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Five family-friendly spas
Running a family is a full-time job. And most of us have actual full-time jobs, too. So, it's no surprise that lots of our readers ask us to recommend the very best spas that will accommodate your family without compromising your pamper-time.
Spa and children may sound an odd mix, but if you're expecting to find a five-year-old in the sauna, fear not. These spas offer a range of childcare, family-orientated activities and other services to ensure you can all stay and play in perfect harmony.
Aqua Sana at Center Parcs, nationwide
Center Parcs is a fantastic family holiday destination. With an enormous range of activities from bowling and archery to swimming in the rapids, pelting through the forest on a mountain bike to family-centred dining, there's something for everyone. The Aqua Sana spas at Center Parcs are the perfect retreat from the madness of family life. You can drop your clan off and escape to an adult-only sanctuary of salubrious spa-ing.
What makes Aqua Sana extra-special is the thermal experiences. You can waste hours in these well-though-out spaces, and you're unlikely to get bored as there are so many different experiences. Treatments are well-executed, well-thought out and reasonably priced.
Perfect for: Getting pampered knowing your other half and kids will be having a whale of a time enjoying the myriad activities available.
We loved: The thermal experiences. From the Turkish hammam to the Balinese steam bath, Greek herbal bath and more, Aqua Sana puts some fun into spa-ing.
Find out more about:
Aqua Sana in Suffolk, Aqua Sana in Wiltshire, Aqua Sana in Nottinghamshire or Aqua Sana in Cumbria
Woolley Grange, Wiltshire
Woolley Grange is known for its family-orientated atmosphere where kids aren't just tolerated, but welcomed. The addition of their spa means this is the place to go when you want to escape to a pampering haven without leaving your family behind.
Whilst you are luxuriating in the excellent spa, you can truly relax safe in the knowledge that your kids are being well cared for at the onsite Ofsted-registered crèche, which is open all day, every day. You can enjoy family dining experiences, choosing from healthy, balanced and locally-sourced menus. You'll find family rooms, a baby listening service and a great range of indoor and outdoor activities.
The only problem is you'll never want to go home!
Perfect for: If you're looking for a safe haven for the kids but don't want to scrimp on luxury, then this is the place for you.
We loved: The homely, friendly and genuine service.
Find out more about Woolley Grange
Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall
If you fancy a little bit of that famous Kernow hospitality, then look no further than the Bedruthan Steps Hotel in Mawgan Porth. You can expect to be blown away by the stunning location, the wonderful range of treatments and the fantastic family facilities.
The hotel itself offers family rooms or inter-connecting rooms if you have older children who fancy a bit of freedom. The doors are fitted with alarms that are linked to reception, and there's a baby listening service so you can have an adult dining experience without worrying that your wee ones. There are even in-room babysitters if you need them. There is a fabulous outdoor play area as well as evening entertainment for the kids and a highly recommended Ofsted-registered kids club for five different age groups.
The spa is glorious; a blend of neutral tones and bright colours that are perfectly in-keeping with the rather nautical location. The treatments are fabulously indulgent and reasonably priced, and the well thought-out provisions for children means you won't have to lift a finger. Wonderful.
Perfect for: A family holiday by the sea. Bedruthan Steps Hotel is a stone's throw away from a secluded cove for sand castle building, running about or a dip in the ocean.
We loved: That the hotel is committed to sustainability and local conservation, too.
Find out more about Bedruthan Steps
Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire
Quad biking, horse riding, mountain biking, archery, Segway sessions, Laser Quest, squash, badminton, volley ball, five-a-side football… Need we say more? Crieff Hydro Hotel does family activity breaks well. You will be astounded by the range of activities, and the facilities are definitely impressive.
The spa is large, traditional and terribly decadent. You'll enjoy the escape as the spa is adult-only (the kids have access to a separate pool), and the treatments will leave you zoned-out and thoroughly pampered.
You can choose to stay in the main hotel, or there are self-catering chalets and lodges too, so you can find accommodation to suit your needs and your budget.
Perfect for: An action-packed family break for the kids and some me-time for you.
We loved: That whilst you are luxuriating in the Victorian Spa, your kids are entitled to six hours of free childcare every day. Wow.
Find out more about Crieff Hydro Hotel
Foxhills Health Spa, Surrey
If you're looking to combine adult-only serenity with a family holiday then Foxhills give you the best of both worlds.
For the adults there's the £5 million purpose-built spa – luxurious simple elegance with excellent facilities including great thermal experiences, kid-free pool, spa garden, outdoor hot tub and a fantastic range of treatments.
For the kids there's the spectacularly well-equipped Children's Clubhouse. For teenagers there's the "den" featuring a gym, sofas, DVD player, Wii, Playstation, table tennis and pool table. The younger ones can enjoy arts and crafts, a paddling pool and soft play. The kids also have access to their own pool and a range of snacks are available.
Perfect for: That all areas of the spa and hotel are imaginative and immaculate, making this the perfect escape for both parents and children alike!
We loved: The spa garden with its natural swimming pool and outdoor hot tub.
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