HEALTH + WELLNESS
Updown Farmhouse, near Deal
Wellness at Updown Farmhouse is defined by environment and design rather than a list of structured treatments, and the new heated outdoor swimming pool has become the property’ s trump card. Positioned at the edge of the forest, framed by ancient woodland, the pool is finished in natural stone and contemporary tiling that visually extends into the treeline, while comfortable sun loungers and grassy areas create a synergy between the water and the woods. Open year-round and maintained at a soothing temperature, the pool offers a restorative experience driven by peace and warmth, making the approach to wellness here subjective- guests are simply encouraged to chill out, float to their heart’ s content and slow down, soaking up the bucolic surrounding environment as they do just that.
updownfarmhouse. com / swimming-pool
SpaSpa, The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells
UPDOWN FARMHOUSE
SpaSpa’ s strength lies in its deliberate engineering of holistic wellbeing, with the Wellness Suite structured as a comprehensive thermal circuit rather than a collection of amenities. The hydro pool, hot spa pool, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam rooms, ice fountain, drench bucket and thermo showers are designed to be used sequentially, supporting circulation, muscle recovery and nervous-system regulation, and treatments are delivered using ESPA, a globally respected spa brand known for its integration of aromatherapy with clinical-grade formulations. Set within 14 acres of landscaped grounds, the hotel allows guests to combine outdoor relaxation with structured thermal therapy, creating a spa experience that is restorative in both body and mind.
spahotel. co. uk / spaspa
AquaManda Spa, Hempstead House, Sittingbourne
AquaManda Spa distinguishes itself through restraint, continuity and therapist-led personalisation. Purpose-built within the grounds of the Georgian country house hotel, the spa is designed to function as a single, cohesive environment, allowing guests to move fluidly between swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and treatment spaces with ease. Rather than an extensive, trend-led menu, AquaManda focuses on bespoke full-body massage and results-oriented facials, adapted in real time to individual needs following initial consultation. Their spa day packages have been curated to allow extended use of heat and water facilities alongside treatments, so further luxury here lies in deliberate pacing and personal attention, encouraging fewer treatments but more time.
THE SPA HOTEL
hempsteadhouse. co. uk / aquamanda
Champneys, Eastwell Manor, Ashford
Set within the grand surroundings of Eastwell Manor, Champneys delivers one of Kent’ s most immersive spa experiences and a deeply indulgent treatment philosophy. The spa facilities are expansive and calming, but it’ s the treatments themselves that define its luxury credentials. A standout is the Spa Heaven Cocoon, a top-to-toe body experience( beginning with full body brushing to exfoliate and stimulate the skin and finishing with a thorough foot and scalp massage) that exemplifies Champneys’ approach to restorative pampering. Deliberately unhurried and extremely comforting to leave skin smooth, nourished and both body and mind visibly relaxed, Champneys’ treatments are underpinned by ELEMIS and in-house formulations, bringing clinical-grade skincare into an experience that prioritises sensory depth and physical release.
DR. CHRISTINE champneys. com / hotels / eastwell-manor
TOR Spa Retreat, nr Canterbury
Born out of classical Ayurvedic practice rather than contemporary spa trends, the TOR Spa Retreat is set beside a lake within landscaped gardens, combining an intensely peaceful setting with an incredible depth of treatment philosophy. Delivered by practitioners trained in Kerala and including traditional treatments such as Abhyanga massage and Shirodhara, the therapies available are designed to restore balance,
TOR SPA HOTEL
122 • www. insidekent. co. uk