Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Best Spa Hotel for Romantic One Night Stay? Nirvana Spa/West Court?

30 replies

ForeverTipsy · 19/08/2025 21:43

I'm looking to book something in next couple of weeks for Sept/Oct for our wedding anniversary.

We've previously enjoyed the Celtic Manor and Bowood, and I'm now looking at Nirvana Spa near Reading/Wokingham. Has anyone been here recently? Top end of my budget at £550, but includes everything I'm after:

one night stay
dinner, bed and breakfast (this one also includes a light lunch).
all day access to pool and spa facilities (some places only offer 1 - 3 hours, and I'd rather not be clock watching).
luxury feel

Only thing putting me off is that the hotel is a 10 mins shuttle bus away from spa. Might be a faff.

Anywhere 1hr ish from Swindon is preferable. Any recommendations please?

OP posts:

JSMill · 21/08/2025 08:53

JuneFromBethesda · 21/08/2025 08:18

I’m surprised by the rave reviews for Nirvana. I went there a few weeks ago and was a bit disappointed. The food was bland, service was average and the facilities were ok but didn’t feel luxury. I’d much prefer somewhere like Forest Mere or Cottonmill Spa where the surroundings are beautiful and feel genuinely luxurious.

It’s local to me so a good option but I wouldn’t travel far for it. It’s also become really busy in recent years. I took my daughter on a Tuesday evening in January this year, thinking it would a bit quieter, and it was pretty busy so I can’t imagine what the weekends are like. We went into the room with the heated loungers, which is supposed to be a peaceful space, and there were a group of young women laughing and giggling. Why even go into such a space if that’s what you want to do?

JuneFromBethesda · 21/08/2025 09:18

I hope you have a lovely time @ForeverTipsy

JSMill · 21/08/2025 09:49

ForeverTipsy · 21/08/2025 08:46

@JuneFromBethesda I've just had a look on Google Maps for those places and they're around a 2hr drive for us, so too far, but thanks.

Everyone who has been recently - would you recommend the celestial relaxation pool? Or individual pool pod? I'm going to book the full day experience so we can try out lots of the different pools and not be clock watching. Then we can come home and have a nice dinner out together locally.

I haven’t tried the individual pool pod. The celestial flotation is nice. I have always fancied doing the rasul mud experience. My favourite thing is the room with the heated loungers. I think it’s called the tepidarium.

Bluesclues1 · 21/08/2025 09:55

Ahh see I disagree with Nirvana Spa being luxury - it’s situated on what can only be described as a business park and to me had a feel of an upmarket leisure centre. Yes there is loads to do when you’re there, but it felt very busy and full of hen dos/large groups.

the best spa I’ve been to recently is Penny Hill Park - that really did feel luxury and they offer package stays for about £600.

JSMill · 21/08/2025 14:09

Bluesclues1 · 21/08/2025 09:55

the best spa I’ve been to recently is Penny Hill Park - that really did feel luxury and they offer package stays for about £600.

You are absolutely right. Upmarket leisure centre is good description. The large groups is what puts me off. I used to go about twice a year to get away from the family and could sit and enjoy the quiet. Now it’s hard to find anywhere to sit when you are not near a large group of people chatting. I went this year with my daughter as she was finally old enough to come. She enjoyed it and plans to go back with friends but I can’t imagine I will go again.

Flip

1 2