guests walking to mindfulness dome at glass house wellness retreat in essex

16 Best Wellness Retreats & Getaways in the UK

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From wild swims to woodland spas - these UK wellness retreats are the reset you’ve been craving.

Looking for the best wellness retreats in the UK to truly switch off, reset and recharge? If you've seen our round-up of the best spas in the UK, we don't blame you for wanting more. Whether you’re in need of a restorative weekend escape, a wellness-focused hen do alternative, or a relaxing minimoon idea that blends luxury with nature, the UK is home to an impressive array of relaxing destinations. From wild swimming in Cornwall to sound healing in the Cotswolds, and detox retreats in Essex to yoga weekends in the New Forest, there’s a wellness getaway for every style of self-care.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked 16 of the best wellness retreats and getaways in the UK - all offering a unique blend of nature, nourishment, and holistic treatments. Every spot has been selected for its location, offering, and atmosphere, with options ranging from spa breaks and plant-based detoxes to fitness-focused retreats and peaceful country stays. Whether you’re looking for a solo escape, a couples' break, or a group wellness weekend, this list includes something for every mood and budget.

Ready to feel rejuvenated? These are the UK’s most inspiring wellness retreats to book now.


The Best Wellness Retreats in the UK to Book Now

polhawn fort coastal wellness retreat
polhawn fort wellness retreat venue in cornwall

1. Polhawn Fort, Cornwall

Best for: Secluded coastal serenity with a side of sea air

Set on the rugged Cornish coastline, Rock My Wedding's Recommended Venue, Polhawn Fort, isn’t your average wellness retreat - it’s a peaceful sanctuary overlooking the sea. While it’s more commonly known as a wedding venue, it doubles as an off-grid hideaway where you can truly disconnect. Think sunrise yoga on the lawn, wild swims in the private cove below, and windswept walks along the South West Coast Path. While there’s no formal spa, the focus here is on nature, mindfulness, and quality time away from the hustle.

We spoke to Teresa Wicksteed - one of the owners and a certified Sound Healing Practitioner - who told us how couples are increasingly seeking meaningful moments and bonding experiences over high-energy celebrations. “Your priority for your wedding is to spend quality time with loved ones,” she said, “amidst the calm, energising soundtrack of birds and waves.” What better way to achieve this than a wellness retreat?

Polhawn Fort now offers fully bespoke wellness experiences, designed to enhance both wedding stays and standalone getaways. Think private yoga sessions, coastal labyrinth walks, wild swims with a sauna and cold plunge combo, or even shamanic drumming and herbal tea tastings. You can work with their expert team to create a personalised itinerary, whether hosting a group wellness escape or staying on for a honeymoon-style minimoon in total privacy.

Wellness retreat highlights

  • Private beach access and sea views
  • Ideal for yoga, coastal walks, and digital detoxing
  • Whole venue hire for retreats or group escapes

 

Book your wellness retreat

"Current scientific research shows that we get huge health benefits just from being in a green space, because as a species we evolved in Nature, and Nature is where we operate best. The outdoor time helps us stay focused. It soothes stress, improves breathing, normalises blood pressure and reduces anxiety. There is a growing awareness of these health benefits, and a desire by couples to begin their partnership in good mental and physical health, recharged, refreshed, and energised."

Teresa Wicksteed, Sound Healing Practitioner & Owner of Polhawn Fort.

chewton glen hotel wellness spa pool area
chewton glen hotel wellness treehouse accommodation

2. Chewton Glen, New Forest

Best for: Five-star spa breaks with forest bathing vibes

If your idea of a wellness getaway includes treehouse suites, Michelin-starred dining, and one of the UK’s best spa hotels - Chewton Glen is the one. Nestled in the New Forest, this iconic country house hotel offers indulgent spa days and wellness packages including hydrotherapy pools, aromatherapy treatments, and guided forest walks.

Wellness retreat highlights

  • Award-winning spa and hydrotherapy pool
  • Outdoor activities: cycling, hiking, forest bathing
  • Treehouse suites for the ultimate luxury escape, surrounded by nature

 

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avington estate winchester wellness retreat with natural lakes
avington estate winchester wellness retreat pool area

3. Avington Estate, Winchester

Best for: Intimate, design-led wellness weekends

Avington is a hidden gem for wellness lovers - a boutique, design-focused retreat just outside Winchester. They host curated wellness weekends blending movement, meditation, and chef-prepared plant-based menus. It’s a beautifully restorative space where modern minimalism meets countryside calm.

Wellness retreat highlights

  • Small group retreats with expert-led sessions
  • Restorative yoga and sound healing
  • Chic, Instagram-worthy interiors

 

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pennyhill park hampshire wellness retreat cabanas
pennyhill park hampshire wellness retreat exterior building and pool area

4. Pennyhill Park, Hampshire

Best for: Luxury country spa escapes

Pennyhill Park is a staple when it comes to luxury wellness retreats in the UK. Their award-winning spa is one of the largest in Europe, offering over 20 treatment rooms, a thermal suite, and an impressive outdoor hydrotherapy pool. This one’s ideal if you want a proper spa break - that includes all the trimmings - without compromising on luxury.

