Spa hotels with outdoor swimming pools, treatments and al fresco fitness
If you’re looking for outdoor swimming pools and spas, al fresco fitness and yoga or massages under the trees – then check out the best places to wallow in
LONDON
The Berkeley Hotel, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge
USP: The Berkeley Hotel is one of the best relaxation spaces in London for warmer weather – the rooftop pool. Book in for an al fresco personal training session in Hyde Park, and then hotel guests can enjoy the use of the rooftop deck to take a dip and cool off.
Personal training sessions: POA.
Hotel rooms: from £1,000 per night.
Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa, Richmond Hill, Richmond upon Thames
USP: Located atop the stunning Richmond Hill and bordering the wildlife of the park, Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa, is a charming restored 18th-century property with an all-new serene spa comprised of both hydrotherapy and plunge pools and a new spa garden, Scandinavian hot tubs, wellbeing juice bar and peaceful outdoor relaxation spaces. There are also guided meditation walks or running sessions amid the rolling greenery and Richmond Park wildlife on offer.
From £60 for massage treatments
HERTFORDSHIRE
The Club at Cotton Mill, Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire
USP: A unique private members' club in St Albans just an hour from London. You’ll have access to The Club at Cottonmill, featuring a cutting-edge fitness suite with Technogym equipment, the Studio with an array of classes, a swimming pool and poolside terrace, two vitality pools, a seated relaxation area, plus a sauna, and steam room. For full use of all spa facilities, including the Club at Cottonmill, please book a Club Spa Day or overnight stay with club facilities included, a Mews suite or a Club Spa break.
Spa treatments start at £109.
Click here for details and membership enquiries
Birch Community, Cheshunt
USP: The lido is set within 55 acres of nature with the backdrop of a Georgian manor and is just 30 minutes from London. You can use the pool if you're a hotel guest or member, and there's a 25-metre non-heated for adults or a cute splash pool for the children.
The huts and deck chairs offer a fun feel, and during peak season, there is a kitchen and bar. If you get chilly? Run to the wellness space and warm up in the sauna or grab a delicious matcha latte from the bar & bakery.
BERKSHIRE
The Floating Spa at Monkey Island Estate, Bray-on-Thames
USP: The UK’s first Floating Spa at Monkey Island Estate in Bray is housed on a barge and boasts three indulgent treatment rooms, an airy and bright wheelhouse reception and an Elixir Bar, all moored on the banks of the island, offering guests holistic voyages through the history of the island and the River Thames. After the treatment, relax on the river banks among the trees and birds tweeting.
60-minute treatments start from £100
Cliveden House & Spa, Taplow, Berkshire
USP: It might have a history of over 350 years hosting some of the most prominent power players, throwing iconic parties and harbouring scandalous affairs; however, Cliveden House is also now equally famous for its wellbeing offering. It has personal training in the grounds, outdoor tennis, a luxurious pool and hot tubs for open-air fitness and relaxation, and the hotel can arrange spa treatments to be outside for guests staying over in the Hot Tub Rooms.
Massage treatments start at £125
SUSSEX
Ockenden Manor, Sussex
USP: Old-meets-new with this traditional Elizabethan manor house with modern award-winning spa facilities. The main pool has swim-through access to the outdoor heated pool, surrounded by plenty of spots to laze away the day. In addition, there are whirlpool tubs inside and out and a steam room, sauna, rainforest showers and lounge area.
Expert therapists deliver treatments by Elemental Herbology. Other therapies include the isopod flotation tank: a unique and wholly relaxing experience whereby the body is suspended in salt water, resulting in a satisfyingly restorative deep sleep.
Try the Full Moon & Fabulous – A 'forest bathing' experience inspired by the Japanese art of 'shinrin-yoku', which draws on the therapeutic powers of nature to reduce stress.
From £883 for two nights, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and spa treatments.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Ellenborough Park, Gloucestershire
USP: Ellenborough Park's newly refurbished hotel is nestled between the Cotswolds' highest point and Cheltenham Racecourse, all surrounded by 90 acres of countryside. Its lovely modern marble bathrooms and Hypnos beds offer a delightful respite from the city.
And the best bit? The pretty outdoor pool is heated to 30 degrees year round, so whatever time of year you can dip a toe or more.
Try the Half Day Summer Escape, from £180, for some (SPF-coated) sunning, a glass of fizz and a spa treatment.