By Melissa Corkhill
16th January 2017
1 Overlooking one of North Cornwall’s most lovely beaches, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa is a hotel that caters for family stays. There’s the chance for parents to totally relax, combined with plenty for the children to do too. Activities are run daily during school holidays by the hotel’s Surf Club (you can book a private family lesson) and there are adventure playgrounds on site and a beach to explore, as well as a gorgeous coastline stretching in either direction. WHAT ABOUT THE SPA? The spa has spectacular sea views and uses products from organic skincare company Ila. There are hydrotherapy facilities including a steam room and sauna and treatments are available until 9pm. Therapies include hamman and pregnancy treats. If you can’t escape to the spa, let the therapist come to your room. bedruthan.com
2 A restored Georgian manor, Coworth Park stands in its own spacious parkland grounds on the borders of Windsor Great Park in Berkshire. Within the grounds, Coworth Park Kids is a converted house specifically designed for children with a messy room for crafting, a quiet room filled with books and a teen den upstairs. There’s also the chance for families to try out mountain bilking, croquet and horse-riding. WHAT ABOUT THE SPA? The eco spa is partly set into the landscape with views over the parkland. On the lower floor a heated pool has underwater music, hydrotherapy areas and a sun terrace. Upstairs eight treatment rooms provide the setting for therapies including Aromatherapy Associates facials, massage, treatments for men and mothers-to-be. The Spa Day packages are well worth a look. Children are allowed to use the spa with parents during certain hours of the day. dorchestercollection.com
3 Learn yoga in stunning natural surroundings at Eco Yoga in Argyll, Scotland. There’s a yoga studio with beautiful views and underfloor heating on site and classes every day. There are 13 rooms on site, some of which are designed for families (although due to the wild nature of the place, according to the owners it is suitable for children over seven only). Use the cafe kitchen to make your own food - ingredients for a hearty vegetarian breakfast are provided. WHAT ABOUT THE SPA? It’s about as wild and rustic as you can get. Think wild river baths, with hot tubs and a sauna all open to the elements. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of the ‘Sento’ or public bathing house you can soak in natural wooden hot tubs in a geodesic dome, or choose a secret bathing spot in the forest or river bank. ecoyoga.org
4 Eco Retreats in Powys, Wales gives guests the opportunity to really escape from the stresses of modern life and enjoy the beauty of nature in comfortable surroundings. Every little details is thought of from the locally made tipis down to the organic fair trade produce in the welcome hampers. There’s a huge natural playground all around of forests, meadows and streams. The largest yurt has a comfy double bed and two pull out single beds. WHAT ABOUT THE SPA? There’s not a spa on site but one of the founding principles of this eco holiday accommodation is that guests can really escape the stress of daily living. To guide you deeper into this relaxed state, practitioners offer Reiki or spiritual healing. If you have a particular physical issue that you want to work with, owner Chanan can provide kinesiology and Elemental Medicine. ecoretreats.co.uk
5 At Swinton Park, Yorkshire, food plays an important role at the hotel – from the grass roots commitment to minimising food miles and the four acre kitchen garden, to the award winning restaurant and cookery school (including workshops for families and children). It’s an elegant, luxurious hotel but serves families exceptionally well. There’s a playroom full of toys and a boot room full of kites, bikes and scooters. Or stay at the gorgeous eco campsite within the grounds - The bivouvac with its woodland shacks and meadow yurts. WHAT ABOUT THE SPA? The facilities are currently undergoing a full refurb but at present there’s a relaxation area, cedar hot tub, sauna and four treatment rooms. There a wide range of therapies on offer including hot stone, swedish massage, facials and body wraps. A range of treatments has been developed for teens over 16 including massage treatments and skincare. swintonpark.com
