The Hotel Guru
UK's 20 Best Spa Hotels

UK's 20 Best Spa Hotels

At the Hotel Guru we’re not great spa devotees — we look for character in a hotel before anything else — but we’re always delighted to find a great spa which blends with a hotel’s character, rather than detracting from the atmosphere. And that’s what we looked for most when choosing our recommendations for the 20 Best UK Spa Hotels. These spa hotels are the ones which stand out for us: with soothing environments, quality treatments, and charming, highly trained staff. Mmmm…. Do you feel more relaxed already?

For a complete escape

Set on forty acres of its own patch of beautiful, rural Cumbria, the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a sort of meeting of a country house hotel and an ultra-modern spa hotel, with a choice of either traditional, or cutting edge decor in your room. Your room will be one of 31, including suites and private ‘cottage’ escapes — which have their own private hot tubs. There’s a picturesque lake in the grounds, overlooked by some of the spa treatment rooms, and there’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Bodysgallen Hall in Conwy dates from the 13th century, but the & Spa bit, along with the 16 charming self-catering cottages in the grounds, is more recent. The gardens are historically wonderful, and some of the 15 bedrooms in the main house have fantastic heritage details. As well as the highly recommended spa and restaurant onsite, this hotel is very convenient for visiting other historic castles and playing golf.

For all out luxury

You’d be hard pressed to find a spa hotel with credentials as impressive as Bath’s The Royal Crescent Hotel; this is where the Romans came for their spa baths, and that’s quite a recommendation. And the Royal Crescent is one of the most prestigious addresses in Bath. This is a five star hotel with all the trimmings, including a collection of beautiful antiques, four-poster beds and marble bathrooms, plus a hair dresser and beauty salon. The hotel’s Dower House Restaurant has won a slew of awards too.

The Most Romantic Spa Hotels

Swinton Park Hotel looks like a castle, complete with ivy-clad towers and crenelated battlements, and 250 acres of sweeping parkland to survey. And it promises luxury. From the grand entrance, through the elaborate dining room, to the huge, contemporary spa, with its indoor and outdoor pools, thermal experiences, saunas and heated loungers. As well as the spa and a choice of restaurants, Swinton Park Hotel offers fishing, golf, pony trekking, cooking classes, falconry displays and some pretty fancy afternoon teas. So, even though you’re close to the glorious Yorkshire Dales, there’s still no need to leave the hotel.
Within easy reach of London, just five minutes off the M25, the Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa is a country house hotel with a stunning spa, and all the makings of a romantic mini-break. There are just 38 rooms and suites, all of them spacious and elegant, with contemporary decor and large, marble bathrooms. There are two restaurants, and a 24 hour room service menu, and the Utopia spa has won plenty of awards for its pampering options, which include indoor spa pools, a hot tub, sauna, steam room, lap pool and a Japanese-underwater-massage-bed-pool

Spa Hotel City Breaks

York’s Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is only about a mile from the centre of York, yet this 18th century William and Mary country house, set in 20 of its own acres, feels like a real escape. So it’s idea for a relaxing city break. There are only 29 rooms, suites and cottages, decorated with antiques, oil paintings and pastel country-print fabrics. The panelled dining room is quite a fine restaurant, and the spa is surprisingly large and varied for a hotel this size.

For a coastal spa break

Architecturally wonderful, Cornwall's The Scarlet sits atop a cliff, just below Bedruthan Steps, overlooking Mawgan North Beach. Aside from its views, the Scarlet’s Ayuvedic spa is one of its main appeals; the facilities are excellent, really incorporating the powers of the ocean right next door. There are just 37 rooms and suites, decorated with the design-led style that imagined the whole project, and there’s a superb restaurant.
The Dart Marina Hotel is right on Dartmouth’s buzzing river harbour, with great views of the water and all the comings and goings on it, both from the 49 rooms and suites and from the spa and the elegant restaurant. As well as the rooms in the hotel there are self-catering apartments you can rent, which are ideal for families, and there are designated family-friendly hours in the excellent pool. The spa menu is impressive, plus there’s a sauna and steam room.

