Hey you, how are you feeling? In need of a massage, relaxing swim, or just a few hours away from everyday responsibilities? I’ve got you covered.
Here at Wild Rising, we see self care as the most important part of the day - whether it’s a few minutes on our skincare routine, a meditative moment during work hours, or indulging in a spa day, taking time to connect with ourselves is always at the very top of the list.
A little day trip to a spa is a really lush way to look after your wellbeing, and it doesn’t have to be a special occasion - we all deserve to be pampered, so go on, treat yo-self!
Whether you’re lucky enough to live in South Devon or you’re here on holiday, here are 12 of our favourite luxury spas in Torbay, Teignbridge, and the South Hams.
1. Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa, Torquay
Of course, I’ve gotta start with spas in our hometown of Torquay - Lincombe Hall is just down the road from Wild Rising HQ in Babbacombe, and has a really cool and calm interior.
They pride their treatments and facilities as being ‘at the pinnacle of spa tech and knowledge’ - very fancy - when you spend your time here, you know you’re definitely at one of the best spas in Devon.
Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa has 2 pools, a Scandinavian sauna, aromatherapy steam room, Himalayan salt room, ice room, and more, and their spa days range from £59.50-£250. Or if you fancy splurging and staying the night, they have spa break packages too.
One of my absolute favourite things about Lincombe Spa is that they have a local discount for those in TQ, EX & PL postcodes, giving you a generous 20% off selected spa days and breaks - there’s more info on their offers page.
2. Aztec Spa at TLH Leisure Resort Torquay
TLH Leisure Resort is set just slightly back from Torquay seafront, and has a light and bright interior with an Aztec theme - hence the name!
They’ve got both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, jacuzzi, and steam room, use of which is totally free for hotel guests, or £10 if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Aztec Spa also has all the treatments you’d wanna see, like massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, mani pedis, waxing, eyebrow and lash treatments, which are available from £16 to £115 - you could go for a full pamper and come out feeling super fresh.
Plus, if you book 6 treatments, they’ll give you the 7th absolutely free, saving you up to £65 - that’s a pretty irresistible deal. See more on their offers page.
3. Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay
The Cary Arms is right on the Babbacome coast, overlooking the beach and the gorgeous ocean beyond.
The spa (complete with waterfall hydrotherapy pool, steam room, and sauna) is for those staying in the hotel only, unless you have booked yourself one of the spa treatments which includes access to the spa facilities.
For their treatments, the Cary Arms & Spa use gorgeous GAIA Skincare, which are all natural products made with locally-sourced ingredients, free from parabens and sulphates - that’s right up our street.
4. Sirona Spa at Haulfryn Finlake Resort, near Chudleigh
Dartmoor is always a lush place to visit, and the Haulfryn Finlake Resort is nestled in the countryside just on the edge of it, near Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh.
The Sirona Spa has loads of amazing facilities, including a lava sauna, herbal sauna, sea water steam room, herbal steam room, adults-only swimming pool and jacuzzi, all of which you can use for just £25-£30 for 2 hours (depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend) - sign me up!
They also offer some great spa therapy treatments, such as massages, facials, manicures and bespoke packages, ranging from £30-£155.
5. Bovey Castle Spa, Dartmoor
Bovey Castle is a totally stunning country hotel and estate in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor, so of course there are the most gorgeous countryside views from their spa - you really feel like you’re living the high life here.
There’s a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym and yoga studio to indulge in, as well as treatments including facials, massages, exfoliation, mani pedis, and more, with prices ranging from £10-£270, so there really is something for all budgets.
If you simply want to use the pool and gaze out of the window at Dartmoor’s rolling hills, it’s £30 for adults and £15 for under 16s.
6. Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa, Dartmoor
Another beautiful place for a spa day on Dartmoor is Ilsington Country House Hotel, which is near Haytor - a great place for a walk, with the most incredible panoramic views from the top.
But this blog post is about relaxing, not hiking - if you want more of that, have a read of our blog The best natural skincare tips & products for hikers.
This spa has a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and gym, as well as having multiple facials, massages, body wraps, and mani pedis on the menu.
