This year I've made a huge effort to detach myself from my laptop and my phone as much as I can outwith working hours. And the difference that it has made to how I feel has been pretty unbelievable. I've almost doubled my goal of reading 12 books in 12 months and practised a lot more self-care. Embracing the 'treat yo' self' mentality but not just when it comes to shopping or having a few more squares of chocolate and really treating my body and mind to a break every so often has been key to not letting myself get overwhelmed this year.
I used to think that spa days and trips were for special occasions only or were far too boujie for me. But I couldn't have been more wrong.
Already this year I've enjoyed an evening celebrating the launch of the outdoor hydrotherapy pool at Bowfield Hotel & Country Club, a trip to the incredible Lush Spa in Edinburgh, a lovely massage at SVS 200 and manicures and a dip in the pool at Apex Waterloo Place.
And the cold, frosty, increasingly dark Autumn/Winter weather, which is basically here for the next six months up here in Scotland, makes for the perfect excuse to wrap up in a big fluffy white robe and slippers.
So here are some of the best spas near me and throughout the UK, that I would love to visit next;
One Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa
Every time I see someone visit One Spa in Edinburgh I feel the urge to get myself on a train ASAP to visit. I mean, how can you beat that view?! There's also a dry salt room, a Hammam, Tepidarium beds, a crystal steam room and several saunas to choose from. I think a trip through to Edinburgh has got to be on the cards in the run-up to Christmas!
Thermae Bath Spa
When talking about the best spas, of course Bath has got to get a mention. Known for its natural thermal baths as far back as Roman times, there are several options in this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. As panoramic rooftop pools are my thing, Thermae Bath Spa looks spectacular, whilst the indoor Minerva Bath looks equally incredible.
Mottram Hall
I've always wanted to stay at a country estate and the grounds and interiors of Mottram Hall simply look stunning. Me and my Mum, who you'll have seen featured in previous travel posts, keep saying that we'd love to get out of our comfort zone and travel further afield, especially after our successful overnight stay in London. Their Pink Fizz Spa Day (2 x 25-minute treatments, glass of pink fizz, lunch, use of facilities, robes, flip flops, towel and tote bag) sounds right up our street!
Kohler Waters Spa at Old Course Hotel
I've visited St Andrews a few times now, both with the CCW Blogger Roadtrip and with family and I would love to stay overnight at one point, mainly so I can enjoy the Kohler Waters Spa. The first Kohler Spa outside the US, you can enjoy several different pools, a sauna and a few different spa day options to choose from. There's even a hot tub up on the roof, weather permitting here in Scotland, of course.
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa
Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa provides the perfect cosy Winter retreat for a long weekend. Forget about the stresses of daily life and enjoy a spot of pampering in the 5 Bubble Rated spa. The luxurious heat and water experiences, which include a hydrotherapy pool, rooftop hot tub and sauna, are sure to ease any tense muscles. You can also select from a number of fabulous spa packages and the hotel itself is just a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Newmarket racecourse!
Kimpton Blythswood Square
When it comes to the best spas near me, this one is quite literally on my doorstep. I'm not quite sure how I've managed to go all these years living in Glasgow without paying the Blysthwood Square spa a visit. I've only ever visited for press appointments/events but would love to treat myself to a proper visit sometime soon. This would be particularly dreamy after a long day of Christmas shopping in the city centre.
So those are just some of the best spas near me, plus ones that I'd love to travel further afield to.
Are you a spa convert? Or are in you in the same mindset that I used to be? And what do you do when you're in the mood to treat yourself and spend some time away from screens?
Written in collaboration with Mottram Hall
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