Want something private and homely? Check. Wet and dry sauna, snow room, jacuzzi are highlights…read more Tucked in a quiet village with a lot of calm, the experience was totally worth it. I went there without knowing how much stress I was packing and left a lot lighter in heart, body and soul.

From the owner: Private Spa Hire: You will always have the whole spa to…read moreyourselves in private Book for 2 - 8 people, for 3 - 8 hours Quality thermal experiences including: Indoor swimming pool Jacuzzi Steam room Sauna Snow room (real snow) Rainfall shower Relaxation room with heated waterbeds Lounge area with refreshments Spa garden

I had a wonderful spa day at Bannatyne's this week. I had a massage late in the afternoon, but a…read morespa day gives you access to all the facilities for the whole day. So, in the morning I went to the gym, which has a great range of equipment. It was nice and clean and bright, and I enjoyed my work out. The rest of the day I spent in the spa area, the pool was a good size, not really big enough for an exercise type swim, but fine for a relaxing one. The jacuzzi, steam room and sauna where all great, and the loungers round the pool were comfy. Before my massage I spent some time on the heated 'sunbeds' in the treatment area, they're very nice! They'll get your muscles nice and relaxed before your massage! I had the bamboo massage which was great. The therapist didn't check with me before hand so I almost ended up having a Swedish. The massage was great, nice and firm, and really relaxing. Therapist was always checking I was ok with the pressure which was good. Had an awesome day, will definitely be back.

I go to this wonderful venue only once per month but have such a relaxing time I hope to increase…read moremy attendances. I like the steam room, good for my Asthma, I like all the pools, especially the one with the huge fish ready to impale someone (see picture) !! I chat to anyone who will chat back.... I spend three or four sessions in the steam room during the day, topping up my liquids with mango juice or water. I lie flat out in the main pool area and catch up on the news in the dailiies and monthlies available. At 1 pm I go for for lunch, usually the buffet which is superb. Then I have a kip and then after a shower I go back into the steam room for one last time. I go there early morning and leave about 4 pm, feeling good.

Sometimes I take for granted how relaxing this place really is, that is, until I walk outside and…read moreforget where we've left the car. That's partially to do with me going a bit nuts, but I always leave feeling rested, much lighter and incredibly happy. You don't get ultra modern neon-lit eternity pools, but a place where normal people (the ones that appreciate the nice environment that's been created there) can totally chill out. With a separate changing area for members and non-members, there's always a lot of space, secure lockers and hot showers on the way in. Once you get inside robes and sandals are encouraged as everything is quite spread out. My highlights include the giant tepidarium, containing 33 ceramic loungers heated to approx. 35 degrees to soothe the entire body. Each lounger has its own head phone socket, so you can bring your headphones and relax to your choice of music. There's also two large pool, a 49 seat spa pool with massage jets, a hydrotherapy flotation tank (with over 1.5 tonnes of salt in!) and an aromatherapy steam room. Additional things to consider are a fantastic cafe-style restaurant, where you can lounge about and eat. They do the best salads I've had anywhere outside of my home (I just like fresh ingredients and knowing what's gone into something). And the beauty salon does an exclusive range of body butters/scrubs/bath foams in ever changing varieties. I fell in love with the raspberry milkshake 'flavour' a few years ago, and I haven't been disappointed since. My last purchase was angel cake bath melt (a thick bubbling foam) and hot butter fudge shower gel. Oh my. There are three basic ways to go. One, buy a special experience pass (from £65 for entrance, a treatment and 'light supper', upwards). Second, a spa membership ranging from £9 a month for 3 visits a year up to £30 a month for 12 visits, all on top of a £99 joining fee. Or, a combined membership with the MASSIVE Pulse 8 gym across the way (literally a one minute from the spa). It's about £500 (sheesh) joining fee, then £80ish pounds for full come-any-time-you-like membership to gym and spa, then gets less as you strip away visiting at certain parts of the day. Just like most gyms and spas really. Either way, we joined at Christmas time a few years ago. It was on a special offer with no joining fee and one visit per month for £15. Bargain! It pops up at the same each year and often during Summer. I'd recommend holding out for that, because it's SO worth it.

