Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful too.
With family gatherings to organise, presents to buy and Christmas dinners to cook, it may seem like there won’t be any time to relax at all.
The UK has a huge array of spas on offer to provide the ultimate rest and relaxation, with warming wood saunas and steaming hot tubs set in stunning surroundings.
Although Christmas has already arrived this year, the experts at spa booking platform Spaseekers have rounded up their favourite festive spas so you can plan ahead for a festive getaway in 2024 – or for some festive decoration ideas for your own spa.
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath, Somerset
Bath is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most festive cities to visit during the winter, with the renowned Christmas markets perched beneath the Abbey offering seasonal snacks, gifts and treats for all.
For those looking for a Christmassy spa break, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa does not let the side down, with traditional wreaths, garlands and Christmas trees adorning the halls of this beautiful building, making the perfect backdrop for a luxurious winter getaway.
Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, Stone, Staffordshire
A-list stars turn to Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat for their luxury breaks all year round, but this spa is particularly charming during the Christmas season.
The warm vitality pool offers the perfect place to thaw out and unwind all year round – and is flanked with sparkling lights, to provide the ultimate festive backdrop. The Kelo pine-scented sauna will only add to your festive mood, too.
Utopia Retreat at Great Fosters, Egham, Surrey
The Utopia Retreat at Great Fosters is a luxury haven perfect for pampering.
The butler-style service is sure to make you feel like royalty and will help to cast away the stresses of the Christmas season.
Beautifully decorated with twinkling garlands above roaring fireplaces, why not kick back and enjoy afternoon tea or a Michelin-starred meal at The Tudor Pass restaurant?
Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
Any visitors to the sumptuous surroundings of Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire are sure to be delighted during the festive period.
With glittering trees shining through the windows of this grand building, you’re sure to feel in the Christmas spirit as soon as you step through the door.
With a whole suite dedicated to aqua massage, a Nordic heat and ice experience and a saltwater vitality pool with a secluded, starlit cave, you’ll definitely find some magic within these walls.
Ragdale Hall, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Whirlpools, aromatherapy rooms, saunas and infinity pools all await guests at Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicestershire.
This spa offers a full pampering package – you could take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool and enjoy your very own starry night, or tuck into some warming winter food at the Verandah Bar.
However you’d like to enjoy the festive period, you’re sure to find something up your street at Ragdale Hall.
Netherwood Hotel and Spa, Grange-over-Sands, Lake District
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is nestled in one of the country’s most scenic spots, perched between both rolling hills and coastal views.
With hallways adorned with twinkling branches, and staircases lined with poinsettias and greenery, this grand Victorian mansion is home to everything you need for a winter escape.
From the warm wooden hot tub, aroma steam room, salt inhalation room and traditional sauna and monsoon shower, you’ll be able to keep yourself toasty and away from the cold (unless you’re daring enough to dip in the cold-water plunge pool too!).
Armathwaite Hall, Lake District
Sat on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa provides the perfect setting to get away from it all in the run-up to Christmas.
Why not snuggle up with a book in the beautifully panelled public rooms, as the open fire roars from within a spectacular fireplace? Not to mention, the mantlepiece is always decorated beautifully with lights, trees and garlands.
Should it be a white Christmas, the Lake District setting will look all the more festive shrouded in snow too.
The Lygon Arms, Broadway, Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is full of cosy pubs and hotels tucked within its villages, and the Lygon Arms is no exception to this.
Located in the heart of Broadway, one of England’s most picturesque villages, you’re sure to have a wonderful time here.
As you pull up to this magnificent hotel, you’ll be greeted by beautiful twinkling lights adorning multiple Christmas trees – and the decor only continues inside too.
Glittering decorations line the hallways and public spaces, and you may even spot a sparkling tree in the courtyard too.
The swimming pool, whirlpool, steam room, spa bath and relaxation room provide the perfect accompaniment to the surroundings, making for a truly relaxing retreat.
