are enjoying its benefits. Forget diet-fads this January and engage with metal wellbeing and relaxation with our best UK wellness staycations from award-winning spa facilities, unique treatments, cold water swimming and adult-only escapes.
The Scarlet Hotel, Magwan Porth, Cornwall
Built to the highest eco-standards and settled within the rugged Cornish clifftops is the Scarlet Hotel; a wellbeing sanctuary with far-reaching views of the North Atlantic coastline. This adult-only property exudes natural calm, seamlessly bringing the outside in with simple design aesthetic and tall glass walls showcasing the wild natural surrounds. Arranged over five levels, the hotel has 37 rooms, each offering unique aspects over gardens, cliffs, beach, sea and sky. Each of the airy rooms has an outdoor space and sliding doors so guests can be soothed to sleep by the sound of the sea and coastal breeze. The colour palette has been drawn from its calming local surroundings from nearby wildflowers, rock pools and sea mosses. Scarlet is home to one the most renowned Ayurvedic eco spas in the UK featuring a bromine-filtered indoor pool, outdoor natural reed pool, clifftop wooden sauna and restorative steam room. The Ayurvedic principles encourage guests to find total natural balance through restorative treatments which ease aches, release tension, and quieten the mind. Treatments take place in tented, lantern-lit rooms and include stillness afterwards in the deep relaxation room’s suspended cocoon pods. In addition, there are daily yoga and well-being classes for guests to join. The pièce de resistance are the two log-fired hot tubs perched on the cliffside overlooking the golden sands of Mawgan Porth. Scarlet’s restaurant offers captivating views of the coastline and serves up seasonal, responsibly sourced food alongside sustainable, slow-aged wine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily. The day menu is more a of casual dining affair which seamlessly transitions into a finer dining experience in the evening with a seven-course tasting menu, inspired by the hotel’s commitments to organic local and sustainable produce. Guests will leave the Scarlet and its hushed clifftops having found deeper rest and rejuvenation.
Standout treatment:
Tula Facial
Supporting the skin’s natural balance. First, the face is gently cleansed and exfoliated to appear brighter, using only products that are wild-crafted (grown wildly in their natural habitat without pesticide). Next, Ayurvedic massage techniques are used to relax the muscles: a Mukhabhyanga oil massage of the face, head and neck that works through simple repetition to increase circulation. Finishes with a cold compress to visibly enliven the skin.
60 minutes (including consultation). £115 per person.
Rates at The Scarlet start from £245 on a B&B basis
Bedruthan, Cornwall
A scandi-inspired retreat on top of the Cornish clifftops, Bedruthan is an idyllic retreat for creative travellers who are looking for ocean therapy. The hotel overlooks breath-taking views of Mawgan Porth Beach and makes for the perfect coastal getaway. The Bedruthan Spa is a relaxed place of wellbeing – guests can slow down in the sauna, steam room, cedarwood hot tub or Roman-style caldarium before stepping into the expansive hydro pool which looks out over the North Atlantic. Mawgan Porth Beach is located mere steps from the property, providing an opportunity for some New Year cold water swimming. Food plays a pivotal part of the experience as Bedruthan is home to two dining outlets – The Wild Café which offers a variety of dishes from summer squash curries, thickly-crusted pies and bright seasonal salads. Meanwhile, The Herring offers up a small and meticulously curated menu of locally sourced, seasonal dishes. Each evening sees only three mains offered: fish, meat, or vegetable which a wide breadth of bold flavours, for all to share and sample. Bedruthan offers a selection of creative opportunities to learn a new skill or craft. The property’s sea-view craft space offers studio sessions with classes led by local Cornish makers and artisans that offer expertise of all kinds for beginners and more seasoned creatives. There is an array of workshops on offer including pottery, painting, terrarium making and modern tapestry where guests can create beautiful wall hangings in the studio’s especially handmade looms – to name just a few.
Standout treatment:
Earth and Water Attuned Massage
A heated massage to release muscular tightness and long-set fatigue.
A hot body treatment for when you can feel it’s your muscles that need care. The heated ceramic pods are specifically-designed to reach deeper into tired and knotted muscles. While focused on the body, the continuous warm flow of the massage also brings peace to the mind. Or take it cold: Recommended for hot summer days, the ceramic pods can also be filled with cold water. The colder touch refreshes the body and increases blood circulation. An entirely different experience.
Includes an Ayurvedic consultation.
60 minutes / £100 per person
Rates at Bedruthan start from £165 on a B&B basis
The Tawny, Staffordshire
Set within the 70-acre grounds of the wonderfully restored wild garden of Consall Hall Estate in Staffordshire, The Tawny Hotel is a green oasis for those in need of rejuvenation this January. Comprised of 55 idyllic Shepherds Huts, Treehouses, Boathouses, Retreats and the Lookout – each space is designed to emulate the natural surroundings. The pièce de resistance is the Plumicorn Restaurant, housed in the striking central building. Overseen by Chris Alexander, Plumicorn offers a menu that speaks of Staffordshire and the Peak District, utilising quality local ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own kitchen garden as well as the neighbouring area. Wellnessplays a pivotal part of the experience at The Tawny; yoga mats are provided in each of the rooms to allow guests to practice on their private terraces or a quiet spot on the estate. There are reading nooks aplenty which prompt a moment to pause – other activities include bird spotting and stargazing. Recycled bikes will also be available in 2022. The Thatched Cottage, located in a secluded hideaway in the gardens also offers a small selection of spa treatments and impressive views of the lakes ahead.
