Photo: Breamish Valley Cottages, Northumberland
Spring is in the air. The days are longer, the sunshine is brighter and a revitalising UK getaway beckons. We’re thinking a gentle restorative holiday in one of our luxury spa cottages in the UK. Sound good? Here’s how to plan a thermal wellness break that’ll give you that “new you” feeling and put a spring in your step.
Why Spring works for wellness breaks
Spring is a season of transformation and fresh starts, and luxury spa cottages offer everything you need for a rejuvenating wellness break. Longer days mean more time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of coast and countryside. Chilly evenings are for relaxing hot tub dips and sauna sessions that leave you rested and restored.
Photo: Treeopia, Worcestershire
Thermal wellness basics
Thermal wellness experiences were first popularised by the ancient Romans. Today, these experiences can be woven into a cottage holiday to increase the mind and body benefits of even a short break. If you’re new to intense thermal experiences such as saunas, remember to warm up gently. Stay hydrated and allow time to rest and cool down afterwards. Ready to find a luxury spa cottage and give it a try? Read on…
What “spa cottage” actually means
Search for “spa cottages UK” and you’ll see they come in many shapes and sizes. For some, a luxury cottage with a private hot tub is all they need for Zen-like relaxation. Other cottages in our collection offer onsite facilities such as saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, steam rooms and spa treatments.
One of the most important things to consider is the level of privacy you’d prefer. If you opt for shared facilities, you might find a greater range of experiences available. However, you may need to book time slots in advance.
To help you find the level of comfort that’s right for you, our search tool lets you specify whether you’d prefer shared or private hot tubs and pools. Facilities and access vary, so check each cottage listing carefully or contact the owner before booking.
Photo: Mirefoot, Cumbria
Choosing the right facilities
Spoilt for choice? Here are a few things to consider when booking a spa cottage break:
- For easy daily relaxation at any time, choose a cottage with a private hot tub.
- For a more intense thermal experience, look for cottages with hot tubs and saunas.
- Want to get some laps in come rain or shine? Opt for cottages with indoor or outdoor pools.
- Need someone to get to work on those achy muscles? Some cottage owners offer onsite spa facilities. Others partner with local therapists who can visit your cottage.
- If you’re holidaying as a group, pick a mix of on-site spa facilities to suit everyone.
- If private, unlimited access is essential to your relaxation, use the search filters to find spa cottages in the UK with private hot tubs and pools.
- Remember, facilities vary between properties. Check each cottage listing or contact the owner directly to confirm your selection.
Photo: Thorganby Hall, Lincolnshire
Where to go in Spring
Our luxury spa cottages are located in peaceful settings across the UK. Choose from countryside, coastal and rural locations where you can slow the pace and recharge your soul. Head to the coast to combine cold water plunges or invigorating coastal walks with warming hot tub or sauna experiences. Choose a countryside retreat to catch England’s woodlands blooming with spring flowers and combine spa experiences with the Japanese wellness trend of forest-bathing. Or pick a remote rural escape where you can soak in the serenity of a hot tub surrounded by green fields.
Remember, short breaks shouldn’t mean long travel times. Skip travel stress and hang on to that blissful feeling for longer by booking a wellness escape that’s close to home but feels a million miles from everyday life.
Photo: Hop Pickers Rural Retreats, Worcestershire
Planning a short thermal break
Spa cottages in the UK are perfect for wellness weekend breaks. Here’s a itinerary that incorporates the invigorating benefits of being outdoors with restorative downtime:
Day One: Arrive and settle
The clocks change to British Summer Time on the last Sunday in March. Make the most of that extra hour of daylight with a stroll on arrival followed by a dip in the hot tub as the sun goes down.
Bring ingredients for a simple self-catering supper or plan ahead and book a table at a local restaurant.
Day Two: Explore and unwind
After a restful night, you’ll be ready to explore. Enjoy a coastal or countryside walk with a pub lunch at the end of it.
Head back to your cottage to make the most of the on-site facilities. Do a few laps of the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi and enjoy a spa treatment to enhance your relaxation (remember to pre-book).
After your evening meal, watch the stars come out from your hot tub before cosying up in front of the log burner.
Day Three: Repeat and relax
Enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast, but keep plans to a minimum on the final day of your holiday. Relax at your cottage or explore further afield – this is time that’s truly yours, to spend as you please, before you head home.
Photo: The Shippon, Devon
Find cottages with spa facilities in the UK with Premier Cottages
Our search facility makes it easy to find the very best spa break cottages in the UK. You can also browse our collections to find cottages with hot tubs and saunas. To tailor your search, filter the results to include additional requirements such as private vs shared facilities. From a remote Scottish bothy with wood-fired hot tub to a Cornish manor with an onsite leisure complex, the perfect base for your springtime break is a few clicks away.
Book a spring spa cottage break
Luxury spa break cottages in the UK book up quickly, so don’t delay. When you’ve found the perfect base for your thermal wellness break, book direct with the owner.