18 Family Travel, Days Out & Attractions


3RD SEPTEMBER 2026 A spa-tacular day


Family days out usually revolve around seeing something – a castle, a museum, an exhibition or a new attraction. A spa? Probably not, until now. Words: Maria Pieri


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corner than most spa guests are used to. T ankfully, the spa is spacious enough that everyone found their own corner. Some guests quietly read on the heated loungers or tried the new infrared seats, undisturbed by our competitive nature. For our treatments, my partner


and I both chose deep tissue massages. I have tight shoulders, something every massage therapist seems to identify within minutes, and it was exactly what I needed. T e teenagers opted for facials. Watching my teenage son emerge looking relaxed, glowing and somehow impossibly clean was the biggest surprise of the day. I did begin to wonder whether I had unintentionally started an expensive new family habit.


SPA DAY/VERULAMIUM SPA RETREAT


To celebrate my partner’s birthday, we skipped the traditional pub lunch. Instead, we opted to drive 30 minutes outside of London with two teenagers in tow, for a family day out like no other. I had visited the Verulamium Spa


in St Albans several years ago. Back then, it felt more like a leisure centre with a spa attached. Now I was curious to see it again after a recent £400,000 refurbishment. Before heading to the spa, I managed half an hour of lengths while the rest of the


family quickly settled into a corner. T en, before I knew it, swimwear was swapped for robes and it was fi nally time for the spa. Arranged around a hydrotherapy pool, the thermal circuit includes a sauna, aroma steam room, Himalayan salt room, cold plunge pools and heated relaxation areas.


Hot and cold Opening the fi rst door, to the steam room, released the unmistakable scent of eucalyptus. It sounds like a


small detail, but it instantly shifted the mood. Suddenly, we weren’t in Hertfordshire anymore. Unexpectedly, the cold plunge


pools and crushed ice feature became the highlight. My son and I took it in turns seeing who could stay in the bone-chilling water the longest before retreating to the warmth of the sauna; within minutes we were daring each other back in while the others watched from a safe distance. Indeed, there was probably more laughter coming from our


No screen time T e biggest surprise wasn’t the quality of the spa or the fact it represented good value. It was discovering how well a spa works as a family day out. As I’m sure most parents can report, fi nding activities everyone genuinely wants to do together becomes harder the older


the kids get. Everyone has diff erent interests, diff erent schedules and a phone they’d defi nitely rather be looking at. T e bonus here? Phones stay fi rmly in the lockers. T e afternoon slipped by moving


between the areas, talking far more than any of us expected. T ere was no timetable to stick to, no attraction to rush around and no pressure to keep everyone entertained. Would we go back? Absolutely. In fact, I suspect next time it’ll be the teenagers suggesting it.


Need to know Verulamium Spa Retreat is located within Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, St Albans. T e Recharge Spa Package costs £85 per person and includes a 25-minute treatment, access to the Fire & Ice spa facilities and a Comfort Zone gift. Spa-only access is available from £49.99 for a three-hour session. T e spa also off ers massages, facials and beauty treatments using Comfort Zone products. Teen treatments are available, but check minimum age requirements when booking. Visit everyonespa.com


SAUNA/VERULAMIUM SPA RETREAT


Family escape in paradise


Stay longer, save more


Enjoy 25% off with complimentary daily breakfast on stays of three nights or more. Stays must be booked and completed before 31 December 2026. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.


Conrad Koh Samui is a natural haven in a hectic world — no crowds, no neighbouring hotels, just a vital escape for the soul


Nestled on the tranquil southwest- ern tip of Koh Samui, Conrad Koh Samui off ers families a rare oppor- tunity to reconnect through mean- ingful experiences, extraordinary surroundings and the privacy of spacious all-pool villas. Overlooking the turquoise waters


of the Gulf of T ailand, the resort combines intuitive hospitality with a strong sense of place, inviting guests of all ages to slow down and create lasting memories together. Families can spend their days enjoying private pool villa living, exploring the resort’s sustainable Iris Farm, participating in hands-on T ai cooking classes or discovering the island’s rich culture and natural beauty through curated Conrad 1/3/5 Experiences. For younger guests, the resort’s


kids’ club off ers engaging activities designed to inspire creativity and exploration, while parents can unwind with rejuvenating treatments at Conrad Spa or enjoy exceptional dining experiences across the resort’s restaurants and bars. Whether it’s a multigenerational


getaway, a special family celebra- tion or a well-deserved school holi- day escape, Conrad Koh Samui cre- ates a setting where every moment feels personal. From sunset dinners overlooking


E: conrad_koh_samui@conradhotels.com T: +66 77 915 888 conradkohsamui.com


the ocean and island adventures by long-tail boat to meaningful family experiences shared together, guests are invited to discover the perfect balance between relaxation, connection and exploration.


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