England

8 decadent Chester spa hotels for a rejuvenating weekend

Brimming with historic architecture and lush scenery, Chester is the ideal spot for a tranquil retreat – especially when you stay at a luxury spa hotel.

Inside the city’s Roman walls, you can explore boutique shops and cafes tucked between Tudor-era buildings. Nearby, you’ll find rolling countryside, championship golf courses and Chester Zoo’s award-winning gardens. After a day out, treat yourself to a soothing massage at the spa.

A Chester spa hotel between city and countryside

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Close to the luscious landscape of North Wales and the buzzing urban hotspots of Liverpool, this country house is a fantastic retreat for both nature and city lovers. Stroll around nearby Ewloe Castle or have a game at Hawarden golf course, then unwind in the hotel’s spa.

There’s a high-end gym, pool, steam room and sauna to make the most of, as well as treatments including massages, facials, waxes, manicures, pedicures and spray tans. An ESPA body polish is an indulgent way to revitalise before a mouth-watering dinner.

Sink into a plush leather sofa with a drink from the extensive craft beer menu – which includes award-winning Goose Island IPA – in the snug country-style pub. A hearty sirloin steak in the Village Grill restaurant will complete your evening.

Village Hotel Chester St Davids

Chester
7.6 Good (2322 reviews)

An indulgent five-star Chester spa hotel

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Nestled in the heart of Chester, this five-star hotel is a stunning base for exploring the city. The traditional black and white timbered façade is offset by opulent, individually designed rooms; suites come with Japanese-style double-ended bathtubs for long soaks.

Make your way to the hotel’s spa, which is partnered with skincare expert Elemis. This tranquil haven features a steam room and thermal suite with an ice fountain, crystal steam room, salt grotto and foot spa. The treatment menu ranges from facials, body wraps and massages to eyebrow tinting and shaping, pedicures and manicures. Detoxify with a calming herb sauna or an Elemis hot mineral massage.

Complete a perfect day with dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant – book in advance to secure a table. Follow up with a dessert-inspired cocktail like Black Forest and Apple Strudel at La Brasserie’s champagne bar.

The Chester Grosvenor

Top rated
Chester
8.8 Excellent (357 reviews)

Tranquillity among stately gardens

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Located within landscaped gardens, this spa hotel exudes tranquillity. Walk around the manicured grounds, which lead to the canal-lined walkways of Christleton. If you’re feeling energetic, head to the Feel Good Health Club for a spin in the gym.

Spoil yourself with pure relaxation in the hotel’s spa. Dip in the pool and Jacuzzi or detox in the sauna and steam room. The Secret Sanctuary spa also offers a range of luxurious treatments, from hot stone massage and body wraps to facials, manicures, makeup and waxes. Booking in advance is essential.

Spend a sunny afternoon sipping a chilled prosecco and sampling freshly baked nibbles at afternoon tea on the garden terrace. The hotel’s Brasserie uses locally sourced ingredients to create gorgeous dishes from close to home and around the world paired with speciality beers.

Mercure Chester Abbots Well Hotel

Chester
7.2(2311 reviews)

A spa hotel near Chester in a historic inn

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This upscale hotel opened its doors in 1763 when it was called The Inn of the Sign of the Talbot. The enchanting 18th-century red-brick building is set in landscaped gardens right on the border between England and Wales.

If you fancy a touch of light exercise, go for an early evening dip in the Roman-style swimming pool then dine in the Palm Court garden restaurant. Here, you can sink into one of the plush sofas and be serenaded by live piano music.

The Spa by Kasia, where you’ll be nourished with holistic and organic massages as well as facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy and nail treatments, will indulge your senses. Next, unwind in the Jacuzzi, sauna, solarium, hammam, snooze room, tranquillity zone, waterfall lounge or sensory Asian garden.

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa

Top rated
Chester
8.8 Excellent (2002 reviews)

An 18th-century manor house

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This red-brick manor house sits in 12 acres of captivating grounds. Sit back and admire them, morning tea in hand, from the English Heritage-listed glass conservatory.

The hotel’s spa features a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and Turkish hammam, as well as an outdoor Watsu pool with a waterfall. Treat your skin in the mud room and refresh in the aromatherapy suite and meditation room. There’s an impressive range of therapies, including body polishes, scrubs, wraps, massages, manicures, pedicures and facials, to pick from. If you’re on a romantic break, book the Couples Duo Suite, where you can experience true quality time in your own private sauna and whirlpool bath.

The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse features a wide-ranging menu. It’s expertly located to produce mouthwatering classic British dishes, such as succulent, locally sourced rump steak from royal-warrant-appointed butcher Campbell Brothers.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester

Chester
8.3 Very good (629 reviews)

A tranquil countryside setting

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This 17th-century manor is set just two miles from Chester Racecourse. After a day on the green, the spa and fitness centre – with its 18-metre heated pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and whirlpool – beckons.

Spend a blissful couple of hours by getting a massage, body wrap, facial, scrub or firming treatment. Finish with a beauty therapy by ESPA: manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting and eyebrow shaping are all on the menu here.

A luscious Sunday lunch in the Earl of Chester Restaurant, which rewards diners with views over the impeccably kept grounds, will top off your weekend. Alternatively, order room service if you want to bask on your sumptuously soft bed for a touch longer.

Crabwall Manor & Spa, BW Signature Collection

Chester
8.2 Very good (1630 reviews)

A golf resort and spa hotel near Chester

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This four-star hotel is catered for both entertainment and relaxation. Spend an enjoyable day on the two championship golf courses, stopping off at the ninth hole for a tea and snack. The grounds have a three-acre vineyard, and you can taste the estate’s own sparkling wine at any of its multiple bars or restaurants.

Stretch out in the gym, then cool off in the pool. A massage or bespoke facial will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, while body wraps, manicures and pedicures are also available. Try the sauna, steam room, relaxation room and hydrotherapy pool, too.

After a game on the course or afternoon on the heated tepidarium beds, head to Morgan’s Bar. Dinner at the Redmond’s Restaurant, with delectable dishes created from locally sourced ingredients, is a fantastic way to end to your day.

Carden Park

Top rated
Chester
9.0 Excellent (2249 reviews)

Afternoon tea after some R&R

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For a truly decadent break, book yourself a suite at this historic mansion with rooms featuring four-poster beds. Slip on your robe and cosy up in your private lounge with complimentary fresh fruit.

The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. After making the most of the deluxe facilities, rejuvenate your skin with a mini facial while you sip a glass of sparkling wine at the health club. The spa’s range of treatments spans massages, nails, spray tans and waxing. If you’re feeling energetic, have a light game on the squash court.

A quintessentially British Sunday lunch is a highlight at The Garden Restaurant, with its patio overlooking the grounds. You can also partake in a delightful afternoon tea, served with freshly baked scones, Cornish clotted cream and a pot of tea – or champagne.

Brook Mollington Banastre Hotel & Spa

Chester
6.4(1967 reviews)