WHERE TO SPA WITH KIDS

When researching this article we looked no further than experts in all things spa, The Good Spa Guide. Here they give their recommendations of where to go on a spa break with children in tow.

Calcot Spa, Gloucestershire

Calcot Manor is a 14th Century Cotswold stone boutique hotel in a huge countryside estate with stacks of outdoor activities, a children’s play zone with a wooden pirate ship, nature trails and – in a quiet corner of the grounds – a lovely, light and modern spa. The highlight is the gorgeous lavender-lined outdoor hot tub which has its own log fire. Just apart from the spa is a 16-metre pool and toddler pool with a cathedral ceiling and countryside views. There’s also a steam room and sauna, plus in summer a heated outdoor pool, and a host of treatments on offer. While you skip off for your me or we-time, your children and/or grandchildren will be well looked after in the Ofsted registered crèche or, for eight and older, there’s the Mez, with PlayStations, Xboxes, books and games.

Sequoia Spa at The Grove, Hertfordshire

The utterly luxurious Sequoia Spa attached to a fabulous hotel has so many advantages for those spa-ing with young families. Firstly, it is moments from Harry Potter World. Secondly, there are 300 acres to explore, on bike or foot, with a walled garden ‘beach’, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a football pitch, plus golf for all ages. Most usefully, the hotel provides a babysitting service, and there’s an on-site day nursery to keep the little ones amused while you (and your over-12s) head for the black tiled swimming pool in the spa, or enjoy Natura Bissé and ESPA treatments.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire

Lucknam Park is super for young families, with lots to do. There are pools, bikes, nature trails, and adventure play, plus a cookery school, pony riding for all ages, and spa mini-treatments for ages eight and over. The fine dining restaurant is open for children over five, but if you fancy some alone time there is a nanny service, too. Escape to the fabulous spa and enjoy its indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal cabins, fireside swimming pool, and wellbeing classes.

C-Side at Cowley Manor, Gloucestershire

Cowley Manor is chic manor house in 55 acres of Grade II listed gardens, and is for the seriously laid back and groovy. The hotel is fitted with modern art paintings, sculpture and contemporary furniture handmade by British designers. Children can use the spa facilities between 9am and 5.30pm each day including the 17-metre indoor and 15-metre outdoor pools. Adults can also use the sauna, steam room and gym.

Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa, West Sussex

Situated in the picturesque village of Midhurst in the South Downs National Park, beautiful countryside is at your feet. The historic hotel offers games, books and challenges for little ones, as well as muddy walks and bike rides through the glorious countryside. The 14-metre pool even has an eagle mosaic which budding young ornithologists will love. The modern spa with its pretty garden is a retreat of peace and quiet for grownups. Take time out in the Turkish steam room and Scandinavian Sauna, and gaze upon the outdoor spa garden from the Jacuzzi before a Temple Spa treatment or two.

Aqua Sana Spas, Nationwide

With cycling, den building, zip wires, climbing, swimming and more, kids that love to go wild will adore Centre Parcs. Meanwhile, you can check the smaller children into a creche and escape to the Aqua Sana spa. With steam rooms and saunas themed by different elements and the natural world, you can find a sensory sanctuary to suit your every mood. A treatment will help you to relax, de-stress and revitalise your skin, or you can simply float away in a hydrotherapy pool.

Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire

This white washed Palladian mansion is surrounded by 300 acres of grounds with excellent sporting facilities. The hotel offers a crèche, kids club and babysitting service so the grown-ups can catch up in the blissful spa. Swim in the high-ceilinged pool, with arched windows overlooking the beautiful spa garden, or head outdoors to the pretty hydro pool and hot Scandinavian sauna. There’s also a 4,000 square foot gym if the kids haven’t worn you out yet!

goodspaguide.co.uk