Peaceful retreats
01-Sep-07
Taking its lead from the US, where nearly all high-end hotels and resorts have spas, the UK market has seen exciting growth and diversification of late: nearly half the estimated 600 hotel and destination spas in the UK have opened in the past five years, according to Cassandra Cavanah, executive director of Spa Finder Europe. Kathryn Colligon, managing director of spa travel agency SpaBreak UK, says: "As recently as just six years ago, this market existed almost solely within the exclusive domain of traditional health farms. These days, a residential spa break or day is seen by many as the perfect opportunity to relax and de-stress."
With spas in five-star hotels becoming the norm, clients can enjoy punctuating regular pampering sessions with activities, excursions and sumptuous meals. From the luxurious Stoke Park Club (www.stokeparkclub.com) in Buckinghamshire to intensive Yoga Introduction Programmes at Grayshott Spa (www.grayshottspa.com), fishing at the new Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa (www.lutonhoo.co.uk) in Bedfordshire, or heritage-listed gardens near the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire (www.fourseasons.com), there's a spa break to suit all tastes.
In February, VisitBritain launched its National Spa Accreditation Scheme, setting benchmarks for customer satisfaction standards. Alison Barham, quality manager at VisitBritain, says: "We've found there's a big difference between a leisure centre adding a few treatment rooms and a purpose-built place for wellbeing."
The growth in the spa market is a natural progression from the fitness phase of the early 80s, Barham claims, with clients now seeking 'me-time'. "I think people have more disposable income and want to spend it on something that will give them benefits," she says. Male and teen treatments are a rising trend, she adds.
Cavanah attributes the market's rapid expansion to increasingly easy access to the spa experience. "Day spas have changed the way we think about visiting spas and have enabled them to reach out to a new and receptive audience," she says.
Baby-boomers are also driving growth, she adds, becoming older and wealthier, and keen to spend time and money on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Some studies claim the over-50s market in the UK accounts for 40% of the spa visits.
Whether booking standard holidays with added extras, or specific spa breaks, this trend can only bring a sense of wellbeing to agents.
BEST FOR CITY SLICKERS
- The Landmark Spa and Health Club, London
The spa: Following a £2m spend, the spa opened in June with a 15m semi-ozone swimming pool, a glass-walled poolside Klafs sanarium, menthol and sandalwood showers, steam rooms, a whirlpool, plus lavish treatment rooms and a gymnasium.
Top treatment: The Spa Signature Ritual (£190) includes top-to-toe pampering with aromatherapy, hot stones and marine mud.
The hotel: The gothic, Grade II listed building is close to the boutiques and designer restaurants of Marylebone Village. The property has a history dating back to 1899, with 299 rooms and suites.
Dining: The Winter Garden Restaurant features classic British dishes, while the Mirror Bar offers Champagnes, cocktails, whiskies and Cognacs.
Best room: 164, 264 or 364. The suites feature an entry hall with video camera link to the corridor, kitchenette and walk-in wardrobe.
Price: From £265 plus VAT during the week.
Special touch: Helicopter transfers; limo tours.
www.landmarklondon.co.uk
- One spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
The spa: Adopts a holistic approach, with treatments, activities and spa cuisine selected to encourage wellbeing.The rooftop hydropool provides a dramatic view of the city.
Top treatment: The Purva Karma Synchronised Four-hand Massage (£195) uses Indian spice-enriched oil to release tension.
The hotel: This historic hotel boasts easy access to Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, The Exchange and the Georgian New Town.
Dining: The hotel's two-AA rosette restaurant, the Grill Room, offers fresh local ingredients with an international twist.
Best room: The two Presidential Suites, with en-suite facilities and contemporary decor, which have housed the likes of Sir Sean Connery and Al Gore.
Price: Prices in November/December start from £750 per night including VAT.
Special touch: Scotland's first hotel Genealogy Concierge service, offering guests of Scottish descent the chance to explore their heritage.
www.starwoodhotels.com
- Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London
The spa: This award-winning spa has hosted a seemingly endless list of celebrities, from Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears to Mariah Carey and Will Smith. Clients book a time slot and choose a specific treatment after a consultation. Facilities include a Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation Room.
