South Of England wins battle of the spas reveals Spabreaks.com

woman laying on a bed having a massage in a spa

Spabreaks.com 2022 booking data has revealed that spas in the South totalled 57.4% of all bookings made in 2022, winning the battle of the spas against the north of England.

The UK spa industry has a lot to offer, whether you're looking to escape to the countryside or fancy break in the city. Whether it's in the north or south, there's a place in the UK that will accommodate whatever spa break you're looking for.

However, when looking at the UK's North-South divide, there can only be one which homes the most popular spas. From Chester to the New Forest, from London to Manchester, Spabreaks.com have delved into their 2022 bookings to discover whether the North or South comes out on top.

Across all bookings made via spabreaks.com in 2022, the South hosted 57.4% of them. The most booked spa in the south of the UK came out as Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel. Whilst the North held 42.6% of the bookings made in 2022, with Doubletree by Hilton Chester Hotel being the most popular. Southern England is known for its gorgeous natural landscapes, historic sites, quaint villages and beautiful coastlines. Spanning from the buzzing capital city to the white cliffs of Dover, it could be argued it makes the perfect place for a spabreak, no matter which way you prefer to relax and unwind. 

5 Most Popular Spas in the South of the UK

two loungers next to a pool indoors

1. Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel
With Tower Bridge and the Tower of London on your doorstep, there's plenty to keep you busy with sightseeing, however when you're ready to indulge in some serious relaxation, Rena Spa is an oasis of calm. Elegant facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, next to which you'll find a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna to spend time relaxing in. The spa is all about pampering, so you can expect to find an indulgent treatment menu to choose a range of beauty and holistic therapies from, designed to leave you glowing and gorgeous.

two treatment beds in front of large circle bath

2. Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal St Paul's Hotel
With a central and glamorous London location, you can combine high energy exploring in the capital with some deeply relaxing down time in Rena Spa. The luxurious facilities provide an oasis of tranquility whatever your reason for visiting; just make sure you leave enough time to make use of all the thermal experiences, including a laconium, tepidarium and steam room and of course the stunning 18-metre heated pool. Caudalie skincare products are used for the treatments, which combine facials, massages and body rituals depending on how you choose to indulge yourself.

circular table and seating with hanging installation in modern brasserie

3. W London, Away Spa
This vibrant and superbly sexy London hotel and spa is an energising experience from the spa to the restaurant. Putting you in the mood to party and recover the next day, it's a breath of fresh air in the heart of Soho. Perfect for groups of friends as well as a fun night in the city for two, complete with its celebrity-favourite spa, it's the place to unwind, sip cocktails and feel red-carpet-ready.

outdoor jacuzzi wicker hanging chairs round it

4. Guildford Manor Hotel and Spa
Only a short distance from Guildford, but cosseted by 10 acres of lovely countryside, this is a hotel that feels like a retreat from everyday life and therefore, one to indulge in some spa and leisure time. At the Aqua Spa & Health Club, there's a state of the art gym facility to work up a sweat in, as well as a swimming pool to dip into. The Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are perfect for pre-treatment relaxing, before heading for a relaxing massage, facial or Indian head massage.

large pool indoors lots of loungers around it

5. The Spa at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel
Relaxation and pampering are key at this stylishly hip health club and spa in central London. If you're there for a day spa break, there's everything for your total wellbeing, including a gym, swimming pool, sauna and separate steam room as well as a selection of spa therapies for your body and face. Afterwards, catch up with friends at The Harbour Bar overlooking the Marina and for the ultimate escape, stay overnight and do it all again the next day.

jacuzzi in underground look spa glass partitions

3 Most Popular Spas in the North of the UK

1. Doubletree by Hilton Chester Hotel
Relaxation comes naturally at this gorgeous manor house hotel set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds. With space in abundance, groups will love the opportunities for dining and social time, but don't forget to factor in time at the luxury Club and Spa. Its 14 treatment rooms mean it has ample space for larger groups, as well as a pool, steam room and rasul, which are fun to enjoy with family and friends. After a restorative massage or facial, make the most of the poolside loungers before planning how to enjoy yourself next.

snuggle pods and hanging pod in low lit room

2. Rena Spa at The Midland
An award-winning spa and deservedly so! From the moment you enter the underground haven, you'll be transported into a world of peace and calm with satisfyingly relaxing results. There are a number of impressive experiences to enjoy such as the Caribbean Storm and Arctic Rain showers, but the piece de resistance is the relaxation areas. Here, you can choose from discovering sleep in a hanging pod cocoon, in an ergonomic sleep chamber or a sound cancelling egg chair. Top this off with a luxury ESPA treatment, delivered on a bed with a comforting duvet.

large swimming pool with lots of loungers around it

3. Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa
Only eight miles from Manchester and yet surrounded by landscaped gardens and with views of the Pennine Hills, a getaway at this hotel can be whatever you want it to be. Shopping, nightlife and sightseeing is all at your fingertips, but for some real relaxation, head to the hotel spa and enjoy some down time. As well as a gym, swimming pool and thermal suite, the spa has six treatment rooms where you can ease tension with a gorgeous Decleor body or facial treatment.

Abi insists spa days are not only the perfect retreat for a special occasion, but also a way to improve mental and physical health with regular attendance.

Spabreaks.com also offers visitors the opportunity to book half day packages for flexibility when it comes to accessing the spa for those at work or restricted by the school run.

"The UK spa industry is thriving and the offerings are endless, meaning that there really is a spa suited and accessible for everyone. Our offerings are available all throughout the UK but it's great to see the South thriving with spa days and breaks being booked"

Abi added: "Our unbeatable selection of top-quality spa hotels across the country means you're never too far away from a day or night of luxury. Invest in prioritising your self-care and see the results come back in spades."

For more information or to book visit www.spabreaks.com or call 0800 043 6600.

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