Sumptuous luxury spa breaks in Wales

Getting away from it all is satisfyingly simple on a spa weekend in Wales. It’s close to home for many and makes a great year-round destination. There are a real range of places to stay and Wales has a natural beauty that shines forth at any time of year.

Delve into this round up of boutique spa hotels in Wales for a cheeky weekend escape. And, if you’re looking for some classic romance, check out our couples’ spa break options in Wales.

Enjoy views of the Conwy Estuary from your private balcony at one of the top luxury spa hotels in North Wales. The AA 4-Star Quay Hotel & Spa is contemporary in style and overlooks Deganwy Marina and the countryside beyond. For a day out, the historic UNESCO site of Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) and the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park are both moments away by car.

What to expect… Plunge into the hydrotherapy pool with waterfall jets then lie back in the whimsical relaxation room and unwind at the Marina Spa. Holistic Indian head massage, reflexology and Hopi ear candle treatments are available, as well as facials, massage and beauty treatments.

Find more spa hotels in North Wales.

The AA 4-Star luxury Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa stands at the head of a lake fringed with mountains at the heart of a 24,000 acre estate. The vista is best viewed from your roll-top, freestanding bath in one of the large lake view rooms, or from the comfort of the spa. Diners in the award-winning Tower Restaurant also enjoy a commanding view of the lake, so for optimum effect book a table at sunset and enjoy the show. For an afternoon drink opt for an outdoor pint at The Tavern, or cosy up in front of the Tower Bar's roaring fire for a nightcap.

What to expect… The Lake Vyrnwy Spa has a fabulous jacuzzi spa pool overlooking the estate, a sauna, an aromatherapy salt inhalation room, monsoon and mist showers, an ice shower and heated loungers. The gorgeous setting helps make this one of the most delightful luxury spa breaks in Wales.

Find more spa hotels in Mid Wales.

Set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Saundersfoot is a charming coastal resort just three miles from the charismatic seaside town of Tenby. This stylish boutique hotel in South Wales offers a nice balance in terms of location. From St Brides Spa Hotel you’ll be within easy reach of secluded bays and beaches, but you’ll also have plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to enjoy nearby.

What to expect… The St Brides Spa boasts an impressive infinity-edged hydrotherapy pool looking out over the bay. The windows of the cliff-edge dual treatment rooms take in the panoramic views and open wide to let in the therapeutic sea air. The thermal suite includes a salt infusion room, sensation shower, aroma steam room, rock sauna and ice fountain. This is a blissful spa and was a finalist in the Good Spa Awards, Best Coastal Spa category.

The Diplomat Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is a welcoming family-owned hotel well located on the edge of Llanelli where the stunning Welsh coastline stretches off in both directions. Head east for the spectacular Gower Peninsula or west for Pembrokeshire’s secluded coves and sandy beaches. The stylish on-site Trubshaws Restaurant is named after a former resident, Concorde Chief Test Pilot Brian Trubshaw. Their ethos is to serve quality local produce in a relaxed setting and they do a mean Sunday lunch. In summer, afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the gardens is a must.

What to expect… The luxurious Eden Spa incorporates an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, garden chill-out area and a fully equipped gym. They offer a range of beauty and wellbeing treatments, including exfoliating scrubs, facials and massage, as well as pamper days and a Spa Day and Sparkling Afternoon Tea package.

Find more spa hotels in West Wales.

Sitting prominently on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay, the voco® St David’s Cardiff is the capital’s standout hotel and an AA-rated 5-star luxury hotel. It occupies a commanding position on the swish Cardiff Bay seafront and has a unique contemporary design with private balconies overlooking the bay.

Cardiff has much to offer visitors with a full quota of cultural destinations and events to enjoy. For theatre and the arts check the schedule at Cardiff’s flagship Wales Millennium Centre or perhaps book a gin-tasting tour at the Cardiff Distillery.

What to expect… The dreamy Spa at St. David’s offers a walk-through water corridor, massage fountains and a 50ft (15 metre) pool with bubbling waterbeds that might just lull you off to sleep. There's a range of treatments to choose from and a deep relaxation lounge where you can drift off and dream. The spa also specialises in treatments specifically for its male customers, including facials and hot stone massage. In line with the high quality found throughout the hotel, this is one of the best spas in Cardiff and has been voted one of the top UK spas by Condé Nast Traveller.

For those looking for an alternative spa weekend in Wales’ capital city, the centrally located Park Plaza Hotel is one of the most stylish in town. Booking your Cardiff spa weekend here is ideal if you want to be in the thick of it. You’ll have all of the delights of the city on your doorstep, including Cardiff Castle and the city centre's historic shopping arcades and lively nightlife.

What to expect… The hotel is home to the blissful Laguna Health & Spa which promises to bring you serenity in the city. This is one of the best spas in Cardiff and features an ozone-friendly swimming pool, spa bath and steam room. There is a wide range of award-winning Pevonia spa treatments available and a relaxation lounge where guests can truly chill out. They also offer a selection of seasonal spa packages.

The 4-Star Parkgate Hotel is one of Cardiff's newest luxury hotels, right next to Principality Stadium in the heart of our capital city. Based in the renovated old Post Office building, the hotel exudes timeless elegance with contemporary style. It's a great base for a spa, sport and shopping break. Enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea or sumptuous meal at The Sorting Room, their 2 AA Rosette Awarded and Michelin Guide listed restaurant, for a bit of added luxury.

What to expect… The Spa at The Parkgate Hotel is an indulgent, relaxing escape from the bustling city. The Thermal Suite has panoramic views of Cardiff city, while the treatments can be taken as a couple or with a friend. 

Conveniently located for a spa weekend in Wales The Celtic Manor Resort is just moments from the M4 yet is set within 2,000 acres of verdant parkland. The resort has hosted many prestigious events, including a NATO summit and the Ryder Cup. It has three impressive golf courses within its grounds. So if you’d like to tee off before submerging in the spa then this is the place for you. For similar combos take a look at more golf and spa hotels in Wales.

What to expect… The Forum Spa has won several Spa Traveller Awards, including Best UK Hotel Spa. It has 16 treatment rooms that serve up such delights as the Elemis Herbal Steam Temple. During this unique spa experience, medicinal chakra muds are applied while you inhale herb-infused steam and gaze up at a thousand stars. Afterwards, a refreshing rain shower washes it all away leaving you fully revived. Facilities include a 20 metre swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms and a plunge pool.

Find more spa hotels in South Wales