As someone who loves to relax surrounded by lit candles, warmth, calming aroma and viby music, it was only fitting that a spa day would be my way to unwind. It’s no secret that I adore a spa; therefore, this is your little guide to what your spa weekends with your loved ones could entail.

Saunas. Steam rooms. Hydrotherapy Pools. Loungers by the firepit. Unwind with a treatment. This is what your Saturday plans could be. I know what you’re thinking: what do you pack for a spa weekend? All you need is your reliable sliders, your current read and a swimsuit that makes you feel confident. Optional to take part in wellness classes such as yoga or an intense workout of your own. An evening outfit for your delicious three-course meal, get dressed up with a glass of bubbly or opt for your comfies, no one’s judging. Wake up for a continental breakfast before your full spa day begins. Here are my recommendations:

Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel

A Christmas gift of a wintery spa stay in January with my mum. Checking into our room and getting dressed up for an evening cocktail before our á la carte dinner in the ballroom. You can continue the night in their relaxing long gallery or get back in your pjs to order room service. Enjoying an inclusive breakfast in the ballroom, from pastries to cooked breakfast, juices and hot beverages to begin our full spa day. A steamy heated pool surrounded by frosted views of the grounds was stunning, although the temperature change was a shock. Warming ourselves up by the firepit, wrapped in blankets and our robes with a hot chocolate and cream. Enjoying the Juniper Log sauna, saltwater pool, heated beds and relaxing on the loungers with our books in between our lunch reservation. A relaxing cosy stay spent mainly in our dressing gowns against the winter chill, a beautiful experience I’d return to.

The Pigs

I surprised my partner with a birthday spa stay in the countryside at The Pigs, Edgefield. Checking in to our private spa suite with a sauna, steam room, dual bathtub and courtyard for a cosy fire. Adding the birthday package, where they kindly decorated the room with balloons, a bunting and miniature cakes to indulge in. A perfect touch without being too much! A three-course dinner awaited us that evening in The Pigs pub, and afterwards, immersing ourselves in the private spa retreats. The most relaxing evening in the sauna, playing music, ordering cocktails through room service celebrating. A lovely check-out time of 11am means you can enjoy those last moments in the sauna before a complimentary brunch. You can book some extra pampering with a calming facial treatment and back massage at the PigSpa. With its perfect location near the Norfolk coast, surrounded by antiqued villages with independent shops, bakeries and beer gardens. We’ll definitely be returning!

Eden Hall Day Spa

The first spa that shifted my whole expectations! Wow! Once you go, you are forever returning. The twin sister to Hoar Cross Hall is surrounded by beautiful botanical interiors throughout the estate and plenty of spa retreats. A full spa day includes a three-course lunch upstairs with stunning views of the grounds. Depending on your spa experience, you could recharge with a soothing facial, body and back massage or holistic treatment. Enjoy the outdoor spa garden in the balmy sun and order a sparkling drink at the side of the heated pool. A day spent relaxing in the toasty saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs or taking a moment to rest in their relaxation room with soft lighting and blankets. And always ending with a cheeky treat of hot chocolate and slice of cake in the brasserie before leaving.

No matter the weather, the day stays peaceful. Whether it’s a misty drizzle whilst in the hot tub or surrounded by frosty botanicals, or you may be lucky enough to have the sun shining. A spa day/stay melts away any ongoing stress; you just have to surrender to the calm bliss. You deserve it!