Last minute holidays needn’t involve a passport and a plane ticket… hop in a car or take the train and head for Wales instead! With jaw-dropping coastlines and spectacular vistas, we think Wales is the ideal place for providing an outdoorsy getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Did you know North Wales was recently named by Lonely Planet one of the world’s best regions in 2017? With a plethora of winding, coastal hikes to entertain the adventurer in you and keep you fit plus a host of stunning spa hotels to feed your mind, body and soul, Wales is the perfect place for the ultimate wellness escape. In partnership with Visit Wales, we’re sharing our top 7 spa hotels in Wales where your wellbeing is the top priority.

Lake Country House Hotel & Spa: Sat on the banks of the River Irfon, near Builth Wells in Mid Wales, this exquisite hotel and spa was awarded Spa Hotel of the Year in the Good Hotel Guide in 2015. The luxurious country house hotel and spa offer a complete retreat where the beautiful sounds and sights of nature you encounter whilst wondering the grounds will be the only possibility of getting distracted. All of the rooms are designed to feel open and free, with some of their Junior Suites opening directly onto the grounds, so you can even take your dog along too! The spa tailors their treatments to suit your specific needs, whether that be the secret eye remedy to save your tired eyes or the sedating scalp massage to de-stress and release tension. The spa also offers a range of spa days for a day of total relaxation, such as ‘Our Lovely Day’, which gives you access to the facilities, includes a light lunch, a full body massage, champagne and the opportunity to enjoy the breath-taking views from the hot tub.

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa: For a dreamy dose of Welsh countryside we recommend visiting Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, situated in over 200 acres of parkland 2 miles to the south of Llandudno. With spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle, as well as stunning gardens, the setting and surroundings of this Hall & Spa are a particular highlight. The spa boasts a sauna and steam room, a large indoor swimming pool and relaxation room alongside six spa treatment rooms in which you can enjoy a variety of treatments. On a sunny day, enjoy the sun garden next to the pool or enjoy a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in the vicinity of the hotel, or alternatively enjoy a workout in their modern and well-equipped gym. This Hall is perfect for those of you looking to explore Snowdonia National Park or Conwy Castle, both in the local area.

Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa: Ruthin Castle offers the perfect package for those who desire total relaxation and rejuvenation: exquisite dining experiences, amazing spas and cosy rooms, all to be found in the rustic woodland grounds of The Castle’s original moat. Ruthin Castle has hosted Kings & Queens for hundreds of years, and now it is your opportunity to feel like royalty. Each of the 54 rooms effortlessly combines the heritage of The Castle with modern comfort and includes access to The Moat Spa’s Thermal Suite and gym. Their spa day packages are sure to leave you feeling pampered, with the signature spa day including a salt & oil scrub, facial, file and polish, as well as a light lunch and use of the Spa Facilities. Follow this up with their famous and indulgent afternoon tea, and you may not ever want to leave!

The Quay Hotel and Spa: Situated directly next to the Deganwy Marina on the coast of North Wales, the location of this hotel and the views over the marina are incomparable. This hotel epitomises the magic of North Wales: Enjoy breakfast whilst taking in the views from the balcony of your tranquil hotel room, and then make your way to the Marina Spa to relax both the mind and body and let the stresses of everyday life float away. The Marina Spa offers you a choice between a single treatment room or double room. Enjoy a re-hydrator facial to rejuvenate dehydrated skin or unwind with an aromatherapy massage using individually chosen oils to suit your needs. After your treatment, sit back and relax on the chill out room or refresh yourself with a drink from the spa juice bar.

Principal St David’s Hotel, Cardiff
Have you always wanted to go to Cardiff, but want a city break which will allow you to relax at the same time? Then this hotel is perfect to give you both a time out, whilst also being in the perfect location to explore the capital city. With a spa overlooking Cardiff Bay, it’s easy to see why it is regularly ranked amongst the top five spas in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller. Their extensive facilities, such as the relaxation pools and sauna, perfectly compliment their range of spa treatments is the ideal escape after exploring Wales’ capital city, home of the Welsh National Opera, castles, beautiful national parks and museums. Fancy a less active experience? Head to Lab 22 to try one of their specialty and scientifically created cocktails, or book one of their bespoke cocktail masterclasses or experiences. Just two hours from London, this hotel is the perfect location for a city break, romantic or business trip.

The Empire
Established in 1946, the Empire Hotel in the Victorian coastal town Llandudno, North Wales, perfectly combines quintessentially British rooms with a modern spa, particularly their newly refurbished indoor heated salt water pool with special effect lighting. The informal and casual poolside dining restaurant is ideal after a day at the spa. Their treatments use products from Apologie who derive their natural and pure products from Brittany in Northern France, a preserved and exceptionally pure area. For those wishing to explore the natural beauty of Wales, the North Shore Beach and Llandudno Pier with its shops and arcade are all ideals for a light-hearted day out or alternatively enjoy a ride on the Llandudno Cable Car to enjoy the unbelievable views over the coast. Additionally, visit the National Trust owned Bodnant Garden, one of the most spectacular and prized gardens in Britain.

Portmeirion Village
Portmeirion village boasts two hotels, historic cottages, a spa, shops, award-winning restaurants, cafes, an authentic Italian style gelateria, not to mention sandy beaches! The village was created by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis and now sees over 200,000 visitors each year. You can choose to stay either in The Hotel Portmeirion, a 4-Star luxury hotel with views over the beach and the beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary in Snowdonia, or in one of the 11 modernised rooms within Castell Deudraeth for a more gothic experience. The award-winning restaurant in Hotel Portmeirion offers a fine dining experience, whilst the selection of cafés in the village are ideal for enjoying a tea and slice of cake. If all of the above isn’t tempting enough, the heavenly spa in the village overlooks the Dwyryd Estuary and the therapists use extremely pure, vegan-friendly Tropic Skincare products during the all-natural therapies. Enjoy a deluxe hot stones massage to release tension, or an aromatic seaweed body wrap to rejuvenate dry and tired skin.

For more information on the best spots in Wales, head over to visitwales.com

ENTER HERE