Are you thinking about escaping for a weekend away but unsure whether it's safe to do so? Here's 5 stunning spa hotels that have all been approved by the government's Safe To Trade association
Autumn is the perfect time to escape for a weekend away in the UK – especially if your summer plans were kiboshed by the coronavirus pandemic. But you can be forgiven for thinking about the safety of you and your loved ones as cases continue to rise across the country. And if you do decide on a break away, how can you be sure you are visiting covid compliant hotels?
Luckily a governing body has been established that helps us all to track whether or not a venue is doing everything they can to protect its patrons. The Safe to Trade Scheme, which was set up in August, enables venues, like hotels or bars, to reopen safely, with ongoing COVID-19 checks and monitoring taking place to maintain standards.
Whether you go for a weekend of massages and facials, for a long dip in the swimming pool or hot tub, or just for good food and wine, here are 5 top covid-compliant hotels (which have all been approved by the Safe to Trade scheme) to ensure you can have a relaxing and safe escape this autumn.
As regulations continue to change, it is best to check with each hotel before you book to find out what facilities have to be closed, such as saunas and steam rooms, due to Covid-19 regulations.
1. Norton House Hotel & Spa Edinburgh
Those who love the Edinburgh culture, but also like to relax and unwind will love the Norton House Hotel & Spa. Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, it’s a perfect mix of contemporary and classic.
Vibrant and modern rooms and plenty of dining options mean you don’t even need to leave the hotel, but with Edinburgh shopping and picturesque castle within easy reach it might be a tough decision.
The spa has a swimming pool and experience shower, a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna. Plus there’s a gym, exercise studio and training zone with personal training available on request.
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/nortonhouse/
2. Stratford Manor Hotel & Spa
Journey down to the Warwickshire countryside, just minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare – to the Stratford Manor Hotel & Spa.
Comfortable rooms, an Elemis spa and indoor pool and an atmospheric restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace area all add to a romantic and relaxed escape.
Indulge in treatments at the spa or book in for a meal at The Shakespeare Restaurant, named in honour of our literary hero who was born just a few miles from the hotel.
3. Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa
Manchester’s largest four-star hotel is set in the heart of Cottonopolis combining 338 beautiful bedrooms with an indulgent urban spa.
The Elemis spa offers a good selection of treatments which you can choose from 30 minutes to half a day if you like.
There is also a signature thermal suite which features a hot rock sauna, infra-red sauna, eucalyptus scented steam room, sensation shower, ice igloo and heated loungers.
Once you’ve savoured enough of the spa, you can enjoy the very best steak at the hotel’s Scottish Steakhouse restaurant with burgers, fillets, ribeyes and more in a relaxed and comfortable setting. The lounge bar is also a great place to be for afternoon tea in the day and cocktails in the evening.
4. Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa Nantwich
Nestled in South Cheshire’s beautiful countryside and just a short drive from Staffordshire is the stunning country house – Rookery Hall and Spa. It dates back to 1816 and was built for the wealthy William Hilton Cooke.
There is a health club and spa with a swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool, or you could indulge in a facial, body treatment or massage.
With plenty of dining options such as afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and al fresco dining, Rookery Hall offers a real romantic getaway.
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall
5. The Telford Golf & Spa Hotel
The resort is nestled in 170 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge.
The 17th century Darby House, which is now the heartbeat of the hotel, offers a choice of spectacular bedrooms with period features, while there are also contemporary rooms in the modern wing of the hotel.
The picturesque golf course measures 6,741 yards along tree-lined fairways, through open greens and over strategic water hazards.
Just a five-minute drive from the centre of Telford, the resort also features a gym, spa, pool and health club.
(One of the rooms pictured at top of page)
