Spectacular spas

Book a relaxing break this year with our guide to the UK's best spas

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THE REEDS AT SOUTH LODGE. BERKSHIRE

Frazzled from what felt like a never-ending year, we booked into South Lodge hoping for a quiet countryside reset - and it certainly delivered. The Reeds is a cluster of eco-lodges set on the edge of a lake within South Lodge’s vast estate, and staying in the Waterlily lodge felt like slipping into a pool of calm.

The design is luxurious yet minimalist, featuring huge windows, muted tones and everything you need for a weekend break: a spacious living area, a kitchen, two serene lake-facing bedrooms and a huge bathroom complete with a rainfall shower that we immediately wanted to have installed at home.

Despite the secluded feel, you're only a short buggy ride from the main hotel, its spa and the three restaurants - including Botanica, the dairy-free and zero-waste Mediterranean eatery that’s anything but boring. Order the South Lodge estate pheasant and you'll see.

THE SPA

Our favourite thing about South Lodge is how connected it feels to the outdoors. In the spa you'll find the usual lap and hydrotherapy pools, but the natural swimming pool is the real highlight: filtered by reeds, surrounded by trees and decking, and cold enough to make you feel like you've done a bit of Wim Hof-ing. Inside, the thermal suite covers all bases, and despite there being quite a few people using the spa when we were there, it didn’t feel overcrowded.

TOP TREATMENT

We visited just as the hotel unveiled its new Vinotherapy treatments, which use elements from the hotel’s 15-acre vineyard. We booked a 60-minute Vine Leaf & Herbal Infusion Poultice Massage (£155) and were transported to a lavender-filled heaven. Our skin felt so soft afterwards thanks to the antioxidant-rich vine leaf deep cleansing back mask.

WHAT ELSE?