Our Top Five Spas With Beautiful Gardens
‘I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.’
John Burroughs
Life in the city is fast-paced, vibrant and exciting but can be physically and psychologically draining.It is important to occasionally step back and take a moment to rebalance and recharge. We have selected five luxurious spa hotels within an hour of London which have incorporated the calming and rejuvenating effect of nature’s energy in their beautiful gardens and landscaping as well as their indulgent spas.
Why not spend some time with your loved ones for a nice getaway?
Foxhills Health Spa and Hotel, Surrey
Image: Foxhills by Alan Buckland
An established country club and resort in Surrey with an award-winning spa, Foxhills was amongst the first to appreciate and harness the soothing, restorative power of nature, creating one of the earliest spa gardens in England. The grounds include a natural swimming pool with chemical-free water purified by plants and minerals, two Finnish saunas and hedged outdoor treatment areas for ultimate relaxation; although nestled in the Surrey countryside, the club is less than an hour from Waterloo station.
Website: www.foxhills.co.uk/spa
The Coach House Spa, Beaverbrook, Surrey
A renowned holistic spa with the healing influences of the natural world at the very centre of its ethos, the Coach House Spa has been designed to fully harmonise with its idyllic countryside setting. The interiors reflect the tranquillity of the beautiful landscaped gardens with nature-inspired stained glass, mosaic and tilework, whilst the energy of water is embraced with a working well and flowing channels. A fragrant apothecary garden supplies medicinal plants, herbs and flowers for use within the spa, which can be reached from either Waterloo or Victoria in under an hour.
Website: www.beaverbrook.co.uk/spa/ethos/
Hartwell House, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Hartwell House is cushioned within 90 acres of glorious landscaped gardens and parkland in rural Buckinghamshire, with the spa itself housed in an orangery. The garden was originally designed in the formal style, then landscaped in the mid-eighteenth century by Richard Woods, a contemporary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
The recent addition of a spring garden makes Hartwell House a particularly attractive sanctuary to restore and refresh the spirit at this time of year, including a path to the canal temple planted with a host of 10,000 golden daffodils. Alternatively, plan your visit to coincide with one of the head gardener’s tours. Immersed in acres of serene and calming countryside, it can be hard to believe this is just an hour from Marylebone station.
Weblink: www.hartwell-house.com
Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire
On a hilltop facing the Lea Valley with sweeping views over 1,000 acres of parkland, Luton Hoo has a truly majestic aspect. Once owned by renowned botanist John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, the park was extensively landscaped by Capability Brown from the late 1760s, gaining harmonious new plantations, gently curving lawns and two stunning lakes that are now used for open water swimming.
To house the Earl’s extensive and valuable collection of plants, Brown designed a 5-acre octagonal walled garden with a flower garden wood providing additional planting and shelter; these have recently been rescued from disrepair and are open to the public. Luton Hoo can be reached in less than an hour from London St Pancras.
Website: www.lutonhoo.co.uk
The Spa at South Lodge, West Sussex
A stunning example of modern landscaping with a focus on sustainability, the spa echoes the natural contours of the South Downs with green oak cladding and a meadow roof. Designed to merge the interior with the surrounding landscape, facilities include glass walls, terraced sun decks, a long dining terrace and both a wild swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool. This outstanding spa is just an hour from London Victoria.
Website: www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge