When it comes to planning and choosing the perfect spa retreat, it can all be a little overwhelming. There are so many elements to get right and so many different things to think about. Where are you going to go? What do you want to get out of it? Who are you going to go with? Decisions, decisions!
Here are some of the key points you really need to pay attention to when it comes to planning out the perfect spa getaway. You really don’t want to end up on a specialist hard-core fitness spa breaks, when all you wanted was a bit of beautification, do you?!
Pick the Right Location
City spa breaks can be fantastic. They’re perfect if you want to offset a bit of spa relaxation and treatments, with some cocktails and shopping. The UK has a few really spectacular cities, from London to Manchester, to spa breaks Scotland, each one rich in culture, and full of great shopping opportunities and nightlife, not to mention top-notch spa options. 
Heading to a smaller town spa break can be great too. You’ve got options like York and Chester, which offer the perfect balance between a chilled-out, smaller spa getaway vibe you’d expect from a more rural, village break, and the culture, dining experiences and night life you can expect from a city.
Plus towns like York and Chester have some great historical features, so if that’s your thing, go check it out.
Country Villages can be perfect if you want to head out somewhere rural and relaxing, but don’t want to go full hog when it comes to leaving civilisation behind. The British countryside is literally littered with biscuit-tin picturesque country villages to pick from, and tons of them have cute little B&B spa experiences to offer.
There’s also plenty of rural countryside spa experiences you can find. Plenty of older country halls and mansions converted into gorgeous hotel spa locations, sometimes even with golf and other activities available. These can be the perfect venue for a truly luxurious experience, and you can even occasionally find great deals for them, so get looking!
Coastal spa breaks can be spectacular too, that combination of a bit of spa break luxury and pampering, with beautiful coastal scenes all around you can be pretty special. Not only do you get the relaxing treatments, but you can explore the local beaches too. I know, I know, it’s winter, but what’s more beautiful than a sprawling and expansive white sand Cornish beach, coated in frost or snow, with a huge, bright sky?
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, and maybe want more than just relaxation and beautification out of your spa break, maybe uber-rural is the way to go for you. Imagine all the hiking and exploration you can do out in the wild highlands of Scotland or the moors of Yorkshire. One thing’s for sure, the UK has a ton of amazing places to go check out for your spa retreat.
What Kind of Spa Break?
Once you’ve nailed down where you’re going to go, you need to decide on what kind of spa break you’re really after. There are lots of different options out there, so make sure you pick the right one for you. It’s really about deciding what you want to get out of a spa break and looking for one that matches.
If you’re after that classic relaxation-centric spa trip, you’re going to have zero trouble finding the perfect option for you. From saunas to massage, to yoga and meditation, there are loads of great relaxing spa options out there to check out.
If you’re more interested in a bit of beautification, then there are tons of spa options that focus much more on that. From facial massages to vitamin treatments, manicures and pedicures, to all kinds of cutting-edge treatments, you’ll find yourself looking a solid ten years younger.
Maybe you’re after a more specialist spa break. If so, the UK has a ton of solid options. From spas designed just for manly, manly men, with none of that girly rubbish, to spas put together to be perfect for the expecting mother, and totally safe for the baby, you can always find a perfect option out there for your needs.
Weight loss and Fitness spa retreats abound too! Which is ideal if you’re still keeping to your New Year Resolution’s, and trying to shed that Christmas and New Year weight. You can find spas that specialise in sports massage, gyms, and physical activities, not to mention ones with plenty of local activity options, from walking, to climbing, to surfing!
Who Should You Go With?
When it comes to picking who accompanies you on your spa break, going with your friends can be absolutely perfect. It’s an ideal bonding opportunity, especially if you’ve not been seeing much of them otherwise.
However, that doesn’t mean a spa break isn’t a great opportunity to get close to your partner. Just because spa breaks are a traditionally feminine pursuit doesn’t mean the modern metrosexual male won’t enjoy a couple days of relaxation and pampering. Plus you can have a laugh together, and enjoy the experience together.
Go it solo. I know, it sounds a little depressing, but going on a spa break on your own can actually be absolutely spectacular. You get to totally focus on yourself and your needs, and be totally selfish for a couple of days. How often do you get the chance to be utterly selfish at home? Rarely! Here’s your chance!
Plus, when you go it alone, you’re always going to make a couple of friends along the way. It’s been proven that it’s much easier to make friends when you’re out and about when you’re alone than when you’re in a group or couple. Sure, making friends isn’t exactly a focus, but it can be a nice accompaniment. Relaxation, detoxification, beauty treatments, some friendly faces, all in a beautiful setting. What more can you ask for?