A Spa Day is a great choice for a relaxing day away from the stresses of family life. There are lots of Spas in Essex with offer packages allowing you to spend the whole day enjoying their facilities, with a treatment and meal included. In this post I share the best places in Essex and beyond for a luxurious Spa Day.

There are lots of great choices for Spa Days in Essex

The prices between venues varies considerably and for each location I have included example prices of a full day package including a treatment and meal for easy comparison. If you have flexibility on when you want to go then look at booking a voucher through Experience Days, GroupOn, Red Letter Days or Buy A Gift . While booking direct with venues is usually cheaper these voucher websites often have discounts including a discount if you sign up to their mailing list and bigger discounts throughout the year (eg Black Friday). At time of writing there are some offers of nearly £100 off spa days for two at some of the locations below and you can usually use the voucher for up to a year after purchasing.

Spa Days in Essex With Swimming Pools

Orsett Hall Spa at Orsett Hall Hotel

Location: Orsett, Thurrock
Address: Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Essex RM16 3HS
What's available: A spa day includes access to the spa pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym access. Spa bag including towels for use on site and flip flops to take home
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - The Pure Indulgence Spa Day includes 2 hours Thermal Area access, Welcome Foot Ritual, Full body massage, 50 minute facial, Indian Head Massage plus light lunch in the cafe, 9am to 6pm, £190 per person.
Full Body Massage - Swedish full body massage (55 minutes) £75
Mini Manicure or pedicure: File and paint with gel £30 (25 minutes)

The Spa at The Glass House Retreat  

Location: Bulphan, Thurrock
Address: Glass House Retreat, Harrow Road, Bulphan, Essex, RM14 3BP
What's available: As well as a heated indoor pool and outdoor natural swimming pond there is a steam room and salt block sauna. You also have access to the gym and fitness classes on a spa day. Towels provided. If you are looking for something different the Glass House have a full body cryo chamber where you spend 3 minutes in extreme minus temperatures (£55 for 15 mins, bookable separately).
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - Revive Day includes use of facilities, lunch, a smoothie on arrival and a 25 minute treatment. 9:30am to 5pm. £119 Monday to Thursday, £1 Friday to Sunday
Full Body Massage -  Full Body Swedish Massage (55 minutes) £75
Mini Mani/ Pedi: File and polish £20

The Spa at Greenwoods Hotel

Location: Stock, Chelmsford
Address: Greenwoods Hotel, Stock Road, Stock, Essex CM4 9BE
What’s available: Spa Days include access to a 20m indoor pool, jacuzzi hot tub, steam room, sauna, relaxation areas & fitness suite. Robes and towels provided.
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - Spa Pamper Day £179 includes 2 course lunch and 50 minute treatment (facial or full body massage)
Full Body Massage- Greenwoods Signature Full Body Massage £75 for 50 minutes
Mini Mani/ Pedi - £15 (20 minutes)

Lifehouse Spa & Hotel 

Location: Thorpe-le-Soken, near Frinton
Address: Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, Frinton Road, Thorpe-le-Soken, CO16 0JD
What's available: Spa Days include access to the 18.5m swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam & salt inhalation room, a Fitness Studio and a fully equipped gym with state-of-the-art equipment. You can also enjoy the gardens, access to talks and workshops, use of towels and bathrobes as well as flip flops to take home.
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - Create your Bliss Spa Day includes a 40 minute treatment, afternoon tea, a glass of prosecco, use of facilities from 8.30am to 5pm. £129 Monday to Thursday, £139 Friday and £199 Saturdays
Full Body Massage - Swedish Full Body Massage (55 minutes) £92
Mini Mani/ Pedi - While they offer a mini pedi as part of the spa day, it’s not on the treatment list to book separately so can’t include for price comparison. Classic Spa Manicure is £45.

Peake Spa at Stoke by Nayland Hotel 

Location: Leavenheath, Colchester
Address: Stoke by Nayland Resort, Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4PZ
What's available: Spa days include complimentary use of robes, towels and flip-flops as well as unlimited access to 18-metre indoor pool, sanarium, steam room, Jacuzzi and concept shower.
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - Signature Spa Day includes 55 minute treatment, afternoon tea or one course light lunch  with glass of prosecco, use of pool and facilities including reserved lounger. £115 Monday to Friday, £130 Weekends.
Full Body Massage - ESPA Inner Calm Full Body Massage - £67.00 (55 minutes)
Mini Mani/ Pedi - File and polish £24 (25 minutes)

Spa at Five Lakes

Location: Near Tiptree
Address: Potters Resorts Five Lakes, Colchester Road, Essex, CM9 8HX
What's Available: Five Lakes became part of Potters Resorts in 2021. There is a relaxation room as part of the spa, but the pool, sauna and steam room are open to all resort guests. It suggests that sessions in the pool may need to be prebooked and children are allowed to use the pool so it may not be as relaxing as many of the Spa Days at other venues listed.
Full Spa Day - Refreshing Spa Day includes a 50 minute treatment (mini facial or back massage), afternoon tea, use of leisure facilities and robe, towel and slippers. £95 Monday to Friday, £115 weekends.
Full Body Massage - Full body massage £70 (50 minutes)
Mini Mani/ Pedi - They do not have a mini treatment available but a gel manicure is 40 minutes and starts at £40.

