Top 5 Spa Retreats in the South East
You’re feeling a bit stressed, a little lethargic, and in need of a mental and physical boost. A day at a spa, or even better, a few days, could be the pick-me-up you need. If you really want to treat yourself, then take a look at some of the top spa retreats in the South East. They may have packages available that are more reasonable than you think, and they really will look after you. It is difficult to choose just 5, but here are some of the best.
1. Champneys – Now with 5 spas, 3 of which are in the south east, Champneys has become an institution. Whether you go to Tring, Forest Mere or Henlow, you can be assured of top class service in beautiful surroundings. Champneys have won many awards, and also have their own range of products which are now sold all over the world. Packages are available from day spa visits, with or without treatments, to weekends, short breaks and longer stays. Special Christmas or New Year packages are available too, and great discounts can often be found online. Champneys in Tring also offers specialist medical services such as well-woman and well-man health screenings, and sports physiotherapy.
2. Nutfield Priory – In Redhill, Surrey, Nutfield Priory Spa is certainly one of the best in the south east. A variety of treatments and packages are available, and spa days (with at least one treatment) cost from just £55. For longer breaks, the hotel is a gorgeous historic country house with sumptuously decorated rooms and great service. Fine dining or more informal meals are available in the restaurants. A variety of longer stay packages, special breaks and discounts are available on the website.
3. Grayshott Spa – Near Hindhead in Surrey, Grayshott Spa is another award-winning luxury spa. Rather than a hotel with spa facilities, this is a place which exists solely for the purpose of relaxation, rejuvenation, and health improvement. Packages are available, or you can tailor make your own to suit your own needs. All packages include a consultation with a health consultant, fitness classes are included, and all food is healthy. If you want to combine health improvement, or weight loss, with relaxing treatments, this is a great option.
4. Brooklands Hotel – On the list partly for its cutting edge design, with a famous racing track actually going through the reception area, The Brooklands Hotel offers a selection of treatments and packages. There is no swimming pool at the hotel but there are steam rooms, saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and a selection of treatments that will relax and pamper you.
5. The Vineyard – In Stockcross, near Newbury, this is the highest rated hotel in the UK. With spa and fitness facilities worthy of its 5* status, it is a great location for a pampering break. The spa facilities include gym, pool, relaxation areas, and treatments including ESPA products, among others. Even if it seems extravagant, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye open for special offers.
Andrew writes frequently about travel and eco-holidays. He also maintains a blog on solar panels .
Tips for Finding an Eco-Friendly Holiday in the UK
Eco-friendly isn’t just a trendy label for well-off hippies. More and more people are considering eco-friendly holidays. However, with the growth in popularity of long-haul holiday destinations and luxury holidays, it can sometimes be difficult to find a holiday destination which will minimise your environmental impact.
With the increase in travel costs, people are starting to look at the UK for their holidays again, so how can you find an eco-friendly holiday in the UK?
1. Transport choices
Public transport is much more environmentally friendly than cars, so if you can find a holiday where you can travel by train or coach, this will benefit the environment. With special deals often available, it may also work out cheaper than a car.
2. Energy efficient accommodation
Many hotels and guesthouses list their energy efficiency ratings on their websites. There are also websites which list eco-friendly accommodation in the UK and beyond. If accommodation has special environmental credentials, for example its own power source, then it will normally say this on the website.
3. Food choices
Some holiday accommodation provides local food, which is much better for the environment than food which has been imported from abroad. If you are looking for organic food, you can search online directories of organic holidays too, which can provide inspiration and advice.
4. National Trust holidays
The National Trust run holidays for young people and adults, which include low environmental impact accommodation and food, in return for helping at a National Trust site. They also offer accommodation in a variety of historic and unusual buildings across the country. If you go on a National Trust holiday, then you will be contributing financially to the National Trust, including its environmental work. If you choose an active National Trust holiday, then you will also be contributing practically to the environment.
5. Using your own energy
One of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling is by using your own energy, either on foot or by bicycle. It also makes for fun, cheap holidays . In the UK there are miles and miles of walking and cycling trails, which are often dotted with small guesthouses and campsites. If you have an active holiday like this, you will not be raising your carbon footprint during your travel, and you will see things that can’t be seen from trains, buses or cars.
Having an eco-friendly holiday isn’t about being boring. It is about appreciating nature, and saving energy. It is certainly worth trying next time you’re considering a holiday in the UK.
Ethical Investment in the UK
If you’re looking to invest some money and are finding that most of the investment funds are associated with companies you really wouldn’t like to give your money to then you need to look for advisers that specialize in ethical investment. The following financial advisers do exactly that:
Barchester Green Investment – Barchester are experts in ethical investment and provide their clients with sustainable financial planning advice.
The Ethical Investment Association – The Ethical Investment Association represents financial advisers with specialist expertise in pairing the values of organizations and individuals with their financial requirements.
The Ethical Investment Co-operative - This is a collection of independent financial advisers who provide free advice (they get commissions from certain banks etc.).
Ethical Investors Group – EIG will help you with your ethical investments. Also offer the Ethical Fund Directory which regularly rates funds according to social criteria and the Environment.
Alex is a financial blogger and writer. He loves writing about vegetarian and green issues although he spends most of his time writing about finance and business from mortgages to taxes to payday loans .