There are spa packages to suit everyone, including an evening one for £55 (which includes a delicious dinner too), £40 for spa access (without treatments), and up to £175 for their luxury spa experience, which sounds heavenly.
7. The Dartmouth Hotel Spa
The Dartmouth Hotel Spa is set in 250 acres of amazing countryside, just outside the cute riverside town of Dartmouth. It’s known as a health club and spa, and also has a highly-rated golf course, if that’s your vibe.
At the spa, they have a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym facilities, as well as heat and water therapies, while their treatments include facials, body wraps, exfoliations, and a range of massages from deep muscle to pregnancy massage.
Their spa day packages are super affordable, from just £12 for a twilight pass or £18 for a day pass, £27 for dip and dine, all the way up to £175 for a full day at the spa, which includes a 2 hour treatment and 2 course lunch - I know what I’ll be putting on my birthday wishlist this year...
8. Gara Rock Spa and pools, near East Portlemouth
I love the decor in the Gara Rock Spa - it’s so warm, natural and modern. On the treatment menu they have restorative massages, reflexology, body scrubs, and facials, using Apothespa skincare products, which are organic, natural and vegan, and handmade nearby in Totnes.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Gara Rock hotel, you’re free to use the pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, but if you’re not, the spa is open to members of the public Monday-Thursday when you also book a treatment (apart from during school and public holidays).
For those living nearby in a TQ8 postcode, you can use the facilities free of charge - you do need to call before 10am on the day to reserve your slot, but it’s totally worth it to spend time in this gorgeous place.
9. HarSPA at Salcombe Harbour Hotel
Unsurprisingly, the stunning Salcombe Harbour Hotel overlooks the harbour (the clue is in the name) with perfect views across the river to East Portlemouth.
The HarSPA has an indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a private outdoor sun terrace, which is a lush place to hang out on a sunny day with a drink in hand. You get access to the whole lot for 2 hours when you book a 50 minute (or longer) treatment.
Which treatment is up to you - they offer facials, massages, body wraps, scrubs, and infusions, as well as spa packages including a lunch, afternoon tea or dinner ranging from £45-£185, if you fancy a really indulgent day - I sure do, after writing this.
10. Discovery Spa at Soar Mill Cove Hotel, Salcombe
11. The Voyage Spa at Thurlestone Hotel
Further west, you’ll find the white beaches of South Milton Sands, the iconic archway of Thurlestone Rock, and the gorgeous chocolate box village of Thurlestone.
At The Voyage Spa there’s an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, laconium (a hot, dry room invented by the Romans for their thermae baths), hydrotherapy pool and a fitness suite, all open to those staying at the hotel and the public too.
Spa days range from £35-£75, while treatments such as massage, body scrubs, body wraps, and facials are priced at £60-£130, making it pretty affordable as far as spas go.
For most treatments they use Elemis products, but they also use VOYA Organic Beauty - sustainable, hand-harvested organic seaweed therapies, which are meant to be good for sensitive, inflamed skin, and rheumatic conditions.
12. Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall
Boringdon Hall is a country estate on the edge of Plymouth - ooh, very posh. Wild Rising founder Danielle has had the afternoon tea here, and I’m not jealous at all that she got to spend time eating delicious food in this gorgeous, grand building…
In the Gaia Spa there’s a swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs with countryside views, aromatherapy steam room, crystal salt steam room, laconium, deep relaxation room, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, and 12 treatment rooms - wow!
Their spa packages range from £50 for a twilight visit, £135 for a half day, and up to £410 for a couple’s full day with a treatment each, which would be amazing for an anniversary or a bit of post-wedding relaxation for newlyweds.
For their spa treatments, they use GAIA Skincare, which is handmade in the English countryside. Their products are free from parabens and sulphates, and each one has at least 95% natural ingredients.
That’s certainly got me dreaming about booking an indulgent spa day in South Devon ASAP, how ‘bout you?
If you’re a natural skincare obsessive like us, I reckon you’re gonna love reading the Wild Rising blog for skincare guides, gift ideas and more, or head straight to the Wild Rising shop to treat your skin to some natural skincare products without any nasties.