Family friendly spa hotels

Chewton Glen in the New Forest, is often mentioned on lists of the UK’s best country house hotels, but it’s got a spa worth mentioning too — both expansive and beautiful. The main house is handsome, but as well as rooms and suites there, Chewton Glen also has treehouse rooms and villas (some with private hot tubs), with views over a scenic valley, which takes the number of rooms up to 72. There are 130 acres of parkland surrounding you here, some of which has been turned into a golf course, tennis courts and croquet lawns. There’s an excellent restaurant, and lots to do for the little ones too, including a kids club.
You probably know of it because of its championship golf courses, but Gleneagles, the Grand Dame of Scottish luxury hotels, has a top notch ESPA spa as well. But it doesn’t stop there, this is where you’ll find Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant — as well as three other excellent dining options, an equestrian school, a falconry centre, clay pigeon shooting, tennis courts and lessons, shooting, fishing opportunities and more! It’s big, 206 rooms and suites big, with a very good range of decoration styles, and the views are incredible.

Spa Escapes from London

Stoke Park is a gorgeous Palladian mansion turned luxurious country house hotel located in leafy Buckinghamshire. It looks something along the lines of a mini-White House, and has all the bells and whistles, including indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a championship golf course, a choice of two restaurants and an impressive spa. There are 49 rooms, dressed in a variety of styles — but all chic and luxurious, and the facilities are generous for the number of rooms.
The Pennyhill Park Hotel & The Spa is both beautiful and luxurious: a creeper-clad, 19th century country house hotel, set in 123 acres of picturesque Surrey landscape, with an award-winning spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant. And it’s only about half an hour drive from Heathrow, or 45 minutes from central London. There are 123 rooms and suites, dressed with contemporary style, plus a golf course, tennis courts, croquet lawns, archery alley, two restaurants and The Spa — with its eight indoor and outdoor pools and Canadian hot tubs, and a myriad of treatment options.

Country House Spa Breaks

Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa has the elegant facade of a Georgian manor house, which is what it was built to be, surrounded by 37 acres of parkland on the Country Durham coast. This was home to the third Marquess of Londonderry, where Lord Byron got married. Today’s Seaham Hall would probably be almost unrecognisable to Bryon inside, with its modern art, contemporary chandeliers, and lots of purple. There are just 22 rooms and suites, all of them very generously proportioned. And there’s a choice of two restaurants, one fine dining, and one Thai. The Asian theme continues into the spa too, which is a vast 44,000 square feet, with 17 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs and more. Some of the rooms have hot tubs too.
A five star country escape just outside Newbury in Berkshire, The Vineyard at Stockcross offers the perfect backdrop to really treat yourself. Its award-winning spa offers excellent facilities, and a range of treatments. And the food and wine are something else — the cellar is 30,000 strong. There are 49 rooms and suites, the largest of which are palatial.
Ockenden Manor is an historic manor house surrounded by tranquil grounds, about an hour from London, in West Sussex. This is a country house hotel for people who appreciate uneven floorboards and lead-lined windows, but also Michelin-starred dining and impressive spa facilities which include both indoor and outdoor pools in its state-of-the-art wing, hidden behind the original facade.

Great Value Spa Hotels

Converted from a bishop’s palace, built in 1876, the Culloden Estate and Spa sits splendidly pretty on 12 acres of its own gardens and woodland, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Antrim Coast. This is the sort of place where the service is a real pleasure; even though it has 105 rooms and suites, you’ll still feel valued and cosseted. The decor is traditional, but not unstylish, and the best rooms have incredible views. The spa is very popular, with a number of treatment rooms and areas, and there’s plenty of pampering and relaxing treatments to enjoy. There are several onsite restaurants, one of them is reputably one of Northern Ireland’s best.
The Goodwood Hotel is a fantastically converted escape on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, with two golf courses, a choice of restaurants, and a huge spa and health club. The rooms are large too, the largest with sitting rooms and patio terraces, as well as smart decor.
The Lake Country House occupies a 19th century mock-Tudor mansion surrounded by 50 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland near Builth Wells. Its 30 rooms and suites are stylishly decorated, with plenty of variety if you’re fussy about colours and styles yourself. There’s a dignified dining room, serving award-winning food, and an impressive spa menu.
Ilsington Country House is perfectly positioned for rugged views, perched on a hill overlooking a rugged, windswept patch of Dartmoor. And they’ve even made an effort to make the inside as much of a contrast as possible; cosy and luxurious. The 25 rooms and suites are decorated in soft colours and tartan fabrics, and there’s an excellent restaurant specialising in local produce. The spa offers the next level in cosy, luxurious respite.