Wellness retreat highlights

  • Full-service spa with thermal facilities
  • Extensive treatment menu including massages and facials
  • Ideal for couples’ retreats or pampering weekends

 

Book your wellness retreat

the lakes by yoo wellness retreat by natural lake
the lakes by yoo wellness retreat terrace with lake view

5. The Lakes by YOO, The Cotswolds

Best for: Stylish design and private lakeside escapes in the countryside

This design-led wellness destination in the Cotswolds offers private residences and lakeside cabins curated by some of the world’s top designers. Think open fires, floor-to-ceiling windows, and activities like yoga, cold water therapy, and paddleboarding - all within an hour and a half of London. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can unplug in style.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Cold water immersion sessions and woodland yoga
  • Private homes with lake views and modern amenities
  • On-site spa with treatments by Bamford
  • Access to paddleboarding, kayaking, and wild swimming

 

Book your wellness retreat

ockenden manor wellness mindfulness treatment
ockenden manor wellness hotel and spa facilities

6. Ockenden Manor, West Sussex

Best for: Award-winning spa facilities in a country house hotel setting

Set in a charming Elizabethan manor house surrounded by gardens, Ockenden Manor offers a tranquil spa break with Michelin-starred dining. The contemporary spa contrasts beautifully with the historic main building and features a floatation tank, walk-through rainforest shower, and both indoor and outdoor heated pools.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Extensive spa with flotation therapy and isopod treatment
  • Outdoor hot tub and indoor/outdoor pool
  • Holistic treatments using locally sourced ingredients
  • Fine dining and luxury rooms with countryside views

 

Book your wellness retreat

glass house retreat wellness spa venue
guests heading to glass house retreat's mindfulness dome

7. Glass House Retreat, Essex

Best for: Digital detox and plant-based pampering

A purpose-built wellness retreat in Essex designed around detox, movement, and mindful living. Glass House Retreat offers a full-body reset through cryotherapy, spa treatments, health-led cuisine, and daily fitness and mindfulness classes – all set against the peaceful backdrop of open fields and floor-to-ceiling glass views.

I had the pleasure of visiting to try out their wellness offerings myself, and it didn’t disappoint. Between the neck and scalp reliever treatment (pure bliss), a nourishing lunch and smoothie in their serene glass-fronted dining area, and a gentle Pilates and mindfulness class - it's impossible to leave not feeling restored and re-energised.

As a vegetarian, I found the plant-based menu spot-on - full of flavour, colour, and goodness. While they’ve recently introduced some meat dishes and alcoholic options to cater for all guests, the focus remains firmly on health, balance, and nutrition, making it a brilliant choice for those wanting a wholesome yet luxurious wellness break.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Cryotherapy chamber, infrared sauna, and state-of-the-art spa
  • Fully equipped gym, fitness studio, and heated pool
  • Nutritious plant-led menu with juices and smoothies
  • Pilates, yoga, guided meditation, and wellness talks
  • Light-filled rooms overlooking the tranquil Essex countryside

 

Book your wellness retreat

our retreat wellness venue in somerset
our retreat wellness group yoga class

8. Our Retreat, Somerset

Best for: Group-led wellness retreats and fitness-based escapes

Our Retreat hosts structured wellness getaways across the UK and Europe, but their Somerset location offers weekend escapes focused on movement, mindfulness, and nourishment. You’ll follow a set itinerary with daily workouts, yoga, and healthy meals cooked by private chefs - all within a beautiful countryside estate.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Curated three-day retreats led by expert hosts
  • Vinyasa yoga, strength training, and guided hikes
  • Seasonal, nourishing meals prepared on-site
  • Exclusive group bookings for hen dos or team getaways

 

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the detox barn wellness venue juices and fruits
the detox barn wellness retreat venue

9. The Detox Barn, Suffolk

Best for: Affordable, friendly wellness weekends with a down-to-earth vibe

Run by two sisters, The Detox Barn is a relaxed countryside retreat focused on gut health, mindfulness, and connection. Expect organic vegetarian food, gentle yoga sessions, and long country walks. It’s more homey than high-end, but the warmth and support of the hosts make it a very popular option.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Weekend detox programmes with all meals included
  • Group meditations, yoga, and mindfulness walks
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Homely setting in the Suffolk countryside

 

Book your wellness retreat

the bothy by wildsmith at heckfield place wellness pool area
the bothy by wildsmith at heckfield place wellness sauna

10. The Bothy by Wildsmith at Heckfield Place, Hampshire

Best for: Holistic rituals and luxury in an eco-conscious country estate

Heckfield Place is one of the UK’s most revered luxury hotels, and its wellness space, The Bothy by Wildsmith, is no exception. The approach is rooted in nature and rhythm, with signature Wildsmith rituals, circadian wellness, and regenerative treatments. For those seeking total restoration in a setting that feels worlds away from daily life, this is the place.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Regenerative rituals with Wildsmith Skin products
  • Therapies built around circadian rhythms
  • State-of-the-art gym and movement studio
  • Biodynamic gardens and estate-to-plate dining

 

