In need of some R&R after the festivities and new year celebrations? Move away from the fire, banish those New Year blues and head to a spa retreat to rejuvenate yourselves into 2014.
The UK is now home to some of the most luxurious spa hotels and resorts in Europe - set in some of the most picturesque locations and surroundings. Here are ten of our favourite super-luxe country spa escapes to help you glow through the winter months:
1. Lime Wood, New Forest
Perched on the edge of the forest, just outside the pretty village of Lyndhurst, Lime Wood is a charming Regency house, scattered luxury lodges and world class restaurant (Holder and Hartnett) with a contemporary spa set against an enchanting forest backdrop.
The serene Herb House Spa uses its forest surroundings to bring the outside in. Facilities include indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, a swimming pool, aroma-steam room, mud treatment room and a large sauna cabin with woodland views.
Treatments Include: Forest Escape, Ayurvedic Herbal Massage and Tri-Dosha Holistic Glow.
Spa Products: Bamford, Voya, Tri-Dosha and Aromatherapy Associates.
2. Lucknam Park, Bath
A stunning 17th century opulent country pile and Michelin starred restaurant, set amongst 500 acres of parkland, rose and lavender gardens. The rose-trellised courtyard houses the state of the art Lucknam Spa with facilities including an indoor and outdoor saltwater hydro-pool with a hypnotic flickering fire-feature wall. Thermal cabins, an aroma steam room, a modern gym, nine treatment rooms and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
Treatments Include: De-stress Botanical Oil and Herbal Back Therapy, Made-to-Measure Massage, Pro Lifting Facial and Dry Flotation.
Spa Products: Carita and Anne Semonin.
3. Pennyhill Park, Surrey
Set on the edge of a pine forest with views of the rolling Surrey countryside - a tranquil haven from the outside world. An Ivy-clad manor house hotel and Michelin starred restaurant - with a state of the art spa featuring one of the most advanced thermal sequencing experiences in the UK. Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools (one with relaxing underwater music) herbal saunas, foot spas, ice caves and an aromatic schnapps steam room.
Treatments Include: Herbal Cocoon, Bespoke Aromatherapy Massage, Hydro and Thermal Circuits, Reiki and Seasonal Spa Therapies.
Spa Products: Pennyhill Park Own Brand.
4. Cameron House, Loch Lomond
Set on the banks of Loch Lomond, with panoramic countryside views, Cameron House is a baronial mansion house and resort with a championship golf course. The Carrick Spa features 17 treatment rooms, Vichy shower beds and mud chamber with steam room. Other facilities include a VIP spa suite for couples, including mineral bath, steam room and private balcony. Massaging pedicure stations, nail bar and relaxation area.
Treatments Include: ESPA Adavanced Enzyme Facial, Deep Tissue Swedish Massage. ESPA Rainshower massage.
Spa Products: ESPA and Carita.
5. Gilpin Lake House, Windermere
In a stunning lakeside setting, two miles from Windermere, a super-luxe and intimate family run Relais and Chateaux hotel and lake house. One of the most exclusive accommodations in Cumbria, personal service, intimacy and absolute luxury is abundant. Perfect for a romantic country escape. The Jetty Spa consists of a lakeside couples treatment cabin, outdoor hot tub, private candlelit swimming pool and thermal cabin.
Treatments Include: The Gilpin Spa Trail, Made to Measure Massage and Bespoke Facials.
Products: The Jetty Spa (own brand).
6. The Scarlet, Cornwall
An adult only contemporary cliffside hotel, spa and gallery with many of the suites offering stunning sea views. The Ayurvedic inspired state-of-the-art eco-spa has a clifftop outdoor pool and hot tubs with panoramic views across the ocean. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a serene tented treatment zone, a meditation room, Hammam and a Rhassoul for mineral mud treatments.
Treatments Include: Ayurvedic Therapy Massage and The Journey (a three hour super-treatment, including a bathing ritual, body scrub and massage).
Spa Products: Tri Dosha, Voya and The Scarlet Range.
7. The Grove, Hertfordshire
Set in 300 acres of beautiful countryside, a romance and family friendly, luxury hotel and championship golf course, with state of the art spa and a quirky urban beach! The Sequoia Spa is set in a tranquil courtyard within the estate. Facilities include a chic black mosaic tiled swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms and a saline vitality jet pool. Twelve Asian-inspired treatment rooms and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.
Treatments Include: Rose Ritual, Cellular Renewal Enzyme Facial, Chakra Balancing with Hot Stones.
Spa Products: Espa.
8. Calcot Manor, Gloucestershire
A beautiful 14th century country house hotel surrounded by lavender and rosemary gardens, meadowland and sprawling Cotswolds countryside. The vast Calcot Spa circles a bubbling outdoor hydro-pool and real fire for cosy outdoor winter spa-ing. Facilities include a swimming pool, hydro-jet pool, aroma sauna and steam rooms, a manicure suite and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.
Treatments Include: The Aromatherapy Associates Rose Indulgence Facial and Volcanic Hot Stone Massage.
Spa Products: Aromatherapy Associates and The Calcot Spa Brand.
9. Barnsley House, Gloucestershire
A charming grade II listed manor house set in 11 acres of countryside and enchanting gardens designed by renowned gardener Rosemary Verey. The contemporary Garden Spa is hidden in woodland a short stroll from the house. Facilities include five candlelit treatment rooms, aroma sauna and steam rooms, a relaxation suite and a stunning outdoor hydrotherapy pool with views over the fields and gardens. A wonderful romantic spa retreat.
Treatments Include: Aromaflex (a massage and reflexology combo) Maternity Massage, English Rose Body Polish.
Spa Products: Aromatherapy Associates.
10. Ockenden Manor, West Sussex
Tucked behind the picturesque Tudor village of Cuckfield, with rolling countryside views a beautiful manor house and eco-friendly spa with state of the art facilities including a spring water indoor and outdoor swim-through pool, tropical light therapy rain showers, ice showers an outdoor hot-tub, manicure suite, yoga studio and relaxation areas.
Treatments Include: Ila Chakra Wellbeing, Isopod Floatation, Ultimate Spa Experience.
Spa Products: REN, Ila.