Standout treatment
Signature Facial
Customised to your skin type, this popular facial includes a deep cleanse and exfoliation as well as a face, neck and shoulder massage to aid lymphatic drainage and to keep skin youthful. A mask to suit your skin type, a special treatment ampoule and a moisturising/firming treatment will then be applied to complete this wonderfully relaxing treat for your skin.
60 minutes / £100 per person
Rates at The Tawny start from £230 in the Wildwood Huts, £360 in the Lookout, £400 in the Boathouses, £420 in the Treehouses based on two sharing and inclusive of bed and breakfast. Rates for the Retreats will be released in late 2021 ahead of their 2022 launch
South Lodge, West Sussex
South Lodge is a quintessential West Sussex Country escape with a state-of-the-art spa, impressive dining options and unrivalled views of the South Downs. Housed in a sleek, modern building curved into the natural contours of the (93 acre) grounds have been designed with sustainability in mind. The spa features the UK’s first wild swimming pool which uses no chlorine or chemicals but instead oxygenates plants to clean the water making it wildlife and environmentally friendly. Other top of the range facilities include a vitality hydrotherapy pool, an indoor infinity edge pool, fitness and gym area. Spa treatments, to name a few, include Bamboo Deep Tissue Massage, aimed at reliving tension and The Spa Infused Wrap, a detoxifying wrap infused with green, red and white tea and energising mint to increase circulation, help remove toxins and reduce fluid retention. The spa is home to Botanica, a Mediterranean inspired restaurant where head chef Jonathan Spiers draws on the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients. Although not totally vegetarian, the menu features a plethora of plant-based plates including our standout dish, the undeniably delicious Wasted Burger, made entirely from the pulp from the freshly prepared morning’s juices.
Standout treatment
Omorovicza Botanical Treatment
Exclusively to South Lodge, this indulgent back and facial treatment was inspired by South Lodge’s botanical history. Designed to brighten and illuminate the complexion on the face and back, the treatment begins with a back exfoliation and warming back massage using rose quartz stones to promote relaxation and wellbeing, followed by a botanical facial for hydration and repair. Botanicals used within the treatment are sage, chamomile, calendula, edelweiss and jojoba which are all known for their soothing anti-ageing properties. This treatment will leave you feeling renewed, relaxed and radiant.
80 minutes / £160 per person
Rates at South Lodge start from £415 per night on a B&B basis
Pennyhill Park, Surrey
Tucked away in 120 acres of Surrey parkland beside the Crown Estate land is five-star luxury hotel and spa, Pennyhill Park. The hotel is home to Michelin starred restaurant, Latymer, locally-inspired restaurant, Hillfield, and 124 rooms and suites, each individually designed and some with their own outdoor space, double baths and a hot tub. The spa is multi-award-winning with extensive facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a tepidarium, hot tubs and an indoor to outdoor hydrotherapy pool. Treatments include Pregnancy Massages, specially adapted for mothers over 3months to calm and ease discomfort, relaxing both mother and baby, as well as Comfort Zone Aromasoul Body Ritual, involving a unique collection of aromatherapy oils providing a deep exfoliation, hydration and firming, and a popular favourite, the Mud Experience for Two. Guests will leave Pennyhill Park truly rejuvenated for the year ahead.
Standout treatment
Mud Experience for Two
Enjoy this treatment within your own private temple, once we have introduced you to the ritual, guests indulge and apply the facial mask to their face and neck, apply the hair mask to each other’s hair to restore and nourish. Smother the body scrub over the whole body and then apply rich body mud all over your companion. Relax with a steam in the chamber as the muds nurture your hair and body before washing away with a warm tropical shower. Completing your skin nourishment with an application of body lotion.
60 minutes / £100
Rates at South Lodge start from £425 per night on a B&B basis
→ exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Skipton
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa in Yorkshire offers an array of experiences to provide the ultimate countryside wellness experience. The hotel is home to The Nàdarra Spa, recently awarded the Boutique Spa of the Year by the Professional Beauty Awards, 2021. Nàdarra, meaning ‘natural’ in Scottish Gaelic, seeks to offer treatments that take note from the beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales. The property is home to two infinity pools with commanding views across the estate, a thermal experience including an infrared sauna, Finnish and Himalayan saunas, indoor swimming pool and an aromatherapy steam room. A signature feature of Nàdarra Spa is their spectacular and considered private spa garden, in which sits two large roll-top outdoor baths where guests are welcome to indulge in The Coniston’s famous ‘Yorkshire Tea Bath’. The Spa is now open private hire, perfect for those looking to host a celebration or ‘wind down’ with up to 34 guests. Available for evenings only, the private hire of Nàdarra Spa starts with drinks and dinner in Blossom Kitchen, before gaining exclusive access to all the Spa’s spectacular facilities for two hours. Surrounded by nature and unpolluted skies, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa is an ideal escape for renewal and restoration.
Standout treatment
Immune Support
Cleansing, clearing, and decongesting, this body treatment helps clear a congested body and mind and support the immune system. Guided breathing to clear congestion followed by massage techniques to soothe a heavy head, unblocking sinuses, easing headaches, and promoting gut health. A 90-minute body and face treatment focusing on box breathing and steam inhalation. Massage focusing on back, scalp, face, chest, abdomen, and feet. A 60-minute treatment will solely focus on the body.
60 minutes / £89 per person
Rooms at The Coniston start from £129 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
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