York is a great choice for a city-break if you want to combine sight-seeing with a spot of indulgence. Several of York’s hotels have spas which usually include steam rooms and saunas, and often a pool, as well as treatment rooms. What better way to round off a day of walking York’s walls, visiting the Minster or exploring the city’s many museums, than with total relaxation in a spa? Indeed, you might find you want to book an extra day just to enjoy the spa…
For city centre luxury
- Conveniently close to York station – in fact, it was the original Victorian station hotel - the vast Principal hotel has a small spa on the lower ground floor. Before your treatment, you can relax in the sauna and steam-room, plus there’s also a whirlpool-bath and swimming pool. All bedrooms are sleek and relaxing, but for the ultimate indulgence, go for one of the suites.
- A little closer to the city centre is The Grand, York’s only five-star hotel and in a splendid Edwardian building that dominates the skyline. Its subterranean vaults have been cleverly converted into a spa area offering a range of luxurious treatments plus a sauna, steam room, spa whirlpool and 14-metre pool. Bedrooms are equally calming and relaxing, and generously proportioned.
For a Country House Hotel
- If you want a spa in a more country-house setting, take a look at Middlethorpe Hall. Although only 10 minutes from York city centre, it feels a world away. The handsome historic house, surrounded by formal gardens and parkland, is furnished with antiques while the spa is contained within two charming Edwardian cottages. A conservatory extension encloses the pool as well as a sauna and steam room. It’s totally indulgent, just like their splendid afternoon teas and dinners.
