The best spa breaks and relaxing holidays and are the ones that give you exactly what you need, and that’s slightly different for everyone. A simple walk in nature or a sea-view can do wonders for our state of mind, and there are other proven ways to feel calmer. Read our top tips for ultimate relaxation and be inspired by some of the best UK spa breaks near coast and country.

Top Tips for Ultimate Relaxation

1. Time in Nature

Apart from the joy of inspiring views and a feeling of space and freedom, there are several scientific reasons why it’s beneficial spending time out of doors, from breathing fresh air and absorbing vitamin d to natural light normalising sleep patterns. A holiday or short break somewhere beautiful gives you the time to discover amazing scenic coastal paths and countryside walks. Seeing wildlife in a natural setting, visiting local botanical gardens to admire the flora and fauna or exploring Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be life-affirming in itself, and for dog-owners, it’s great to know you can also take your beloved pet with you on holiday.

2. Gentle Exercise

It’s well known that taking even gentle exercise such as walking and swimming, releases feel-good endorphins in the brain. Scenic walks or bike rides outdoors in the sunshine can be even better for you than a gym session simply because you’re outside. If swimming is your preferred exercise then wild water swimming in the great outdoors could be fun if you are staying close to a lake, a river or the sea, just be sure to stay safe. And if that all sounds like too much effort, it’s been proven that sitting in a hot tub burns calories and doing so in the evening, around an hour or two before bedtime can help you sleep. Spending real time away from daily stresses with your nearest and dearest, in a hot tub or otherwise, can also help you to connect, which in itself can bring a sense of peace and calm.

3. Mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness is about slowing down what you are doing, especially when you feel like you’re on auto-pilot, and recognising that thoughts are just thoughts that don’t always need action. Mindfulness helps you to bring more awareness to what you’re doing to enable you to tune in to all your senses rather than rushing through life. It starts with your breathing and can be applied to almost every activity, encouraging meditation and thereby bringing a natural feeling of calm. Making small changes like taking the time to read a book instead of a screen can be very beneficial and often we need a holiday and a change from routine to break old habits and start new good ones.

Various studies have shown these tips for relaxation to be effective on both one’s physical and mental wellbeing. Well-known though they are, we do all sometimes need a reminder to slow down and a break from the day-to-day routines that tend to take over our lives.

3 OF THE BEST SPA BREAKS IN THE UK

Here's our pick of the best spa breaks with surrounding mountains, forests, beaches and countryside: 

1. Luxury Lodge with Hot Tub, North Wales

Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain ranges, beautiful beaches and glorious countryside is this amazing coastal and countryside retreat with a health club and spa situated in the foothills of Snowdon. Stay in a luxury lodge with private hot tub and take a dip in the 35C hydrotherapy pool with its invigorating water jets for an underwater massage. Then lie back and relax in the ancient Roman bath-style Tepidarium with its warm, mosaic tiled beds, slightly humid atmosphere and relaxing background music. For a detox immerse yourself in the 70C dry heat of the Scandinavian Pine and eucalyptus sauna or step into the hot and humid rain forest-style steam room. The Spa itself offers a wide range of treatments, including hot stone massages, exfoliating salt body scrubs, speciality facials, manicures and pedicures.

2. Exclusive Holiday Lodge with Hot Tub, Cornwall

For sunshine, head to Cornwall for its micro-climate and stay in this exclusive Cornwall holiday lodge with hot tub at a fantastic coastal resort near Newquay and the famous foodie-haven of Padstow. The resort has an on-site health club and spa with a heated indoor swimming pool, a Scandinavian sauna, a eucalyptus steam room and a team of expert spa therapists. For a romantic getaway, couples can choose to book a range of treatments, including massages and facials together in the special Couples Room. Near to a variety of beautiful beaches, this fantastic resort also features a Total Wipeout-style inflatable aqua park and offers wakeboarding and surfing on the FlowRider.

3. Unique Country Holiday Cottages, Cotswolds

For a super stylish getaway, stay in one of these unique country holiday cottages in a converted old millhouse in Oxfordshire. Featuring stunning interior decor and an on-site spa, there’s an indoor heated swimming pool, fully-equipped gym and the tranquil spa offers a range of treatments from trained professionals. Each cottage is unique, and one sleeps up to 14 making it ideal for large groups of family or friends. Inside, there are four-poster beds, lovely kitchen dressers and one cottage even has its own library and there are private and shared gardens to enjoy. Keen walkers will love the stunning 3,000 miles of nearby footpaths, woodland and wildflower meadows.

If you’re feeling the need to slow down and find some peace and calm in this busy world, perhaps it’s time to do yourself a favour and book a luxury spa break for your ultimate relaxation.