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Five spas in the city
The spa experience isn't always about retreating to country houses set in hundreds of acres of rolling parkland. If it's a break from the stresses and strains of city living you're after, what better place to look than on your own doorstep?
Spa treatments are good for rejuvenating you wherever you are, and making you feel a lot more calm and positive when it comes to hurling yourself back into the fray. And if country spas are destinations for a weekend away, city spas are geared up for express drop-in treatments. Even if you can only spare half-an-hour at lunchtime, you can be sure there will be something for you.
Bath: Royal Crescent Hotel – The Bath House
This luxurious period hotel in an exclusive Georgian crescent is also home to a rather unusual spa. The Bath House is a traditional, wood-rich spa with a rather Scandinavian feel, tucked away in a stone coach-house at the bottom of the hotel's secluded garden.
This quiet, tranquil spa offers a range of [ comfort zone ], Anne Semonin and Mama Mio treatments, but to get a true taste of The Bath House, try a session of Watsu in the warm relaxation pool. This combination of shiatsu and hydrotherapy will leave you deeply relaxed, but there are some some rather wonderful invigorating body scrubs on offer if you'd rather leave feeling refreshed and energised.
Perfect for: A serene experience in sumptuous, traditional surroundings.
We loved: The historic, romantic setting. Spectacular views of the historic city add to the grandeur of the location.
Find out more about the Royal Crescent Hotel
Birmingham: Petit Spa, Malmaison
Malmaison boutique hotels score highly for style and character, and are refreshingly free of hotel-chain blandness. Petit Spa at this Malmaison is just that: small but perfectly formed. Its muted décor, comfortable sofas and candle-lit corridors will soon transport you to somewhere much more restful than the big city shopping mall in which the Malmaison hotel is located.
Sauna and steam rooms, a whirlpool bath and a gym are all on hand. A full range of Elemis treatments are on offer, including tailor-made massages designed to de-stress, revive spirits, melt your muscles, or balance your chakras.
Perfect for:
We loved: The huge leather recliners in the relaxation area. They have a massage setting if you want some more after your treatment!
Find out more about Petit Spa, Malmaison
Cardiff: St David's Hotel and Spa
Overlooking Cardiff Bay, St David's has a head start over many other urban spas. You're right in the heart of the fashionable waterfront area of the Welsh capital, with all the chic shopping and fine dining you can handle, and yet there is an alluring feeling of tranquillity within the spa. Flooded with natural light, this modern hotel and spa has been designed to make the most of its seafront position.
Inside the Marine Spa you'll find a good-size swimming pool, sauna and a wonderful hydrotherapy area with mineral-rich marine extracts in the water. Treatments follow this coastal theme, too, with a good selection of treats from Thalgo, using their algae-based products, rich in restorative minerals.
Perfect for: Unwinding in style with great views over the bay.
We loved: The pool that has been built on the same level as the bay. You might see a sailing boat pass by outside while you swim.
Find out more about St David's Hotel and Spa
Edinburgh: ONE Spa at the Sheraton Grand
The Sheraton Grand is to be found in a quiet square in the centre of Edinburgh. Sashay along the glass walkway from the hotel to the spa, and you'll find yourself amidst three floors of self-indulgence. The range of thermal areas includes a hammam, laconium and aroma grotto, and there's a gym if you're feeling active.
Treatments take in the best of European, Chinese, Balinese and Indian traditions, while the Purva Karma four-handed massage has to be the ultimate in relaxation, with two therapists working in synchrony over your vital energy points.
Perfect for: Holistic rejuvenation amidst the bustle of the city centre.
We loved: The rooftop hydrotherapy pool with strong massage jets and good bubbly zones. It's a treat to look out over the city from warm, bubbling water.
Find out more about ONE Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel
London: Spa Intercontinental
Spa InterContinental may not have a pool or sauna, but it does offer a true pampering spa experience. A plush and stylish spa offering some truly indulgent Elemis treatments to relax or rejuvenate, Spa Intercontinental is a true haven from city stresses.
The candle-lit gold and black mosaic "Temple of Steam" is a romantic, sensuous hammam that would be perfect experienced à deux. If you really want to get away from it all, Spa InterContinental has a VIP suite with a private changing room, private lounge and a chauffeur service to take you to your next destination.
Perfect for: A true spa experience in the heart of the city.
We loved: The English Rose signature treatment that combines Balinese, Thai and Hawaiian techniques, together with hot stones.
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