Top treatment: The two-hour Oriental Harmony treatment (£345) uses Mandarin Oriental signature spa products, with two therapists.
The hotel: Reopened in May 2000 following an £57m restoration, with the renovation of the rooms and suites, redesign of restaurants and the new spa. Decor includes marbles and gilding for a palatial feel.
Dining: The award-winning Foliage restaurant.
Best room: The Royal Suite, with Hyde Park views. The 974sq ft space is decorated in traditional Victorian style and has three rooms plus bathrooms.
Price: From £4,000.
Special touch: Highly attentive service - each floor has a butler to unpack suitcases, and a footman is on hand to carry shopping bags back from nearby stores.
www.mandarinoriental.com
- The spa at Chancery Court, London
The spa: This calm and comforting urban hideaway, designed by ESPA founder Susan Harmsworth, comprises pure limestone walls, soft-floor lighting and wooden bridges over rippling water. New treatments include the Rock 'n' Roll, Total Body Karma and Crystal Clear. Celebrity visitors include Lily Cole and Victoria Beckham.
Top treatment: The Ashtaang treatment, an eight-handed massage applied by four therapists in the unique Couples VIP Harmony Suite. The Ayurvedic Dosha Packages (£160) include body exfoliation, a hot or cold stone massage and a body wrap for almost two hours of indulgent relaxation.
The hotel: Conveniently located near the West End, the hotel boasts some of the largest guest rooms in London, in a classically elegant style.
Dining: Modern French cuisine.
Best room: The split-level Lord Chancellor's Suite incorporates an airy drawing room with fireplace and plasma-screen TV, a separate dining room and kitchen, a mahogany four-poster bed and Jacuzzi.
Price: From £1,200 plus VAT.
Special touch: The glamorous Pearl Restaurant & Bar, set within a marble dining room and adorned with more than a million hand-strung pearls.
www.spachancerycourt.com
BEST FOR HONEYMOONERS
- Sequoia at the Grove, Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire
The spa: Developed with ESPA, which created an exclusive menu of treatments. One of just 10 sites in the world to offer the ESPA Ayurvedic treatments, with 12 treatment rooms and a VIP couples suite.
Top treatment: The Grove Honey Wrap, using honey from The Grove's own beehives.
The hotel: This award-winning country estate has 227 rooms and suites, a golf course, three restaurants and 300 acres of park and woodland.
Dining: Three restaurants, from stylish elegance to rustic family fare.
Best room: The Seventh Heaven suite's French Chateau style includes lots of quirky twists, from a four-poster feather-clad bed to a cheekily transparent glass bathtub.
Price: Seventh Heaven is £970 per night, including breakfast and VAT.
Special touch: The golf course was the venue for the American Express World Golf Championships last September, won by Tiger Woods. www.thegrove.co.uk
- Samas spa at Park Hotel, Kenmare, Kerry, Ireland
The spa: The adult-only spa offers separate male and female thermal experiences. Couples day suites with private gardens and pool are available.
Top treatment: The three-hour Samas Experience (EUR145/£98) includes one hour each of thermal, relaxation and a treatment of their choice.
The hotel: This historic hotel has picked up a number of awards. It features a Michelin-recommended restaurant, a selection of fine whiskies and a 12-seat cinema, all set in 12 acres of gardens, complete with an 18-hole golf course.
Dining: Local seafood is prominent in the restaurant, which overlooks the mountains.
Best room: The Deluxe Rooms overlook Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains.Each one features a large sitting room with genuine antiques plus an iPod player, DVD and flat-screen player.
Price: Deluxe Rooms from EUR289 (£195) per person per night.
Special touch: Personal service and attention to detail.Tai chi, pilates and yoga are available.
www.parkkenmare.com
- New Park Manor, New Forest
The spa: The hot tub surrounded by fields of deer at this award-winning spa is ideal for couples to relax. Tailormade wedding packages can be arranged.
