Suggestions for a fabulous spa hotel within four hours of London

[MaggieFS]

Any recommendations please? DH and I have a chance for a weekend away and with two small DC are looking for complete relaxation.

By spa, I mean with a really decent pool around which you can lounge all day (indoors!) not a windowless basement with a few treatment rooms. We're not worried about treatments but space to lounge in a nice atmosphere is a must.

Probably rural or in a town rather than fully urban.

We've been to South Lodge before and LOVE the spa, but didn't really rate the accommodation or food and have the chance to go further afield this time.

The members club thing really isn’t a problem. In fact, I think it probably helps a bit as it’s just a “normal” place for people to go so there’s not groups of people who have been on the Prosecco all day (like at another famous spa I went to recently).

The Club is also only part of the spa facilities. The Cottonmill itself is open to a far wider range of people.

It really was lovely.

Thanks, it’s next on my list to try, just wasn’t sure about the way it was being marketed.

With the best will in the world that is in no way 4 hours from London!

Ardencote Manor near Warwick - the indoor pool is a bit dull but the outdoor pool and hot tub are stunning.

The Elms - Abberley - is just lovely.

Another vote for Chewton Glen which would be my Number 1 choice.

Or Coworth Park in Ascot.

I was going to suggest Pennyhill Park as well.

You could also look at Tylney Hall and Heckfield Place - all within easy reach of London. But if you live near Heathrow they might be a bit too close and not feel like you are really going anywhere so you might prefer somewhere like Chewton Glen.

Thames Lido is good, not somewhere you can stay, but I imagine there are some decent hotels around the Reading area.

Or, fly to Cologne and go to the Claudiustherme.

I'm not sure about the 4 hours but Bovey Castle on Dartmoor is an amazing hotel and the pool lovely. I had one of the best beauty treatments I've ever had there. And the food is exquisite.

Lucknam Park

My recommendation is the Marker Hotel in Dublin you could prob do that in 4hrs from nr Heathrow. Heated loungers by the pool, a proper pool that you can swim in, loads of spa treatments and a twenty minute walk to Stephens Green for a bit of shopping. It's one of the most relaxing hotels to stay in despite being in a city. And they have a rooftop bar where you can also do yoga!

Ragdale Hall is fine but middle of nowhere and the food was mediocre.

Whittlebury Hall is where I used to do corporate away days in the 2000s and so if you go there you are likely to be surrounded by similar.

Ockenden Manor near Hayward Heath is lovely

Did some waitressing at the Ardencote via a temp agency when I was a student and the staff were such shits to the temp staff I vowed never to spend a penny there in my life, so sadly that's out if I'm to retain my principles

@Moredarkchocolateplease tell me more about the food at Ragdale please? I was liking the look of it. Mediocre as in not good, or just not very exciting?

Re, away days, there have been quite a few suggested here which I've been to with work, but I think all before having spas added. Hard to disassociate though!

The Elms in Worcester - absolutely stunning!

@MaggieFS Well I haven't been since 2008 so it might be sublime now! But it was just bog standard fancy salads.

It's very functional I think. If I were you, I'd want luxury.

Loved Cliveden too, great food there.

Limewood pool is quite small but the rest of it is fabulous, I've been a couple of times for dinner. (Angela Hartnett menus).

I know what you mean about disassociating from corporate jollie!