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the coach house spa at beaverbrook hotel outdoor pool
the coach house spa at beaverbrook hotel indoor wellness pool

11. The Coach House Spa at Beaverbrook, Surrey

Best for: Decadent spa days and elegant countryside luxury

Housed in a restored Victorian Coach House on the exclusive Beaverbrook estate, this Surrey-based spa feels indulgent yet serene. Interiors by Susie Atkinson are dreamy, while treatments use British-made products from The Organic Pharmacy. With a thermal spa, hammam, and garden-to-table dining, it’s a luxurious spot for some serious pampering.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Thermal spa with steam room, sauna, and plunge pools
  • Outdoor pool with woodland views
  • Themed treatment rooms inspired by nature
  • Access to estate activities like forest bathing and cycling

 

Book your wellness retreat

combe grove health wellness retreat hike
combe grove health wellness spa treatment

12. Combe Grove Metabolic Health Retreats, Bath

Best for: Science-led wellness and long-term health change

Tucked into 70 acres of woodland overlooking the Limpley Stoke Valley, Combe Grove offers an evidence-based approach to wellness. Their metabolic health retreats are designed to support weight loss, improve sleep, and tackle burnout with expert guidance from nutritional therapists, movement coaches, and behavioural psychologists. It’s not just a weekend spa break - this is for those seeking genuine lifestyle transformation.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • 5-night and 3-night Metabolic Health Retreat options
  • Grounded in the six pillars of metabolic health
  • Facilities include a woodland sauna, indoor pool, and outdoor hydro pool
  • Organic food sourced from local producers and their own estate garden

 

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the heartbreak hotel retreat in london for women
the heartbreak hotel retreat room

13. The Heartbreak Hotel, Peak District

Best for: Emotional healing and self-reflection

Created for those navigating heartbreak, grief, or big life transitions, this all-women, 3-night retreat provides a safe, supportive space to process and heal. With workshops led by therapists and creatives, as well as nourishing meals and peaceful Peak District surroundings, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for deep emotional restoration. Can't make it to the retreat, but want to get involved? You're in luck! The Heartbreak Hotel book is the ultimate guide to overcoming loss and empowering yourself post-breakup. 

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Therapeutic workshops, somatic movement, and journaling sessions
  • Connection with like-minded women in a safe space
  • Surrounded by nature in a beautiful, secluded location
  • Signature “break-up box” for every guest

 

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knights lodges wellness retreat private hot tub
knights lodges wellness retreat reformer pilates studio

14. Knights Lodges, Derbyshire

Best for: Back-to-nature luxury and flexible wellness stays

Glamping meets wellness at Knights Lodges, where you’ll stay in luxurious wooden lodges with private hot tubs, set in the Derbyshire countryside. While not a traditional wellness retreat, the peaceful location, walking trails, and self-catering lodges provide the perfect base for a DIY wellness weekend, whether with your bridal party besties or newly wedded spouse. 

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Private outdoor hot tubs and panoramic views
  • Fully equipped lodges with stylish interiors
  • Close to the Peak District for nature walks and hikes
  • Ideal for a wellness hen do or low-key romantic escape

 

Book your wellness retreat

The Barns at Blackwater Meadow hot tub terrace
The Barns at Blackwater Meadow wellness cabin accommodation

15. The Barns at Blackwater Meadow, Shropshire

Best for: Calm countryside escapes and digital detoxes

A hidden gem near Ellesmere, The Barns offer peaceful, beautifully renovated accommodation surrounded by open countryside. While it’s not a retreat in the traditional sense, it’s the kind of place where you naturally switch off, slow down, and recalibrate. Think morning coffee on the deck, long countryside walks, and stargazing from the hot tub.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • Rural, secluded location with a real back-to-nature feel
  • Beautiful interiors with large windows and rustic charm
  • Stargazing hot tubs and wood burners for ultimate cosiness
  • Ideal for a quiet couple’s retreat or solo escape

 

Book your wellness retreat

clawford lakes wellness retreat lodge accommodation
clawford lakes wellness retreat lake spa

16. Clawford Lakes, Devon

Best for: Lakeside serenity and flexible self-led wellness breaks

Set within a nature reserve in the heart of Devon, Clawford Lakes offers floating Scandi-style lodges, lake pods, and luxury suites, many with hot tubs overlooking the water. Whether you're wild swimming, paddleboarding, or simply sitting by the lake with a good book, it’s a wellness escape that allows you to set your own pace.

Wellness retreat highlights:

  • 17 lakes across the estate for swimming, fishing, and water sports
  • Spa barn with sauna and treatment rooms
  • A range of accommodation styles for different budgets
  • Wildflower meadows and scenic walking routes

 

Book your wellness retreat


Ready to Book One of the Best Wellness Retreats in the UK?
 

Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside sauna, a sound bath by the sea or a plant-based detox in the countryside, the UK is packed with some of the best wellness retreats designed to help you rest, recharge and reset. From romantic post-wedding escapes to health-focused hen dos, there's a retreat for every kind of R&R.

Looking for more ways to unwind? Discover our favourite spa breaks in the UK or explore the best honeymoon destinations in Europe if you’re heading further afield.