Looking for a retreat that’s as kind to the environment as it is to your stress levels? In an age where wellness and sustainability increasingly go hand in hand, the UK is leading the way with its eco-conscious sanctuaries. This is our round-up of the best sustainable spa retreats.
There’s nothing quite like a good spa day, but it’s not just about sinking into a hot stone massage or floating in a steam room anymore; we want to know that our pampering isn’t costing the planet.
Across the UK, a new wave of sustainable spas are proving that you can enjoy a little luxury and keep things planet-conscious. Whether it’s through the use of renewable energy, organic treatments, eco-friendly architecture, or partnerships with local suppliers, each of these destinations is committed to reducing their footprint while maximising your relaxation. From serene countryside retreats to inner-city sanctuaries, these are six of the best sustainable spas across the UK.
The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Mawgan Porth, the Scarlet hotel’s adults-only retreat doesn’t just offer breathtaking Atlantic views; it’s a masterclass in sustainable luxury. The building itself is a testament to green architecture, featuring sea thrift-covered roofs that not only blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape but also support local biodiversity. Inside, reclaimed materials and locally sourced furnishings create a warm, inviting atmosphere without compromising on style, and the spa is a haven of tranquility, boasting a natural outdoor pool filtered by reeds – eliminating the need for chemicals. Solar panels and a biomass boiler ensure that the indoor pool and hot tubs are heated sustainably (even during the cooler months) and treatments draw inspiration from Ayurvedic traditions, offering personalised experiences that rejuvenate both body and mind. Even the smallest details reflect the hotel’s eco ethos; right down to the slippers, which are made from recycled plastic bottles.
The Spa at South Lodge, West Sussex
The multi-award-winning Spa at South Lodge has really stepped up its sustainability credentials of late, not least with the introduction of its new vinotherapy experience that marries indulgence with eco-consciousness. In partnership with Ridgeview Wine Estate, the site planted its own vineyards in May 2022, and now, via its collaboration with British skincare brand Pelegrims, the space has embraced a zero-waste philosophy, where waste by-products from the vineyards – such as grape skins, seeds, and stems – are crafted into products for the spa. These ingredients also have the benefit of being rich in antioxidants, meaning the treatments nourish and protect your skin from premature ageing. The signature experience is the Grapevine Face and Body Glow – a 60-minute session that combines a back cleanse, detoxifying mask, and a rejuvenating facial, but guests can also treat themselves to the Di-Vine Spa Day which includes this signature treatment, full spa access, a glass of Ridgeview English sparkling wine, and a £40 dining credit at the on-site restaurants.
Bamford Wellness Spa, Cotswolds
Whether you’re unwinding in the Cotswolds or taking a break in London, Bamford spas offer a five-star spa experience that exemplifies sustainable luxury. The Club (a favourite of the fashion and beauty elite) is designed with the planet in mind: the building is constructed using local Cotswold stone, FSC-certified timber and a recyclable steel frame; uses natural sheep’s wool insulation; and features furniture handcrafted by local artisans. Even the 25-metre pool is made from recycled stainless steel and heated by renewable energy sources, making a relaxing dip feel even more indulgent. In London, the Brompton Cross spa mirrors this ethos in an urban setting, proving that sustainability isn’t just for the countryside – and both spaces offer holistic treatments that use organic products and therapies in line with Bamford’s wider commitment to sustainability. In fact, the company is both B Corp certified and has been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, reflecting its ethical supply chains, low-impact packaging, and planet-friendly business model.
The Newt, Somerset
The Newt in Somerset is a beautiful countryside retreat designed not just for you, but for the area’s wildlife. As soon as you arrive you’ll feel cocooned in nature as well as a sense of calm, and as you rest in the beautifully restored cowshed-based spa, the great crested newts, after which the hotel is named, are doing just the same in the estate’s biodiversity-boosting Parabola garden. And that’s just the start of the estate’s sustainability commitments. The buildings are powered by a biomass boiler that uses woodchips sourced from the estate’s own woodlands, and the farm-to-table dining initiatives see ingredients sourced directly from the grounds. Choose one of the brilliant spa day packages and you can enjoy organic treatments with ingredients derived from the gardens too, alongside signature experiences such as the Hammam ritual and the Rasul mud treatment, which are truly memorable pampering moments. Plus, for even further relaxation, you can book a range of wellness classes, from yoga to sound healing, all set against the site’s lush landscapes.
Cloud Twelve, London
If you view sustainability as a way to protect the planet for the next generation, then Cloud Twelve’s three-floor sanctuary for the whole family is the perfect haven. Tucked away in a charming mews in Notting Hill, the space is designed with Feng Shui principles in mind, to promote a feeling of harmony, and the interiors are filled with natural, sustainable, and biodegradable materials that align with the site’s commitment to minimal or even zero waste. While your little ones are entertained in the magical forest-themed Kids Club, you can relax in the spa, which offers organic, plant-based treatments by brands like Comfort Zone and Gaia (including highly recommended pre-and post-natal rituals), try the now iconic Head Spa, or drop into the Wellness Clinic for targeted treatments such as acupuncture, infra-red therapy and physiotherapy. There’s opportunities to get a luxury natural hair cut in the salon too.
Titanic Spa, Yorkshire
The original eco-spa concept in the UK (and still one of the best), the Titanic Spa in Yorkshire’s Pennines is set in a stunningly restored 20th-century textile mill, and the site still uses the area’s original spring for its bathing water, so you can benefit from the natural goodness of the landscape that surrounds you first hand. Inside the spa, you’ll be met by an instantly cocooning atmosphere and indulgent, relaxation-based treatments from leading brands such as Elemis, Comfort Zone, and Neom, plus a unique mud-bathing experience that shouldn’t be missed. Best of all, your whole experience is powered by sustainable principles. Renewable energy is harnessed through solar panels on the roof, all linen is disinfected with non-polluting ozone technology, and single-use plastics are a no-go; even the straws are made from seashells. The spa’s bistro serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes too, keeping food miles low but flavours still high.
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Lead Image Credit: Scarlet Hotel
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