Top treatment: The current favourite is the Fresh Organic Facial (£70), although the use of fresh, organic products means treatments are constantly reinvented according to seasonal availability.
The hotel: With plenty of romantic walking routes through the New Forest, and an equestrian centre next door, the hotel is sure to enchant smitten couples.The manor offers attentive luxury without stuffiness, appealing to all ages. Dining: Modern English rustic fare mixed with old Master paintings at the Stag Restaurant
Best room: Room five offers garden views, with a sofa, four-poster bed and traditional roll-top bath.
Price: Room five starts at £245 for two people for one night bed and breakfast, in the low season. Special touch: Helipad on site for helicopter transfers.
www.newparkmanorhotel.co.uk
- The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, Eastgate, Chester
The spa: More than 50 traditional and holistic treatments, plus a steam room, herb sauna and relaxation room. The latest addition to this adult-only spa is the Molton Brown rebalancing crystal massage. Holistic therapies include reflexology and stress recovery massage, along with nurturing massages for mothers-to-be. Packages can be tailor-made for couples.
Top treatment: Lastone Therapy (£85 for 75 minutes), designed to balance mind, body and spirit. Warm basalt stones are massaged over the body to relax muscles, aid circulation and remove toxins.
The hotel: Dating back to 1865, the Grade II Listed building, with its black and white facade, is one of only a handful of hotels outside London to be awarded five AA red stars. The One Rugged Off-Road Adventure combines a 4x4 driving experience and a two-night stay at the hotel for adventurous couples.
Dining: The hotel has two award-winning restaurants, including The Arkle, which has retained its Michelin star for the 17th consecutive year.
Best room: The Presidential Suite.
Price: The Presidential Suite is from £850 plus VAT per night.
Special touch: Cellar Tour with the hotel's Sommelier.
www.chestergrosvenor.com
BEST FOR FAMILY
- The Aquae Sulis Spa at the Elms, Worcester
The spa: The von Essen hotel unveils its dedicated luxury family spa in February/March 2008. The Aquae Sulis range of products is owned by Luxury Family Hotels and will be supplemented by the Yon'ka range. A third range, Mama Mio, will feature pre- and postnatal treatments. There will be a number of treatments available for children aged 12 years and above.
Top treatment: Mum and daughter treatments.
The hotel: Set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens and mature Worcestershire parklands, all bedrooms at this historic haven have recently been refurbished.
Dining: The Brooke Room is renowned for its award-winning cheeseboard.
Best room: The deluxe Black Worcester and Colwall rooms, overlooking the Teme Valley.
Price: Around £350 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Special touch: An Ofsted-registered creche for use by guests' children.
www.theelmshotel.co.uk
- The Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, County Durham
The spa: Topping the polls in many consumer publications, the spa uses water to pamper, indulge and relax guests. The oriental design is inspired by Feng Shui, and there are more than 45 treatments on offer. It offers a range of teen treatments for guests aged 13 upwards.
Top treatment: Most popular are the day rituals including the Serenity Indulgence (from £230), which includes the frangipani wrap, aroma stone therapy, advanced skin performance facial.
The hotel: This hotel claims to be the only five-star hotel in the North of England. Quality food and attention to detail are high on the agenda.
Dining: The White Room, which was recently awarded its first Michelin star.
Best room: Guests can choose from five different types to suit their individual style.
Price: From £225 per night,including use of the spa.
Special touch: Helicopter pads and the Michelin-starred restaurant.
www.seaham-serenityspa.com
BEST FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES/SPORT LOVERS
- Ayush Wellness Spa at Hotel de France, St Helier, Jersey
The spa: This rooftop spa is the UK's first Ayurveda destination spa. The treatment starts with a consultation with an in-house Indian Ayurvedic doctor to determine imbalances (dosha), followed by traditional therapies and professional lifestyle advice, designed for long-term benefit. There are 18 spa balcony rooms for overnight guests. Created with nature in mind, the decor is one of stone and wood combined with open-glass walkways.
