British hotels and country houses have so much to offer to guests, including sprawling grounds to explore, grand interiors to cosy up in, and historical tales to excite the intellect. Now they are at the heart of the latest wellness revolution too.
From open water swimming and Reiki to Forest Bathing and breathwork, these are the British hotels that are taking rest, recuperation, and boosting your wellbeing to the next level.
Cowdray Estate
There’s magic to be found at Cowdray Estate, where breathwork, sound healing and yoga all take place accompanied by the flowing waters and centuries-old woodlands of the South Downs National Park. It’s so transformative that the main house plays host to the Bodhimaya wellness retreat – a favourite of celebrities including Kate Moss – while Cowdray Hall provides space for emotional and spiritual workshops. Don’t leave without trying Forest Bathing, which, despite the name, doesn’t require a swimsuit. The traditional Japanese awareness meditation utilises the power of the nature and Cowdray’s location supercharges the way it soothes busy minds.
The Mandrake
Whether you’re already attuned to spirituality or just curious, you’ll find what you need at The Mandrake Hotel. The boutique hotel in London’s Fitzrovia has unveiled a Spiritual Concierge Menu, running Sunday to Monday, which offers unforgettable healing experiences, including sound healing, tarot card readings, gong baths, and massages. If you’re struggling to unwind, the menu utilises traditional healing techniques from across the world. That includes Shamanic ceremonies where ancient instruments and cleansing tools such as dried flowers & herbs are used around the body; the Japanese technique of Reiki for a gentle way to relieve stress; and the ancient art of Chakra (energy) healing.
Beaverbrook
Set in the rolling hills of the Surrey countryside, the tranquil setting of Beaverbrook’s Coach House Spa sets the tone for the offering you’ll find within. Much more than just a spa day, the team at Beaverbrook have crafted unique retreats to run alongside classic massages and facials. The recent Spring Equinox retreat, for example, consisted of an auric smoke cleanse to raise the body’s vibrational frequency, chakra-activating meditation, breathwork, biodynamic movement and yoga, hosted by resident naturopath Camilla dos Santos. Upcoming events include the Chinese medicine practitioner James Mutkinhe’s Mindful TCM Journey, and Abdominal Therapy – a personalised treatment using massage to support digestive and reproductive health.
Pan Pacific
At Pan Pacific London, they’re so committed to helping you recharge your batteries that they’ve engineered a 360-degree wellbeing programme. Available as a day package or paired with an overnight stay, it’s a chance to try some of the finest body wellness treatments, such as lymphatic drainage massage and body reshaping wraps. The new Traditional Chinese Medicine residency led by acclaimed practitioner Slavomir Latko also taps into the hotel’s Asian heritage, offering Tui Na bodywork massage, sonic acupuncture, cupping and sound therapy. Plus, to conclude your stay, there’s the Sensory Sleep Programme, designed to maximise the beauty sleep guests get in their suites. Expect a high-tech affair, with customisable beds using the Ooler Sleep System by Chilisleep, plus yoga, mediation and luxury bath products.
Heckfield Place
Hidden behind a secret door leading to the estate’s original walled garden, Heckfield Place has unveiled its first ever spa – The Bothy by Wildsmith. Step inside like Mary Lennox from ‘The Secret Garden’ and every inch of the 17,000 sq ft site, including six treatment rooms, outdoor hydrotherapies, thermal experiences and movement spaces, will reconnect you with nature’s calming influence. The concise but considered treatment menu is intrinsically linked to the Hampshire estate and the therapies are guided by the principles of circadian rhythm to support recovery, healing and balance. The Bothy’s concept of integrated wellbeing even extends to the outdoors. Guests are offered journeys exploring the grounds, such as Woodland Movement and Farm Fit, while Forest Bathing and Cold Wild Water Immersion Therapy come highly recommended.
Forrester's Hall
The Isle of Wight has a rich history as a British retreat for those seeking to boost their health with the help of clean air, fresh food and healing sea waters. Now, it’s first luxury bouquet hotel, Forester Hall in Cowes is helping visitors get the most of those benefits with its ‘Wellness Weekends’. Just a stone’s throw from the water, you can experience restorative yoga and fitness classes, a heated outdoor pool and coastal walks designed to suit all ages and abilities. Plus, in strong evidence that better wellbeing can also be assessed through your stomach, the hotel staff will ensure you’re incredibly well-fed via their locally sourced menus throughout your stay.
The Gallivant
Moments from the dunes of Camber Sands, The Gallivant offers an outstanding wellness destination where each month’s retreat coincides with the emerging new moon. The programmes, overseen by spiritual wellness guide India Terry, are aligned with the stars to encourage creativity, connection and growth throughout your stay, with workshops run by local artists and ReWild events that help guests learn rituals that reconnect them with nature. Guests can also book the Bamford Spa Overnight Escape; an overnight stay that includes body and facial treatments in the Beach Hut spa, yoga, sustainably-sourced meals, mindful beach walks and the signature ‘Drinks in the Dunes’ experience. As a bonus, four rooms at the hotel are dog-friendly too.
The Laslett
If you’re wondering what the spas and clinics of the future might look like, a trip to the Recharge Rooms at The Laslett is likely to offer you a little preview. What’s more, the offering has kept time-poor travellers in mind, so you can benefit from the cutting-edge technologies on a tight schedule. For the full experience, try the Recharge Boost package that includes a session in an Ozone Sauna, which helps to relax your muscles, aid recovery from injuries and soothe your body after long haul flights. It’s followed by the ‘Power Anti-Age and Booster’ facial, and a Recharge IV drip, to ensure you leave feeling like you’re glowing inside and out.
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Lead photo credit: Cowdray House
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