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New Year, Fresh Start Health, Spa, Wellness & Care
The lasting art of the day spa
When the aim is to slow down and properly switch off, a day spa allows time for rest and rejuvenation, without the need for an overnight stay. Words: Maria Pieri
day spas offering the same sense of calm, thoughtful design and high- quality treatments without having to commit to a weekend away. For those looking for some R&R, sometimes a day can be enough to get you back on track. Here are four worth trying.
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Sopwell House Having only ever been to Sopwell House before in a work capacity (conference), it was a pleasure to return and experience its standout spa. Located in St Albans, 25 miles from London and easily accessible by rail, it’s a convenient countryside retreat set within 12 acres of landscaped gardens. You can even combine a visit with an exploration of this historic Roman city.
Two experiences in one Housed in a former Georgian country hotel, Te Cottonmill Spa features two sections. Te main spa, open to
spa experience doesn’t have to involve a long break or careful planning. Across the UK, there are
most guests and day visitors, includes pools, a gym, sauna, steam rooms, relaxation areas, salon services and a terrace. Te Club at Cottonmill, accessed
separately, is a premium area with exclusive gardens, loungers, cabanas, hot tubs, a fire pit and indoor spaces such as the Whisper Room and Deep Relaxation Room, designed for a slower-paced experience. Termal experiences range from a hydrotherapy pool to panoramic, herbal and salt steam rooms, plus an organic sauna. Access from 12pm is limited to guests on club spa breaks, selected suite stays or members, giving the space a noticeably quieter, more considered feel.
Signature treatments Te Cottonmill Spa works with British brands Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates to offer a wide range of treatments — that I have to say are really hard to choose from. I opted for the Elemis Expert Deep Tissue Tension-Ease Massage, while my guest had the Full Body
Promotional Content • Saturday 24th January 2026 SPAS FURTHER AFIELD
The Grove, Hertfordshire The Grove, set on 300 acres near Watford, offers a discreet retreat popular with premier sports stars (footballers) and is an easy spa escape from London. Its contemporary spa focuses on light-filled spaces and my favourite — a large black mosaic- tiled saltwater pool. Signature treatment: Natura Bissé Oxygen Facial
thegrove.co.uk
Pennyhill Park Spa, Surrey More of a destination spa than a day spa, it states it’s a Mediterranean- style escape in the summer, thermal haven in the winter. And true, it does both things well, offering one of the most extensive thermal spa journeys in the UK, with over 20 experiences, including hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas. Signature treatment: Gaia Crystal Healing Massage
exclusive.co.uk
THE HYDROTHERAPY POOL AT SOPWELL SPA CLUB AT COTTONMILL
Scrub followed by the Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massage; both are designed to relieve muscle tension and restore balance. Alternatively, the Cottonmill
Signature Vichy Experience combines a full-body exfoliation and massage on a heated marble Vichy bed where warm water jets cascade over the body. Other treatments include the Quartz Poultice Massage
and the Elemis Expert Deep Tissue Tension-Ease Massage.
Beyond the spa Book in for cocktails at the Octagon Bar, followed by dinner at Omboo, Sopwell House’s Asian-inspired restaurant, where sharing plates are paired with a bottle of wine or sake recommended by the server.
sopwellhouse.co.uk
Heckfield Place — The Bothy Spa, Hampshire Another former Georgian family home, Heckfield Place’s Bothy Spa focuses on a quieter, nature-inspired wellness experience. Its holistic treatments make use of oils and botanicals harvested directly from the estate — all with the aim of offering you the chance to slow down and spend time outdoors too, when the weather permits. Signature treatment: The Heckfield Body Ritual
heckfieldplace.com
Healing holistically
Mental wellbeing is individual to everyone — something witnessed first- hand by Emma throughout her years as a practicing mental health nurse
Tis has led her to explore holistic therapies and yoga as powerful ways to nurture mind, body and spirit. At Emma Catt Wellness, Emma of-
fers gentle, holistic therapies designed to complement traditional approach- es for those seeking to improve their own wellbeing and perhaps, lean into their spiritual side. Reiki helps to rebalance your body’s natural energy, while Teta Healing works to release limiting beliefs and emotional blocks. Emma has seen profound trans- formations in clients who embrace these practices. Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a
unique journey, and Emma is hon- oured to guide others towards what feels right for them and to help them find the right path to becoming their best selves.
From £1,200, 15%
discount for readers. Offer valid until 1 February 2026
Yoga retreat, Majorca
A warm welcome awaits amid the white sands of Majorca from 20 to 24 April, where guests can luxuriate in slow Spanish culture
EMMA CATT, FOUNDER OF EMMA CATT WELLNESS
Boutique four-star hotel Curolla promises a Mediterranean expe- rience plus stately architecture. Set in Maria de la Salut, this lo- cally run venue has a manifesto that embraces ethical and sus- tainable living. Elegant en suite rooms are decorated in a mini- malist and cosy style. Renowned restaurant Plat a Plat provides plant-based meals. A private swimming pool and
emmacattwellness.com
instagram.com/emmacattwellness
leafy areas invite moments of stillness and relaxation. Immerse
yourself in authentic island life, in- cluding markets, beaches and the Tramuntana Mountains. Tradition- al ayurvedic massage will be avail- able during your stay. Gem and Will guide every session with expertise. Teir offering is attentive, accepting and authentic. Included in your break:
• Cosy en suite accommodation • Daily energising morning yoga • Daily unwinding evening session • Yoga mat and props • Brunch and dinner • Tea and coffee • Private swimming pool
T: 07841 718088
yogary-treats.com GEM AND WILL
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