9 Unique Spa Experiences in Cheshire

We've teamed up with our friend Becky at GlobalGrasshopper.com - the award-winning UK travel blog which focuses on the unique, under-the-radar and most beautiful places around the world - to bring you a roundup of unique spa experiences in Cheshire. Because let's face it, you deserve some rest and relaxation, Cheshire style!

"There are many reasons to visit a spa hotel, as well as taking a break from the stresses of life in gorgeous surroundings there are many proven physical and psychological benefits too. Cheshire is home to some of the best spa hotels in England, so for pampering connoisseurs everywhere here are some of the best spa hotels to stay in this beautiful county….

The Mill Hotel and Spa

This beautiful spa hotel enjoys an equally beautiful position on the Shropshire Union Canal. Housed in a former fact Mill Hotel and Spa occupies two buildings across both sides of the canal, joined by a glass-walled footbridge giving it its own unique and distinctive character. Its housed in a historic former working corn mill which dates from1830, but inside the decor is chic and modern with 138 guest rooms offering amenities such as cable TV, free Internet access and a full English or continental breakfast included in the room price. If you opt for an upgraded rooms they feature larger spaces with seating areas.

As well as a central location just a short from Chester Station, Cathedral, City Walls, Eastgate Clock and Roman Amphitheatre other hotel highlights include a modern gym, spa and beauty facilities and no less than three onsite eateries with one being the rather fabulous floating L’eau-t Cuisine Restaurant Cruiser moored on the canal just outside the hotel entrance. The modern spa amenities include a state of the art gym, a sauna, steam room and whirlpool spa and then treat yourself to post work out pampering such as an Elemis facial, a destress massage or even ear candling! 

The Chester Grosvenor

This is a rather special and locally famous hotel which enjoys a prestigious location in the heart of Chester only a very short walking distance to Chester Cathedral and the Chester Roman Amphitheatre. The polished hotel is housed in a building that dates back to 1865 but the original building on this site dated back to the 16th century and the interiors including the guest rooms are tastefully decorated in an understated elegant style and some include four poster beds.

Their renowned two onsite restaurants include the gourmet Michelin starred ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ and the chic Parisian-style two AA Rosette La Brasserie  which offers more casual dining as well as a popular Champagne Bar. The spa facilities include the The Thermal Suite’ where a Herb Sauna, Themed Shower, Ice Fountain, Crystal Steam Room, Salt Grotto and Foot Baths and a relaxation area reside and beauty treatments include ELEMIS facials, a variety of massages, ear candling and wraps.

Shrigley Hall

This elegant spa hotel is located not too far from the Peak District National Park so is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore this beautiful area. This pet and family-friendly staycation delight is housed in a striking Georgian country house, in a scenic setting comprising of over 262 acres of landscaped parkland. Inside the sprawling hotel offers 155 modern bedrooms and the restaurant offers wonderful views over the Cheshire Plain.

The hotel is know for its impressive 18 hole golf course which spreads over open parklands and woodlands. Inside you can enjoy the unique spa housed in a former Salesian chapel - so something very original and different. As well as truly exisquite interiors here you’ll find a swimming pool, steam room, whirlpool spa, gym and equally as unique treatments such as an incredible Gold Facial, a hot volcanic stone massage or a traditional black soap exfoliation.

Mottram Hall

Owned and run by the respected Champney’s chain, this is a fine option for an upscale spa break. Located not too far from the Peak District National Park the £10 million state-of-the-art award winning spa is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and parkland (all  270 acres of it) the elegant upscale hotel is housed in a former country house which dates from 1721. Both inside and outside offers a tranquil retreat far away from the hassles of modern life and boasts a private lake, rose gardens, a 18-hole Championship golf course and opulent but tasteful interiors.

The finest seasonal flavours are offered in the onsite eateries The Claret Jug restaurant and the Carrington Grill restaurant, but of course it’s the spa facilities that really draws the visitors. As well as a gym, spin studio, attractive indoor pool, hydro pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, monsoon shower and cold room there’s a luxury spa where you can opt for top-class treatments such as a Tibetan Head Massage, Elemis BIOTEC Facial or a Diamond Dermabrasion. Alternatively try something a little different like dry floatation, deep energy healing or even colonic hydrotherapy.