Still not sure where to book?

You might want to refine your search to just the best spa hotels in the New Forest if you’re looking for a break from London…
or, if you fancy a beach spa break you could check out or recommendations for the best spa hotels in Devon or the best spa hotels in Dorset
If you’re looking for a rural escape could could consider the best spa hotels in the Lake District the best spa hotels in the Yorkshire Dales or the best spa hotels in the Peak District
And if you’re looking for a real change of scene try our list of the best spa hotels in Norfolk
Alteratively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Windermere 31 rooms from AU$404
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Six of the incredible suites come with their own private gardens and cedarwood hot tubs, ideal for a romantic getaway!
  Country Escape  -  20-acre gardens filled with magnolia, cherry blossoms and copper beech, not to mention the stunning private lake
  Foodies  -  Michelin starred SOURCE restaurant is run by head chef Ollie Bridgwater formerly of Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck
  Fishing  -  Fishing can be organised on site, either on the private lake or a day trip to somewhere nearby
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Relais & Chateaux, Sawdays
  
  A luxurious and relaxing modern country-house hotel with a choice of traditional or cutting-edge rooms, many with hot-tubs. Michelin-starred dining, woodland spa plus flawless service. Set in 40 acres of stunning surroundings with a picturesque lake and lots of activities to offer nearby. See More
  
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- The Royal Crescent Hotel Bath 45 rooms from AU$648
  
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  Swimming Pool  -  12m heated relaxation pool in the spa
  Traditional
  5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin Travel
  
  Five star luxury hotel situated in the classical splendour of Bath's Royal Crescent, with The Spa at the Royal Crescent and Dower House Restaurant - ideal for exploring the World Heritage Site on your doorstep. See More
  
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- Gleneagles Hotel Perthshire 233 rooms from AU$657
  
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  Child friendly  -  Great facilities for children of all ages with organised activities and childcare available.
  Restaurant  -  Andrew Fairlie Restaurant is the only establishment in Scotland with two Michelin stars.
  Other Activities  -  Shooting, fishing, falconry, gun dog training, off road driving to name a few!
  Golf  -  Three championshire courses and PGA National Golf Academy on site.
  Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection
  
  Luxury grand dame resort hotel in the heart of stunning Perthshire countryside. With three championship golf courses, top notch spa and more activities than you can imagine, this is the perfect resort for all the family. See More
  
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- Pennyhill Park Hotel and The Spa Bagshot, Surrey 124 rooms from AU$798
  
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  Spa  -  The fabulous spa boasts indoor and outdoor pools, plus canadian hot tubs, treatments and much more.
  Spa breaks
  Restaurant  -  Michelin starred dining at The Latymer.
  Traditional
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  Creeper clad 19th-century country house luxury spa resort with two excellent restaurants, only half an hour from Heathrow. Country style with lavish facilities. Relax and rejuvenate. See More
  
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- Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa County Durham 20 rooms from AU$573
  
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  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
  Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection
  
  With a modern sense of glamour, this Georgian country house knows how to spoil, from the super-large suites to the Asian-inspired spa. Plus there's parkland to wander and a choice of eating options. Receive the celebrity treatments in large suites and modern bathrooms. A stylish stay. See More
  
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- Stoke Park Buckinghamshire 49 rooms from AU$498
  
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  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Spa
  Traditional
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  Luxury Palladian mansion turned country hotel. Spa and country club with golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, award-winning restaurants. See More
  
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- Culloden Estate and Spa Belfast (Holywood) 105 rooms from AU$254
  
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  Restaurant  -  The Mitre is one Northern Ireland's top eateries.
  Views  -  Fine views over the gardens and Belfast Lough
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
  Spa
  
  Luxury hotel and spa overlooking Belfast Lough. Opulent interiors, great food and five star service. Ideal for a short spoiling break to Northern Ireland if you don't want to be in the heart of Belfast, and great for business travellers. See More
  
