Right on the doorstep of London, the county of Essex has much to offer. From tranquil countryside getaways to charming seaside escapes, and with cities like Colchester and Chelmsford that are both rich in history, Essex is one of the most well-established destinations for a quick escape outside London.
The area boasts several high-end spa retreats that are perfect for an overnight stay away from the capital. From boutique manor houses to the latest, purpose-built wellness centres, Essex and its delightful brand of hospitality are only a short journey away from Central London, in which to enjoy a blissful overnight break.
Lifehouse Spa & Hotel
Constructed from scratch amid the grounds of the former manor house at Thorpe Hall, The Lifehouse finds itself surrounded by 130 acres of English Heritage-listed gardens. Guests can walk through Snowdrops during spring, beautiful Bluebells in summer, and an array of dazzling colours during Autumn. Many famous British historical figures, from writers Rudyard Kipling and J.M. Barrie to Winston Churchill and Queen Mary, are known to have visited the gardens for the scenic walks and tranquil setting on offer.
The rooms are minimalist and peaceful, with some suites offering garden views and terraces from which to better appreciate the sublime location. Guests can dip in and out of activities as they choose, enjoying a programme of wellness consultations, personal training and guided meditation sessions – or simply enjoy the surroundings. The spa includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt inhalation, and aroma steam rooms. Treatments range from ESPA facials to Swedish and Hot Stone massages using products from leading brands such as Clarins.
Talbooth House & Spa
This boutique hotel in the beautiful Dedham Vale offers the opportunity for a more intimate overnight spa break. With only 12 rooms, each one is uniquely furnished and decorated in tribute to a famous British literary figure, after whom the room is named. The Shakespeare suite contains a private terrace, pool and hot tub with a large sunken bath, as well as passages from famous works adorning the walls. The rest of the hotel’s bedrooms offer comfortable settings, with four-poster beds, freestanding baths, and carefully selected furnishings to match.
One of the centre points of the spa is the large heated outdoor pool and hot tub terrace, which are never likely to be at full capacity except for the busiest dates of summer. This all but guarantees more privacy and exclusivity for guests outside peak season. Spa breaks at Talbooth House typically include treatments using ESPA products, full access to the grounds and wellness facilities, and dining at the fantastic Le Talbooth restaurant.
Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
Nestled on the picturesque Essex-Hertfordshire border, amidst 110 acres of beautiful countryside, Down Hall combines grandiose Italian architecture with a modernised spa, consistently voted the best in the county. This Victorian estate hotel boasts more than 90 rooms but still manages to offer tailored overnight packages that include spa access, treatments, and dining that capture the magic of the setting.
The adults-only Eden Spa has fabulous wellness facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, mood showers, and a large relaxation lounge to take a break in between treatments. The entry-level overnight stays are inclusive of a 55-minute treatment, a three-course dinner in the Garden Room, as well as breakfast the following morning. The period bedrooms are traditionally – but comfortably – furnished, with sweeping views over the grounds that allow guests to feel like the head of the manor during their stay.
Glass House Retreat
Sticking out from amongst the reeds and grasses of the fields near Bulphan, the Glass House Retreat cuts a bold – almost monolith-esque – figure, providing a centre for harmony amidst serene surroundings. While guests can book single-day access, the true value of this spa lies in its overnight stays and wellness packages. Sunrise-to-sunset cycles mirror that of the local flora, with the theme further embraced through plant-based meals, tailored natural treatments, access to cryotherapy and an infrared sauna, mimicking the most extreme environments the local vegetation must endure.
The bedrooms, comprised of whitewashed interiors, muted tones, and minimalist decor, are nonetheless comfortable. Guests are encouraged to unplug from their devices – and the wider world – and reset, with spa treatments that are designed to support both a physical and mental detox and recovery. This may not be the place for indulgent, champagne-soaked spa bliss, but what it offers instead is a refreshing take on wellness that stands out amongst stiff competition throughout the county.
Greenwoods Hotel & Spa
This converted 17th-century manor house is one of the most popular spa hotels in Essex. The property, which can be found in the idyllic village of Stock, leans into its historical charm with traditional rooms that blend velvet headboards and overhead chandeliers, but with modern touches dotted throughout, particularly in the bathrooms. The property’s grounds boast immaculate lawns, rock gardens and perfectly trimmed hedges that are a delight to wander around on sunny, post-spa session days.
The well-equipped spa facilities at Greenwoods include a 20-metre pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and a relaxation and fitness suite, with delightful mood lighting. Overnight spa breaks include Elemis treatments, full access to spa facilities, and a choice of lunch or dinner at the onsite Ellis’s restaurant, promising a great stay amid beautiful surroundings.