I had never heard of The Cove Spa before, but after being given a voucher for my birthday, I…read moredecided to book myself in for a luxury pedicure. On entering the building, I was a little surprised. Most of the spas that I've been to in England have been bright, modern places that border on sterility, and the name makes me think of Maine or Cape Cod: nautical decor and seashells and lots of light and airy spaces. Instead, The Cove is a colourful, Indian-inspired place that is reminiscent of somewhere you might visit in Goa or Kerala. Peaceful Eastern music plays throughout the building, Asian artefacts and colour schemes dominate, and the overall effect is tranquil, comforting and welcoming. Rather than the reclining pedicure chairs with attached basins that I'm accustomed to, at The Cove you're seated on a banquette piled with cushions while you soak your feet in a wooden tub. It's very low-key and natural-feeling, unlike anything I've ever had done in England, and it made me feel sort of like I was on holiday. However, don't mistake low-key for low-quality - staff are well-trained and talented. Kayleigh, my pedicurist, described herself as "a perfectionist" and it shows in the job she did. My cuticles were perfectly trimmed, my nails were shaped well (or as well as they can be - years of ballet have left the toenails growing quite strangely), and everything was massaged, buffed and polished. The only bit we had some trouble with was the calluses on my heels - the combination of going barefoot year-round, and neglecting my foot care for the last 18 months, has left me with extremely thick skin that will probably require chemical peels to treat. However, my heels were considerably softer and smoother after my visit here than they've been in months. Overall I would say it's one of the best pedicures I've ever had. In addition to doing superb work, Kayleigh was both friendly and professional. She was happy to talk when I felt like it, but wasn't exceedingly chatty, which I appreciate more than I can state. As an introvert with a hectic lifestyle, I turn to spas and salons for relaxation. More often than not, I like peace and quiet when receiving a beauty treatment or massage, as it's one of the few times I actually sit down and do nothing. Until about five years ago, this peace and quiet was easy to find, but in recent years beauty therapists seem to have become much chattier, and I find the constant small talk overwhelming. Happily, I didn't have that issue at The Cove, and I left feeling chilled and rejuvenated. Five days after my treatment, I have no noticeable chips or other damage to the polish, which I'm quite happy about. Despite choosing to come here because I had a voucher, I actually forgot to use it, so I'll probably come back soon for a back massage. At £44, the luxury pedicure isn't cheap (particularly to a half-American girl used to US prices!), but it's not considerably more than other salons in St Albans. In addition, each month the spa runs a different offer, and this month (June 2015) the offer was on pedicures - buy four get one free, or buy six get two free, which saves quite a lot of money if you get your nails done regularly. Overall, I was very happy with my experience at The Cove Spa, and would absolutely return. Updated 17/12/2015 - On my second trip here, I'm still very happy with everything. Patricia is wonderful, and I have another lovely pedicure. I really must come and try the other services!

From the owner: The Cove Spa provides a vast range of Rituals & Packages, Holistic Therapies, Beauty and Cosmetic…read moreTreatments using world class products from the IIAA - International Institution of Anti Aging including ENVIRON, Jane Iredale and Advance Nutrition Programme in addition to CoolHerbals' products. We are known as a results driven skincare clinic, performing a number of anti-aging treatments inhouse.

Relaxing, professional and well maintained As far as Spa's…read morego I would say that this is one of the best I have been to. I went to this spa using a voucher from Wahanda for a friend and me to go for a 2 for 1 Pure Relaxation Spa Day Experience. The wet facilities were superb with a huge Jacuzzi, Sanarium, Salt inhalation room and Aroma steam room. They also sported a pool, ice chute and some very unusual showers. Slippers and robes were provided as well as lots of lovely fluffy towels. The treatments were in warm relaxing rooms and the beauticians were well informed and professional. I came away gleaming from head to toe (I sampled a mini massage, facial and pedicure), feeling serene and with the impression that I had seen how the other half live. My only criticism was that the restaurant was a little pricey (our vouchers included lunch which was actually a set price lunch voucher, so we had to spend more) but I would highly recommend the pumpkin salad which was extremely tasty. All round this was a thumbs up from me.

This place is really graeat its worth the drive!read more

This is a small spa, located to the side of Milton House…read more One of my friends seemed very stressed-out recently, and as it was her birthday last week, a group of us planned to meet her in Oxfordshire for some relaxation, and time in this spa. They had a special offer for April* (which they kindly allowed us to use, even though it is May) so I had a lovely Indian Head massage and a mini facial for £32. We also made use of the pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room in the hotel. - Indian Head massage: Oh my goodness this was lovely! It was basically an upper body massage, but included plenty of time massaging my head. My hair ended up all oily, but it isn't too much effort to shower after the massage...I was so relaxed that I couldn't be bothered...so I went home with oily hair (!) - Mini Facial: It's always fun to have a facial, and I did enjoy this, although some of the products were a little ouchy on my face, so I was keen for them to be washed off asap (I have eczema, and although I told them, I guess the products were a teeny bit too harsh for my terrible skin.) Luckily I didn't have a bad reaction...so by the end of the treatment, my skin was lovely and smooth. Yay. * There is a similar offer for a massage/facial for £32 throughout the summer

Having read Josy's review, I would agree, in May 2013 it was really excellent, and I used to really…read morelook forward to coming here: the staff were excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and excellent customer service. However, at the end of 2013, there was a complete change of staff, and I have found them now very unprofessional and not very competent. The facilities are still as good as ever, but I have found the treatments disappointing, and the staff have no concept of customer service. Their monthly newsletter and offers are riddled with errors and when I phone to book appointments the staff are unaware of the offers they have released. I now go elsewhere.

Without a doubt the best spa I have ever been to, great location and brilliant facilities. I came…read moreaway feeling totally relaxed which is exactly what I was hoping for, only problem was heading back down the motorway manged to undo all of that. If you have the time look for mid-week deals as these can bring down the cost a little.