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- Middlethorpe Hall & Spa York 29 rooms from AU$381
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well positioned to enjoy the best of the both worlds. Set in beautiful countryside but just 10 minutes from York's city centre
  Total relaxation  -  An elegant country house hotel with pretty gardens, grand interiors, standout service, and a spa - ideal for a relaxing break
  Foodies  -  The restaurant is a smart occassion with exemplary British cuisine served in elegant surrounds
  Historic  -  An 18th century National Trust property that's part of the Historic Houses Hotel
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Michelin Travel
  
  The perfect choice if you want to explore York but from the comfort of a country-house hotel. Classic looks combine with handsomely furnished rooms and a well-regarded restaurant, all wrapped up in acres of parkland - and the city just 10 minutes away. See More
  
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- Swinton Park Hotel Ripon, Yorkshire 32 rooms from AU$460
  
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  Families  -  Magical Yorkshire hideaway in a castle with pkenty of space, interconnecting rooms, and fun activities for kids
  Cooking classes  -  Variety of courses run throughout the year at the on site cookery school
  Country Escape  -  In a great locality to explore this beautiful and rugged part of the UK
  Honeymoons  -  A perfect spot for newly weds to hideaway in rural luxury
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Frommers
  
  Striking, castle-like stately-home set in sweeping parkland and offering plenty of on-site activities from fishing and golf to a cookery school and sleek spa. Vast rooms, beautiful views and a choice of two restaurants. See More
  
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- Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa Wilmington, Kent 38 rooms from AU$374
  
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  Exclusive offer  -  40% OFF
  Spa breaks  -  The superb Utopia Spa boasts two pools (one with underwater massage jets and fountain), plus hot tub, steam room & much more
  Romantic Break  -  Good range of rooms & suites, superb spa and award winning dining: ideal for a romantic getaway
  Spa  -  The all-singing-all-dancing Utopia Spa is luxurious and provides to all the pampering you can imagine
  Sights nearby  -  There are several historic castles close by including Hever and Rochester Castles
  
  Romance reigns at this luxury country house hotel in the Kent countryside. Within easy reach of London and just 5 minutes from the M25 contemporary Rowhill Grange boasts two indoor pools in its stunning spa, plus bar and excellent restaurant; the ideal spot for a relaxing stay with friends. See More
  
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- The Scarlet, Cornwall Newquay 37 rooms from AU$366
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With a spoiling spa, luxurious rooms with sea views, and fine dining - this is the perfect setting for romance
  Spa  -  An eco spa featuring a bromine-filtered indoor pool, outdoor natural reed pool, a wooden sauna, and pod treatment rooms
  Restaurant  -  Seasonal dishes are served in the restaurant alongside a good selection of wines
  Surfing  -  There are several surfing beaches nearby and plenty of surf schools too
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  Relaxing, purpose-designed eco-friendly hotel overlooking Mawgan Porth beach. Rooms are decorated with contemporary furniture & local art. Enjoy sea views from the cocktail lounge and the stylish hotel restaurant. Expect fantastic spa facilities for relaxation and great outdoor activities nearby. See More
  
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- Chewton Glen New Milton, Hampshire 72 rooms from AU$761
  
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  Country Escape  -  A gorgeous country house spa, set in 130 acres of parkland at the edge of the magical New Forest.
  Tennis  -  There are both indoor and outdoor tennis courts and coaching with the resident pro.
  Great walks  -  Plenty of walking across the 130 acres of parkland, or head into the New Forest.
  Kids Club  -  All new The Beehive, available every weekend and school holidays
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin Travel
  
  On the edge of the New Forest and close to the sea, Chewton Glen offers five-star luxury to couples and families. Its wow-factor treehouse accommodation is the star of the show, along with the fantastic staff that always go the extra mile. Imitable service, gourmet dining and The Beehive, kids club. See More
  
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- The Vineyard at Stockcross Newbury, Berkshire 49 rooms from AU$364
  
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  Foodies  -  Head chef Daniel Galmiche specialises in classic french/Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist.
  Spa  -  Award wining spa with a wide range of therapies and treatments on offer.
  Sights nearby  -  10 minutes from Highclere Castle
  Great walks  -  On the South Downs
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  5* country escape close to Newbury in Berkshire, just an hour from London. A 30,000 strong wine cellar in a luxury hotel with award winning spa for the ultimate pampering. Spacious rooms and suites offer elegant comfort. The perfect country getaway for romance, girlie breaks or simply a great meal. See More
  
