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Sopwell House

UK

Spa Escapes

Best For:

A Relaxing Spa Break

  • At A Glance
  • Number of Rooms

    Book one of their 16 Mews Suites to get access to The Club at Cottonmill spa area.

  • Facilities

    Indoor/Outdoor hydrotherapy pool, spa garden with daybeds, cabanas, fire pit and hot tubs. Two relaxation rooms, panoramic saunas, botanical steam room, salt steam room, gym, sitting room and nail salon.

  • Family Friendly

    The hotel is but the Club at Cottonmill section is for adults only.

  • When To Go

    Year round

  • Our Advice

    There are effectively two spas at Sopwell House: the older Cottonmill Spa and The Club at Cottonmill – so don’t get confused when booking: while the former is still nice, we really would recommend only going if you get access to The Club area and to do so, you need to book a Mews Suite or for day spa breaks, ensure it’s The Club at Cottonmill rather than just Cottonmill that you book in for.

  • Book

    Here

The Place

Sopwell House is a family owned country house hotel located just north of London and outside the bustling town of St. Albans. The hotel is surrounded by 12 acres of lush, green gardens with rooms in both the main country house and Mews Suites in the converted stables. As well as their new spa extension, there is a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant, Brasserie, Conservatory Bar and Cocktail Lounge.

The Place

Sopwell House is a family owned country house hotel located just north of London and outside the bustling town of St. Albans. The hotel is surrounded by 12 acres of lush, green gardens with rooms in both the main country house and Mews Suites in the converted stables. As well as their new spa extension, there is a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant, Brasserie, Conservatory Bar and Cocktail Lounge.

The Spa

As we’ve alluded to in the Need To Know section above, there are two distinct spa areas at Sopwell House. The original Cottonmill Spa, which includes their indoor swimming pool,  jacuzzi, sauna and steam room (you also get access to the new gym and fitness studio). The second area is their newly built £14 million extension, which has an indoor/outdoor hydro-pool, three beautiful panoramic saunas, botanical steam room, sumptuous relaxation areas, double day beds, outdoor jacuzzis. Both stay-packages and day-packages cost more if they include The Club at Cottonmill access but it’s really worth it. It’s a luxurious, relaxing haven – limewashed wood, glass floating fireplaces, decadent day-beds and the show-stopping glass saunas.

The Treatments

The treatment list is extensive and they’ve partnered with British brands Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates to design a menu that includes facials, massages, reflexology, pregnancy treatments, beauty treatments and male-specific options.

We tried their Signature 60 Minute massage and our therapist Shizhen drew on her experience to use a truly unique blend of Thai, deep tissue and Swedish techniques. The result was a relaxing treatment that also felt like it elongated our tired muscles and ironed out tension.

The Treatments

The treatment list is extensive and they’ve partnered with British brands Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates to design a menu that includes facials, massages, reflexology, pregnancy treatments, beauty treatments and male-specific options.

We tried their Signature 60 Minute massage and our therapist Shizhen drew on her experience to use a truly unique blend of Thai, deep tissue and Swedish techniques. The result was a relaxing treatment that also felt like it elongated our tired muscles and ironed out tension.

The Rooms

If you’re staying overnight, The Club at Cottonmill is only accessible if you book one of their 16 Mews Suites. Located in converted stables, they are a mix of one-bedroom, two bedroom and duplex rooms with their own front doors that feel like private little cottages. In the centre is a large hydrotherapy pool that is exclusive to residents.

The Gym

The gym here feels like the sort of dream gym you’d build in your house if you won the lottery. Kitted out with all of the latest Technogym equipment – including an ample number of weight and cardio machines – there’s also a specific free weights area. Down a flight of stairs is the studio, where spinning, mat pilates, and various aerobic classes take place.

The Gym

The gym here feels like the sort of dream gym you’d build in your house if you won the lottery. Kitted out with all of the latest Technogym equipment – including an ample number of weight and cardio machines – there’s also a specific free weights area. Down a flight of stairs is the studio, where spinning, mat pilates, and various aerobic classes take place.

The Must-Try

The panoramic saunas. The standard sauna experience is usually dark, whereas here they’ve turned it on its head to make them as light and airy as they can. The result is, quite simply, breathtaking – particularly those on the second floor of the spa. Two sides of glass give unparalleled sweeping views across the treetops and gardens, giving a feeling of openness and light therapy (even on the dullest winter’s day) that few saunas can.

The Verdict

A truly relaxing, luxurious spa within easy distance of London. Come here with a partner, treat a friend or relative and whether you stay for the day or longer, you’ll leave feeling renewed and invigorated. Look out for their regular package deals – if there are two of you, adding a night’s stay can work out per person to be the same price as a day spa voucher, including breakfast and dinner in their Brasserie restaurant.

The Verdict

A truly relaxing, luxurious spa within easy distance of London. Come here with a partner, treat a friend or relative and whether you stay for the day or longer, you’ll leave feeling renewed and invigorated. Look out for their regular package deals – if there are two of you, adding a night’s stay can work out per person to be the same price as a day spa voucher, including breakfast and dinner in their Brasserie restaurant.

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