Best Spas in Christchurch and The New Forest

Just been reminiscing about the days’ pre-corona (difficult to remember I know) and thought I do a slightly different blog about spa days. Many of my friends and family know I am a very keen spa goer so thought I would give you a rundown of my favourite ones in the area.

Best Day Spa:

Carey’s Manor SenSpa

Carey’s Manor SenSpa has got some great hydrotherapy facilities. If you are staying over you automatically have access to the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. You can also choose to upgrade to the full hydrotherapy facilities which include a large Hydrotherapy Pool, Herbal Sauna, Crystal Steam Room, Laconicum, Tepidarium, Experience Showers and treatment rooms. Definitely worth the upgrade and this is usually included if you have booked a spa day.

What I love about this place is the various facilities which allow you to always find some quiet spot to relax even when it’s busy. My one criticism has always been that the changing rooms are a bit dated, however last time I was there these were being renovated so I am looking forward to seeing what they are like now.

The cost of a spa day here is reasonable especially if you keep a look out for the latest deals. They often include treatments and food (I highly recommend the afternoon tea or a Thai lunch at Zen Garden).

Overall:

SenSpa is a good all-rounder if you’re looking for a relaxing spa day with plenty of facilities.

Best Value for Money:

Christchurch Harbour Hotel HarSPA

This spa is in an amazing location right on Christchurch Harbour and we have visited here many times. The spa itself features a heated swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, salt room and well-equipped gym. They also offer a wide variety of treatments my favourite being ESPA Total Holistic Body Treatment.

HarSPA is by no means the largest spa in term of facilities, but really does offer great value for money. Most of their spa days include a treatment and food and start at just £65pp (at the time of writing). The food is served at the Upper Deck restaurant with amazing views of the harbour and the food is always delicious.

Overall:

If you are looking to treat yourself but don’t want to break the bank then this is the perfect option to get some downtime.

Best Luxury Spa:

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

The Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa is well known for its 5 star service and luxury facilities and offers the perfect spa setting within 130 acres of beautiful woodland, gardens and parkland.

The spa is bright and elegant, with a lavish 17-metre ozone-treated swimming pool, an impressive hydropool and outdoor hot tub. You'll find a sauna and steam room in the male and female changing rooms, a well-equipped gym, plus yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi one-to-ones.

The treatments here are luxurious with so many options, you can really spoil yourself head to toe. I would say that the hydrotherapy pool here was staring to look a little dated compared to newer spas however, in Spring 2020 these facilities were in the process of being renovated and I can’t wait to go back and see what they are like.

Overall:

If you’re looking for some luxury and 5 star service, then this is the place to go.

Best Spa Break:

Lime Wood Hotel & Spa

If you are looking to splash the cash then the Herb House Spa at Lime Wood is the place to do it. It’s designed over three levels, with a massive Sauna and indoor Hydro Pool with stunning floor to ceiling forest views, a Mud House, a steaming outdoor Hot Pool, treatment room and a gym.

This is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion and we’ve previously treated ourselves to the ‘The Ultimate Hideaway’ couple’s treatment which includes use of the Mud House, followed by a 90-minute full body massage and time in your private bath tub and steam room. I would highly recommend this if you are looking to really indulge and relax.

Not only that but Lime Wood Hotel is a stunning place to stay and is the ultimate countryside escape. The rooms are beautifully decorated whether you stay in one of the cosy eves rooms to the romantic lake cabin.

Overall:

This is definitely my favourite spa for so many reasons - the food, beautiful forest views, incredible treatments and wonderful service . It’s not cheap but worth every penny!

Best Spa Abroad:

Aire Ancient Baths

Ok so slightly further afield are the Aire Ancient Baths are located across Spain plus New York and Chicago. I have been lucky enough to visit both the Barcelona and Chicago locations and these spas are out of this world.

You can see from the photos they are inspired by the tradition of baths from ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilisation and are in restored historical buildings in city centres. They offer various massage treatments but the main draw here are the hydrotherapy facilities.

They offer different baths at different temperatures plus steam rooms. My favourite was the salt-water bath (floatarium), which allows you to literally float in the warm water – very relaxing. The Chicago spa also had the added benefit of an indoor/outdoor bath where the temperature adjusts with the season.

Overall:

We absolutely love these spas (so much so we paid extra to stay longer). I would highly recommend if you are visiting one of the cities they are located. I just hope they open in more locations!