Crabwall Manor Hotel and Spa

This spa hotel located in Mollington, Chester is housed in a wonderful and very unique castle-like building that has a genuine history as a 17th century Manor House.  Managed by Legacy Hotels, Crabwall Manor Hotel and Spa has recently undergone a multimillion-pound refurbishment so the hotel’s interiors are now very plush (and some rooms offer gorgeous four poster beds) with lots of fantastic modern amenities. Set in attractive landscaped grounds there’s an onsite brasserie restaurant where you can dine at gaze at wonderful views from the hotel patio as well as a lounge bar, a well-equipped gym, aerobics studio.

Make sure you make the most of the spa facilities during your stay which include a 18-meter heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, massage showers, jacuzzi and beauty rooms were you can book in for a large variety of treatments including an Aromothepray massage, an Age Defying Facial, and detoxifying body wrap.

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

The perfect option if you love spas and your partner prefers golf! Located not too far from Knutsford town centre and set in acres of sublime countryside, you’ll enter through an striking red-bricked, Victorian archway which will lead you up to a ivy clad building Interiors are sleek and contemporary with stand out features include an award-winning Browns restaurant topped by a glass rood and featuring a floor-to-ceiling wine wall a club bar and a golf course snack bar. Opt for an en suite room and you’ll be treated to scenic views of either the lake, gardens or golf course and all the guest rooms feature an individual design.

Although the main hotel highlights include an impressive 18-hole championship golf course and the award-winning Spa and Health Club which includes a sprawling heated indoor pool, modern gym and no less than six luxury treatment rooms. Choose a prescriptive body massage, an innovative 3D Collagen facial or a rather special ‘Inner Strength Treatment’ and your relaxing stay will be complete!

Crewe Hall

Set in a Grade II listed 400-year-old Jacobean mansion, this is a wonderfully grand and opulent place to stay. The surrounding area is equally as special too and is set in a sprawling 8 acres of beautiful parkland not too far from Crewe train station and 4 miles from Queens Park. The entrance and lobby is deliciously lavish with carved wood pillars, a marble floor and stained glass windows and the spectacular grandeur is followed throughout the hotel but with modern touches. You also have a choice whether to stay in more contemporary rooms (in the west wing) or opt for the period style quarters located in the main hall.

The facilities here are equally as impressive and perfect for sporty types who will love the state-of-the-art leisure club which includes two tennis courts, gym and head indoor pool. For those who just rather relax then the spa offers a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, relaxation lounge, heated loungers, an experience shower and gorgeous treatments such as an Peptide 24/7 facial, a Body Nectar Nourishing Wrap or ‘freestyle’ deep tissue massage.

Cottons Hotel & Spa

This is a popular luxury spa hotel offering 4-star accommodation in a very assessable location just outside the town of Knutsford. The design is modern and chic throughout and offers à la carte menus dining at their AA Rosette restaurant as well as excellent facilities at the The Health & Fitness club. Guest rooms and suites offer great amenities such as Bose CD players, designer toiletries and Nespresso machines.

The bar offers an al fresco terrace and head to the contemporary spa and you’ll find an indoor pool, fitness classes, hot tub, sauna and steam room. Stand out treatments in the beauty treatment rooms include the Caudalie Express D-Vine Facial, the Caudalie Cranial Massage and for something a little different opt for the Caudalie Fleur De Vigne Candle Massage - yes really! Also don’t forgot to also book in for their eternally popular afternoon tea before you leave.

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

This is a wonderful spa hotel set in a sublime setting. The location is a former sprawling country house which dates from 1810 and all 38 acres of the lush surrounding parkland are equally as fabulous. Inside the decor is opulent but very tasteful with beautiful mahogany panelling, ornamental ceilings and even stained glass windows. Theres a chic drawing room which offers champagne afternoon teas and evening cocktails, an onsite candle-lit wood-panelled restaurant which offers award-winning fine dining and the guest rooms are equally as charming and some feature separate lounges and four poster beds.

The hotel spa - set in a converted stable block - also is seriously spectacular though and features a glass-roofed swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool. a high-tech gym, a sprung floor aerobics studios, a Crystal Steam Room and treatment rooms. Opt for an Elemis individually designed facial, a Himalayan Salt Massage and then a classic manicure and leave feeling like a completely different person! Enjoy!"