Bannatyne Health Club & Spa 

Locations: Kingsford Park Colchester and Chafford Hundred (2 locations in Essex)
Address: Kingsford Park, Layer Road, Colchester CO2 0HS and Howard Road, Chafford Hundred, Essex  RM16 6YJ
What’s available: Both spas are part of Bannatyne Health Clubs and offer free parking. Spas include relaxation room with heated stone loungers and hydrotherapy pool. Spa day bags are hired for the day and are charged from £10 per person. This includes robe, towel, flip-flops and bag. The bag and flip flops are yours to keep at the end of the day but the fee is non- refundable. You can bring your own robe, towel and footwear if you would prefer.
Example prices:
Full Spa Day -Ultimate Relaxation Spa Day- 2 treatments lasting 80 minutes total and use of health club facilities £139.
Full Body Massage - Swedish full body massage £76 (60 minutes)
Mini Mani/ Pedi - Express Manicure 30 mins £28, Express pedicure 20 mins £25.00

Most Spa Day offerings in Essex include access to a swimming pool

Spa Days in Essex Without Swimming Pools

Roslin Beach Hotel Retreat

Location: Southend-On-Sea
Address: Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Essex SS1 3BG
What's available: The hotel has picturesque views of the Thames Estuary and offers a range of treatments in The Retreat as well food in their award winning restaurant. Free guest parking behind the hotel.
Example prices:
Spa Package - Enjoy a luxurious Elemis Back Massage and Elemis Booster Facial in the Roslin Retreat with a glass of prosecco. Choose from a 2-Course Set Lunch or Traditional Afternoon tea. Prices start at £89 per person Monday- Thursday and £99 per person Friday-Sunday.
Full Body Massage - Lava Shell full body massage £86 (50 minutes)
Mini Mani/ Pedi - Shape and polish (hands or feet) from £22 (20 minutes)

The Retreat Beauty & Holistic Spa  

Location: Great Dunmow
Address: Marks Farm, The Broadway, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3BQ,
What’s available: A small spa without a pool, but with a spa garden (including bookable access to a hot tub) and a relaxation suite. Free parking.
Example prices:
Spa Package - Half day package includes welcome foot ritual, 55 minute treatment (full body massage or facial), use of outdoor spa garden, luxury robe, towel and slippers and a fruit platter with bubbles. £100 Monday to Thursday, Friday to Sunday £110.
Full Body Massage - Deep Tissue Massage £75 (55 minutes)
Mani/ Pedi - Their Spa Manicure is the most comparable option which is £44.00 with Gel or £37.00 with varnish (1 hr). Spa Pedicure is £47.00 with Gel or £42.00 with varnish (1 hr).

Spa Days Worth Travelling For

Cottomill Spa at Sopwell House 

Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Address: Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ
What’s available: Cottonmill facilities includes use of the indoor pool, two vitality pools, a state of the art gym, fitness classes, sauna, steam room, poolside terrace and Sitting Room. There is also "The Club at Cottonmill" which is only accessible on Club packages and premium guests. Facilities include new spa gardens, Garden Room, Whisper Room and Deep Relaxation Room. Free parking. Over 16s only
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - The Classic includes a 60 minute treatment (from a selection) and a 3 course lunch. £175 Monday to Thursday, £205 Friday and Sunday 9am to 6pm. To also have access to the club facilities there is the Club Classic Spa Day costing £230/ £270
Full Body Massage - No specific full body massage listed, but 60 massages cost from £145
Mani/ Pedi: Their Spa Manicure is the most comparable option which is £55.00 with polish or £60.00 with gel (50 mins). Spa Pedicure is or £55.00 with varnish £60 with Gel (50 mins).

