Throw me suggestions for a luxury spa day for very dishevelled parents of a 10 month old

[miniworry]

As the title suggests, it's our 2nd wedding anniversary in February and we are currently in the throes of 0 self care and surviving on very little sleep with our 10 month old son.

My mum has offered to have both kids for the day so we can actually go and celebrate our anniversary (last year I was V V pregnant so didn't do anything) and a spa day sounds like just what we need.

I'd like something that feels worlds away from mundane real life but isn't so busy you have to fight for a lounger etc like we experienced at hoar cross hall! Ability to have a drink on the lounger is also a plus.

We are midlands based so anything within a 2 hour drive of there.

Thanks so much!

Eden Hall and Ragdale Hall are lovely. The spa at Centre parcs Sherwood is also very good and you can use the main pool too.

Hoar Cross Hall or have a look at this list

Good Spa Guide | Best Spas in the Midlands

Breedon Priory is really nice

@toooldforbrat Hoar cross hall was lovely when we went but it was so busy that there just wasn't anywhere to sit and it really ruined it for us

It might be at the edge of your travel distance - Woodlands Spa in Burnley is lovely

Where exactly in the Midlands? I've heard good things about the Nirvana spa in Reading so that would be good if you're further south.

If you're more like Chesterfield, it might be worth the trek to Woodland Spa in Burnley which is probably one of the best in the UK.

Rudding Park in Harrogate is also really good. If you like hot tubs I wouldn't bother with Sherwood Center Parcs as there's only a couple of tiny ones outside and they get monopolised by groups who talk loudly, which is what ruins the experience for me.

Sadly all spas are full of the insta crowd now who spend all their time posing for selfies to tell the world how they're busy switching off from modern life

Manor House or Carnden Park, both in Cheshire.

Calcot manor is lovely but not sure whether it’s too far?

HCH is horribly busy now. Also full of screechy people.

The Buxton Crescent Hotel and Spa had a lot of money spent on it during COVID, which might mean it's new and lovely?

https://ensanahotels.com/en/hotels/buxton-crescent/spa-days

I suppose with the increase in the cost of utilities and the NMW, spas have got a lot more expensive to run so they have to pack them in a lot more as well as increasing the prices.

I've been to the Woodland Spa once every year or so for about 10 years. The first time I went I'm sure it was about £50/60 for the day with lunch. Now its £139 for the same thing

Nirvana

Hands down ever time. Far better than Rafdale and Hoar Cross mentioned above

I would also recommend Buxton crescent. It is lovely there

I was also going to recommend Nirvana Spa outside Reading.

I like it because there is plenty to do without having to book special treatments if you don't want to, and you go around in a swimsuit, dressing gown, and flip flops.

There are indoor pools and outdoor pools, a huge pool with all sorts of jets to help back and leg muscles, outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, plunge pool, oxygenated water pool (I think), relaxation rooms, small pools for swimming against currents. There is also a restaurant that sells healthy food but also cake and alcohol. Then there are all the treatments such as facials, massages, and mud wraps.

My favorite is the dead sea pool where you lie in a pool filled with salts that won't allow you to sink. They turn off most of the lights and it is like lying in a roman villa beneath the stars for 30/60 minutes.

Another vote for Nirvana

Moddershall Oaks by Stone.... Especially if you are stopping over.

Nirvana Spa is amazing. It's not cheap but get the package with a treatment and 2 course lunch and it's well worth the money.

Agree Moddershall Oaks.