Top treatment: The signature Shirodhara 'third eye' sedition therapy, a deeply relaxing experience, which includes oil being drizzled from a golden urn onto the forehead - the site of the 'third eye'.
The hotel: Hotel De France has long been a destination for weary Londoners, with St Helier only an hour's flight from London. This seafront hotel, housed in a grand 19th-century building, has 238 rooms.
Dining: Gourmet food at The Gallery Restaurant can be served al fresco on the terrace.
Best room: One of the Spa Balcony Rooms.
Price: From £105 per night including bed and breakfast, use of the spa facilities, one yoga session and one treatment up to the value of £50.
Special touch: Dr Prasanna, the Ayurvedic consultant.
www.defrance.co.uk
THE BEAUTIQUE AT HAYFIELD MANOR, CORK
The spa: The Beautique offers a stylish retreat complete with Elemis treatments, an outdoor jacuzzi, swimming pool and fitness suite. Deep tissue and Swedish body massages are available, while aching golfers may appreciate the Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap.
Top treatment: The most popular treatments are the anti-aging facials - Pro-Collagen and Visible Brilliance (75 minutes each, EUR110/£74).
The hotel: Fans of charmingly traditional decor will feel at home in the manor, conveniently located within strolling distance of the town centre. Golfers have their pick of around 15 courses on the perimeter of Cork. www.corkgolfclub.ie
Dining: Orchids offers a delicous menu overlooking the original walled gardens and terrace.
Best room: The Master Suite has a separate seating room with a dining table, fully stocked bar, fresh flowers, fresh fruit, homemade chocolates, VIP gift and Elemis Spa products. Two 'his and hers' bathrooms feature a range of treats. A 24-hour private butler service is also available.
Price: The Master Suite is EUR1,030 (£695) for bed and breakfast per night.
Special touch: Orchids, the hotel's elegant and sumptuous restaurant.
www.hayfieldmanor.ie
THE SPA AT CHEWTON GLEN, HAMPSHIRE
The spa: This award-winning retreat offers Molton Brown therapies and body treatments, with 10 treatment suites, a hydrotherapy spa pool and crystal steam rooms. Holistic therapies include reflexology and Aqua detox.
Top treatment: The rebalancing hot pebble treatments, which use warm volcanic lava pebbles.
The hotel: Set in 130 acres of grounds and parkland, with 58 suites and bedrooms, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and gym. Nearby is the National Motor Museum, and Skandia Cowes Week takes place from 4-11 August. The hotel can organise transfers to the Isle of Wight for the event. Clay-pigeon shooting and archery can be arranged on the hotel grounds.
Dining: The menu features an eclectic style of cookery using fresh local produce such as wild mushrooms, vegetables and game from the New Forest.
Best room: Marryat Suite includes a sitting room, cloakroom and private balcony terrace.
Price: From £1,150 per night for the Marryat Suite.
Special touch: The Marryat restaurant, voted one of the top 25 restaurants in the UK by Egon Ronay. The wine list features more than 600 wines.
www.chewtonglen.com
PENNYHILL PARK HOTEL, BAGSHOT, SURREY
The spa:The spacious, award-winning adult-only spa has been favoured by Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Justin Timberlake. It boasts an advanced thermal sequencing experience with eight indoor and outdoor pools, including a 25m indoor ballroom pool, hot tubs, jacuzzi and hydrotherapy alongside herbal saunas, laconiums, tepidarium, ice cave and aromatic steam rooms. Top treatment: 'Of Air and Light Snow Breeze' (from £150) offers a two-hour blend of hot and cold sensations, combining a fresh aromatic gel mix of Buddleia and white tea with warm, soft, detoxifying flakes. The hotel:The ivy-clad country retreat is set in 123 acres of Surrey parkland, with Andrew Turner at the restaurant helm. Located between Ascot, Sunningdale and Wentworth, the hotel has tennis courts and its own golf course.
Dining: The award-winning Latymer for fine dining amid the traditional designof the 19th-century mansion.
Best room: The Twickenham Suite features its ownhand-carved oak four-poster bed, and a lounge room area. The bathroom, overlooking the grounds, features a glamorous, hexagona-jacuzzi for up to eight people.