Aqua Sana Spa Woburn Forest

Location: Centre Parcs Woburn Forest, near Bedford
Address: Center Parcs, Woburn Forest, Millbrook, Bedfordshire MK45 2HZ
What’s available: There are Aqua Sana Spas at all the Center Parc locations, but the Woburn Forest one is generally consider the most impressive. You can have a Spa Day there without staying at Center Parcs. Explore 25 innovative multi-sensory experiences across six spa zones, from the relaxing floral aromas of the Blossom Spa, the re-energising thermal experiences in the Fire and Ice Spa to the healing powers of the Mineral & Gemstone Spa. There is a heated outdoor pool, saunas, steam rooms, multi-sensory showers, foot spas and relaxation areas. Free use of robes and towel. Free car park
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - You can have access to the spa between 9am and 5pm with refreshments on arrival, a glass of bubbly and lunch. From £129, price varies per day. Treatments are not included in the price and need to be booked separately.
Full Body Massage - Full body massage £99 (50 minutes)
Mani/ Pedi - They do not offer a mini mani/pedi but the basic option is the Forest Spa Signature Manicure or Pedicure at £65 per person (50 mins) which is finished with polish.

The Spa at Hanbury Manor

Location: Ware, Hertfordshire
Address: Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD
What’s available: Spa Day packages include personalised welcome & tour of The Spa, full use of The Spa & club facilities including a lunch/dining experience, access to exercise classes and fitness suite, complimentary robe, slippers & towels for the duration of your day. Pool is adults only between 11am and 2pm, children are allowed in outside of this time. Free on site parking
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - £139 includes 50 minute treatment (full body massage or facial) and 2 course lunch. 
Full Body Massage - Full Body Massage £109 (50 minutes)
Mini Mani/ Pedi - not available, full manicure costs £39

The Spa At Pennyhill Park 

Location: Bagshot, Surrey
Address: London Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5EU
What’s available: There are a huge range of thermal and sensory experiences at Pennyhill Park spa. These include a heated open air pool, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool with bubbles and outdoor hot tubs. The indoor pool is 25 metres and has a hot tub next to it. There are saunas at varying temperatures and steam rooms, gently heated laconiums and a tepidarium with ceramic heated beds. Also mud room treatment (separate booking), foot spas, plunge pool, ice igloo and quiet room. Robes, towels and flip flops provided.
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - Natura Bisse Diamond Spa Day includes unlimited access to all spa facilities from 9am-9pm, £40 allocation towards food and drink in Themis or Pool View Bar and a 90 minute facial and 30 minute upper body massage plus a Natura Bisse gift to take home. Gym and fitness class access available, but must be prebooked. £485 Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
Full Body Massage - Deep release massage £115 40 minutes
Mini Mani/ Pedi - There does not appear to be an option for nail treatments.

Champneys Tring 

Location: Tring, Hertfordshire
Address: Champneys, Chesham Road, Tring, HP23 6HY
What’s available: Britain’s original health spa is still a popular destination for Spa Breaks. It’s nearly 100 years old, but continues to innovate and has a great reputation.  Spa days include a robe to wear on the day and flip flops and tote to keep, use of the spa facilities including steam room, hydro pool, relaxation beds and swimming pools. Fitness classes, use of the gym and studios and outdoor activities including bike rides and tennis.
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - Access to facilities as above and a nutritious lunch. Monday to Thursday from £97.50,  All treatments are additional cost and need to be prebooked.
Full Body Massage - Champneys full body massage from £98 for 50 minutes
Mani/ Pedi - From £66 for a 50 minute spa manicure or pedicure.

Sequoia Spa at The Grove

Location: near Watford
Address: The Grove, Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG for Sat Navs use WD17 3NL
What’s available: 22 metre long UV filtered pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna. Towels, robes and slippers are provided.
Example prices:
Full Spa Day - They have lots of different spa days available depending on your requirements but prices range from £260-425 for a full spa day Monday-Friday, they also have half day options . All full day packages include access to the spa facilities and lunch. 
Full Body Massage - From £210 for the 80 minute Signature Massage.
Mini Mani/ Pedi - Not currently offered.

What Do You Need To Take To A Spa Day?

For Spa Days with a pool or other wet facilities included you will need to take swimwear. Nearly every venue will provide: a robe, towels and flip flops, but you may want to bring wet area shoes. Most spas will provide toiletries for showering, but it is worth confirming what they provide. You may want to bring make up and styling products for afterwards (especially if you are eating in the restaurants afterwards). At some spas people will have lunch/ afternoon tea in their robes, at others you are expected to get dressed when in the restaurant. If you wish to use the fitness facilities then bring trainers and suitable clothes for working out.

Disclosure: while I absolutely hope you have an amazing and relaxing Spa Day where ever you visit, I can't guarantee that so if there is a problem during your visit please raise it with the relevant management team.

Prices provided were as published at time of writing and are per person.