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- Ockenden Manor Cuckfield, West Sussex 28 rooms from AU$460
  
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  Foodies  -  The creative cuisine of Head Chef Stephen Crane has earned them a Michelin-Star, check out the seven-course Tasting Menu.
  Country Escape  -  Submerge yourself in this country house hotel, with every whim and comfort taken care of there is no need to leave.
  Great walks  -  This area boasts plenty of picturesque walks, ask your hosts to point out a few choice trails to follow.
  Restaurant  -  Michelin starred cuisine
  
  This tranquil and historic manor house is just an hour from London, with lovely gardens, indoor and outdoor pools and a fine dining restaurant. Choose from traditional manor house rooms or elegant modern suites. Its top notch spa - and the Downs nearby - make for the perfect mini-break. See More
  
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- The Goodwood Hotel Chichester, West Sussex 91 rooms from AU$301
  
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  Restaurant  -  Award wining food with many ingredients produced on the Goodwood estate.
  Great walks  -  Stroll around the Goodwood Estate or explore the South Downs way
  Sights nearby  -  Just outside Chichester
  Tennis  -  Tennis Court on site
  
  An elegant country retreat on the Goodwood Estate. Two golf courses, a spa health club and a choice of restaurants make this hotel an ideal weekend getaway. Bedrooms are smartly decorated, many with private sitting rooms and patio terraces. See More
  
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- Dart Marina Hotel Dartmouth 49 rooms from AU$301
  
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  Sailing  -  This hotel is places perfectly for sailing enthusiasts of all abilities.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor heated pool with dedicated hours for family friendly swimming.
  Sights nearby  -  Dartmouth and Kingswear Castle are both nearby and a great day out!
  Spa  -  Offering a wide range of holistic and luxury treatments.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  This property, in Dartmouth's buzzing harbour has a luxury spa and an AA Rosette awarded restaurant. Chic rooms in pale palettes are bright with large windows overlooking the River Dart. There are also self-contained apartments. This property is perfectly located to explore Dartmoor. See More
  
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- Lake Country House Builth Wells (Llangammarch Wells) 30 rooms from AU$280
  
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  Golf  -  The Lake Country House & Spa has a 9 hole, Par three golf course, for the enjoyment of hotel guests
  Other Activities  -  The National Botanic Garden of Wales is just under an hour from the Lake Country House & Spa Hotel
  Great walks  -  To the south of the hotel there are the stunning Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.
  Fishing  -  The River Irfon, runs through the hotel grounds adjacent to the fishing lake.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  19th century mock-Tudor property set amid stunning 50-acre gardens, offering stylishly furnished rooms. The dining room is spacious and dignified and serves award-winning food. Plenty of activities on offer and a thoroughly relaxing spa. Ideal for a weekend break away from it all. See More
  
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- Bodysgallen Hall & Spa Conwy 22 rooms from AU$299
  
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  Historic  -  The oldest part of the house is a five storey tower, probably dating from the late 13th century
  Birdwatching  -  The local RSPB Nature Reserve on the Conwy Estuary is a must for birdwatchers
  Great walks  -  2 miles from Llandudno, a perfectly preserved Victorian Seaside resort.
  Local markets  -  2 miles from the medieval town of Conwy.
  
  Dating back to the 13th Century, Bodysgallen Hall & Spa lies in beautiful formal gardens and features 15 bedrooms in the main house, Principal Suites, and 16 delightful cottage suites in the grounds. The hotel is ideally placed for local historic castles, golf courses and the coast of North Wales. See More
  
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- Ilsington Country House Devon 25 rooms from AU$263
  
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  Spa breaks  -  A country house and contemporary spa which uses the latest technology alongside touches of ancient Tibetan knowledge.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  A quintessentially British country house set in beautiful, rugged Dartmoor. Charming rooms feature soft hues, tartan fabrics and sink-into beds. A fabulous restaurant (using the freshest local produce) and indulgent spa are a welcome respite after a day spent on the moors. See More
  
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