Price: Room only is £550 plus VAT
Special touch: Thalgo's new Terrakefive-star therapy treatments.
www.exclusivehotels.co.uk
KOHLER WATERS SPA AT THE OLD COURSE HOTEL, ST ANDREWS
The spa: The luxurious water-focused spa opened last year and boasts a dramatic waterfall, fitness suites, steam rooms, thermal suite and roof-top hot tub. There are 11 treatment rooms and a 20m indoor pool.
Top treatment: Cooler Near The Sea (£70), designed to boost internal cleansing and movement of nutrients throughout the body.
The hotel: Few hotels offer a choice of 10 golf courses on their doorstep, including the legendary Old Course. Guestrooms were refurbished last year and 19 of the suites were transformed by interior designer Jacques Garcia. The Duke's Course was redesigned by architect Tim Liddy.
Dining: A range of restaurants includes The Road Hole Grill, with AA 3 Rosettes.
Best room: The Royal and Ancient Suite, currently being refurbished. The Deluxe Suites offer views across the links courses to the sea, with a choice of Jacques Garcia or Amanda Rosa-designed rooms.
Price: Deluxe suites from £364 per night, including breakfast and taxes.
Special touch: Complimentary transfers to and from Duke's throughout the day for hotel residents.
www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk
CLIENT Q&A - REBEKAH GIBBS, ACTRESS, LONDON
- Which spa did you visit and why?
Champneys has always had a great reputation for being a great, all-round spa. Having them all around the UK makes life easy for me. Being on a UK tour, I can always find one nearby for a much-needed rest when working.
- What treatments did you have?
Moisture facial and pedicure. The facial maximised the hydration in my face. I felt the benefit of the treatment for a good few weeks. It was combined with a blissful head and neck massage - a true treat. This was followed by a pedicure, which is a must in the summer months. Again, a great treatment, and one hour of relaxing pampering.
- What did you like about the spa?
I enjoy the fact I can revisit a place of familiarity, where they know me and I can take part in classes, relaxation and great evening lectures. It just ticks the right boxes every time for the mind, body and soul.
- Would you visit again?
Yes. Champneys is my favourite spa, in terms of the staff, the classes, food, treatments, ambiance, the surroundings and the availability. Whether my stay is with friends and family or on my own, it's perfect.
- Why do you think more people are now visiting spas?
I believe as a nation we are learning to look after ourselves again. It is money well spent. The good thing about spas is that the experience can be tailor-made for the individual.
BUYER'S GUIDE - KATHRYN COLLIGON - MANAGING DIRECTOR, SPABREAK UK
People are paying so much more attention to how they look and thus the hugely burgeoning spa industry is continuing to thrive.
This is a leisure sector synonymous with luxury and yet is now affordable and more accessible than ever before and is only likely to further increase in popularity.
For couples, Moddershall Oaks Spa (www.moddershalloaks.com) in Staffordshire has just 10 luxury suites - with an outdoor hot tub plus cabin verandahs. Service levels are excellent, with a hostess to tend to your every need.
The Vineyard (www.the-vineyard.co.uk) in Berkshire is, in one word, fantastic. Attention to detail is second to none - the service is first-class and this is ably demonstrated throughout the hotel and spa areas.
Grayshott Spa (www.grayshottspa.com), Surrey, is one of the traditional health farms that has earned an excellent reputation and has really moved with the times. TheLight Diet Restaurant features superb, healthy food - the emphasis is on health here and there's a great selection of treatments on offer.
Ragdale Health Spa (www.ragdalehall.co.uk), in Leicestershire, is one of the most famous of the original health farms. It has continued to build on its reputation and offers extensive leisure facilities, beautiful grounds and an incredible range of treatments.
London's K WEST Spa is funky, urban and great fun. It has thefantastic Kanteen Restaurant where you can sit and celebrity watch.
Lansdowne Place (www.lansdowneplace.co.uk) has a central Brighton location and plenty of luxurious treatments from which to choose.
www.spabreak.co.uk.
