Discover South Lodge Spa: a luxurious wellness retreat in the heart of the South Downs
Tucked into the rolling hills of the South Downs, South Lodge Spa blends natural beauty with luxury wellness in a setting designed to restore both body and mind.
From wild swimming and vinotherapy to panoramic thermal suites, this five-star destination offers a holistic escape rooted in the landscape.
When did South Lodge Spa open, and how has it evolved since then?
The Spa at South Lodge opened its doors in 2019, introducing a holistic wellness retreat to the Sussex countryside.
Since then, the spa has seen several noteworthy additions: two all-weather tennis courts were launched in 2021, followed by the planting of the estate’s vineyard in 2022.
In summer 2023, the spa partnered with Pelegrims to introduce exclusive shower amenities and skincare using ingredients from the vineyard.
Most recently, in summer 2024, the lake opened for wild swimming, adding another nature-led element to this wellness destination.
What was the inspiration behind the spa’s architecture and interiors?
“The spa is designed and inspired around contemporary spaces throughout the building which creates a sense of comfort and relaxation with botanical themed, richly textured fabrics and materials throughout,” says spa manager Ian Mackie.
This botanical influence stems from the estate’s heritage; the original house was built by British naturalist and plant collector Frederick DuCane Godman in the 1800s.
How does the surrounding landscape influence the spa design?
The 44,000 sq ft spa is set into the rolling hills of the South Downs and has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment.
“It brings the outside in and the inside out,” says Mackie, highlighting the grass and sedum roof that blends into the woodland.
The architecture includes floor-to-ceiling windows and landscaped spa gardens, while eco-conscious design choices – like natural materials and wild swimming ponds – emphasise the spa’s connection to the land.
Who designed South Lodge Spa?
The spa’s design is the result of a collaboration between Felce & Guy Architects, interior specialists Sparcstudio and natural swimming pool experts Gartenart.
Their combined vision has created a luxurious yet grounded space that incorporates nature and sustainability.
What materials and sustainable features are in the spa’s interiors?
A commitment to sustainability runs throughout the building. Highlights include marble and etched glass in the dressing rooms, soft lighting and richly textured lounge spaces with tiled ‘rugs’ and bespoke bookcases.
The centrepiece is the forest green marble-lined indoor pool hall, a candlelit space with an ozone-treated infinity pool and floor-to-ceiling views of the gardens.
How does the design enhance the guest journey?
Guests arrive at a light-filled reception with picture windows framing views of the South Downs and rhododendron gardens.
This level also houses the spa’s Botanica restaurant, the treatment rooms and the elegant Ridgeview Beauty Bar – a manicure and pedicure lounge serving Ridgeview sparkling wine.
“It’s all about a seamless, sensory experience from the moment guests walk in,” explains Mackie.
What thermal and hydrotherapy facilities can guests enjoy?
The thermal suite is a highlight, featuring a panoramic juniper-infused sauna with full-height glazing, a marble-lined salt steam room, an aromatic herbal bath with chamomile, and hot-and-cold experiential showers.
Guests can also unwind on heated curved benches framed by candlelight. Outside, the reed-lined 20m natural pool and hydrotherapy pool allow for invigorating dips while soaking in the landscape.
What kind of treatment rooms and wellness spaces are available?
The spa offers 14 treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite and a post-treatment relaxation room with views across the Downs.
There’s also a Rasul mud experience and tailored treatments exclusive to the spa, such as the Omorovicza Botanical ritual and Pelegrims' vine leaf-infused face and body glow.
What fitness facilities are available at South Lodge Spa?
Wellness extends beyond the treatment menu with a high-tech gym outfitted in an urban retro style and a dedicated outdoor fitness terrace.
A state-of-the-art spin studio supports both group and virtual classes, while the serene holistic studio – with its ballet barre and mirrored walls – hosts yoga and Pilates, offering panoramic views of the surrounding gardens.
Read more about how top spas have integrated fitness into their wellness offering here.
Why is wild swimming such a popular part of the South Lodge spa experience?
Mackie explains that “guests love the wild swimming in the lake”, especially those who start in the natural swimming pool as a gentle introduction to cold-water immersion.
It’s a memorable, mood-boosting experience rooted in nature and growing wellness trends.
What skincare brands and product houses does South Lodge Spa use?
Guests can enjoy treatments and retail products from:
- Pelegrims (formulated using vine extracts from the on-site vineyard)
- Comfort Zone
- Omorovicza
- Margaret Dabbs London
- OPI
Are there exclusive or signature treatments that guests should try?
Two treatments are unique to South Lodge Spa: the Omorovicza Botanical, a bespoke back and facial experience; and the Grapevine Face & Body Glow from Pelegrims, which uses homegrown vine leaf extracts for a deeply nourishing ritual.
How does the spa promote sustainability through treatments and facilities?
“We are extremely proud of our eco credentials,” says Mackie, referencing the grass and sedum roof, reed bed sewage treatment, biomass boilers and natural swimming pond.
Pelegrims treatments and products further reflect the spa’s eco values, using vineyard extracts in everything from massages to shower amenities.
What is included in South Lodge’s spa membership and how popular is it?
Spa membership is in high demand, with a capped number of members to ensure exclusivity. “We have a waiting list to join,” Mackie confirms.
Members enjoy unlimited use of facilities, access to 90+ classes per week, guest passes, exclusive events, and discounts on food, drink and accommodation.
How is the spa experience tailored to hotel guests, day visitors and members?
“All treatments selected are tailored to the guest’s reason for booking,” says Mackie.
Whether visiting for a day, weekend or as a local member, each spa journey is bespoke, designed to meet individual needs and support long-term wellbeing.
How does the Botanica restaurant support the wellness offering?
Wellbeing is integrated into the food offering at Botanica, a Mediterranean-inspired, non-dairy restaurant.
Dishes are designed for flexibility, with small and large plates, many of which are plant-forward and locally sourced.
The space itself is impressive, with a curving timber roof, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a south-facing terrace for alfresco dining.
Are there retreat-style wellness packages that combine spa, fitness and food?
Yes, South Lodge hosts seasonal wellness escapes that integrate fitness classes, spa rituals, wild swimming and dining at Botanica.
Options include the Nature Immersion Escape, Wild Swimming Weekend, and Grapevine Face and Body Glow packages.
What future plans does South Lodge Spa have?
“We have some exciting innovations planned… watch this space,” says Mackie.
The team is currently working with Pelegrims to develop new vinotherapy offerings and the spa continues to evolve by listening to its community of guests and members.
What makes South Lodge Spa stand out among UK wellness destinations?
“It is about the people,” says Mackie. “We aim to be the preferred choice for a wellness destination in the country where we celebrate nature throughout the guest’s stay. It really is a lifestyle change for the better.”
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