I absolutely love Ragdale Hall! I have been twice, once for the day and once for an overnight stay…read more Ragdale Hall is set off the baten track and is quiet and peaceful - just what you would expect from a spa. On arrival at the spa you are taken to the cafe area served refreshments and asked to complete the paperwork needed during your stay. Then its on to the changing rooms to change into your swimwear and robes (whih are provided). The changing rooms are modern and very clean with plenty of lockers. The pool area is great for relaxing with a jacuzzi and different massage jets, steam room, sauna etc etc. We did a couple of different classes while we were there, aqua aerobics and a pom pom workout both of which were really great fun. The food although healthy was beautiful and was served in a very grand room. You can go back to get more food as many times as you like which is good as it gives you a chance to sample lots of the lovely dishes. We had a couple of treatments there (massage & facial) which were a real treat. The neck shoulder and back massage was fab and just what I needed to de-stress. They use clarins and decleor products and advise you what they are using. Be aware that there are male staff that do the treatments so if you are not comfortable with this, you should advise the staff. There is a lovely quiet room with big comfy sofas and chairs and newspapers, books etc so it's worth grabbing a coffee and heading their for an afternoon chill/nap. The hotel room we stayed in was a spacious triple room with a small lounge area. It was very clean and tidy and nicely decorated and furnished. The beds were very comfortable and we felt right at home. In the morning your breakfast is brought to you in bed which was brilliant. They have a couple of differnet shops within Ragdale Hall which are nice to browse around and you can buy your Clarins/Decleor products from the shop near the treatment room. I can't wait to go back to Ragdale hall. As you would expect, Ragdale Hall is very expensive (especially for the overnight stay) but it is worth signing up with them on their website as you will be sent special offers with some good savings. It is perfect to take your mum/sisters or if you just fancy a girlie, relaxing weekend away.

I visite Lemongrass every time I'm in London, even if it means going far out of my way. The…read moretechnicians are so nice and all of the treatments are fabulous. Manicures and pedicures are just lovely, and massage is to die for!

We had an Awesome Spa day and all the lady masseuses were fantastic. When in London it's a must…read more Best massage so far.

The ladies are very welcoming, makes you feel at home. My…read morescrub etc was great, a bit on the rough side, but that's exactly what i wanted. The whole Turkish Bath vibes For £95 its not bad for the whole experience besides the massage . its basically an oil down, although i upgraded to a 1hr deep Tissue which i got 45 mins. Overall its worth a try. I will definitely go back. Not for the massage though.

In London visiting my daughter in college. From the states, and it's turning out that when we…read moretravel; or are together, the two of us like adventure-spa types of activities: true-to-culture, authentic, and when possible, available at a moments notice, and affordable. BINGO. Hamam was easy to get to, the woman on the phone was delightful and got us booked for two perfect services for each of us, sparing no detail, and we were in. We arrived, and don't be put off if you have to ring the bell - door's locked, and it might take a moment, but we had baths booked and scrub/massage, so we knew we were getting in, but we had no idea how cool and memorable this would be. You could tell there were regulars, happy looking women just in pants, sitting in twos in the steam, or around the common table, rinsing or awaiting scrub or foam; pre-massage. The women who work there are all speaking Turkish, economizing on the pleasantries, because, baby, they are really delivering the goods. Women are getting polished with Turkish coffee, lathered with foam delivered from some kind of oversized cheesecloth tube. It's dynamite. If you've opted for a massage, then a massage you shall get, in a private room in most cases, and very thoughtful, personalized, and leaving you with a very dreamy relaxed yet energized feeling. I had a burn on my hand that my therapist was so concerned about she made that the focus of her care, making lots of recommendations about how to treat it, and lots of extra effort. Anyway, it was a 5 star experience in an affordable, authentic, really sweet caring package. They care about what they do, and they do it I think every day of the week - broken into Mens days and Womens days -- I'd do it weekly if I lived in London, not gonna lie.

I can honestly say I am shocked at my mum's experience last Saturday when she visited the Central…read moreMilton Keynes Zig Zag branch...in freezing temperatures outside, this salon did not think anything was wrong when they decided to wash my 70 year old elderly mother's hair with freezing cold water. My mum also has a neck problem, and requested the sink to be adjusted as was not correct level. When my mother advised the water was cold nothing was done. they continued to wash her hair with the cold water. Her requests for the sink to be adjusted were also ignored. My mum had to physically get up and request for help from another hair dresser because she could not take anymore.. that particular hair dresser (Terry) replied without apology that they was a problem with that particular sink and not the fault of the person who was washing my mum's hair... Seriously this is customer service at it's best - NOT - a salon operating with a faulty tap that thinks it is ok to wash an elderly person's hair with freezing cold water in the middle of winter and who choose to ignore my mum when she is advising them the water is too cold!!...When I picked up my mother after her hair cut she was shaking despite having her hair blow dried - to add insult to injury most of the hair colour was left around her face and her forehead (half of my mum's forehead smothered in dye covered up by her fringe)The stylist Louisa just cut and blow dried her hair without even attempting to remove the dye...£115 pounds paid for this level of service!! - when I complained to head office they did nothing - They advised they were aware of the issue with the tap and the person washing my mum's hair was new and young ..Does that excuse that fact that when my mum complained about the water numerous times NOTHING WAS DONE - Why use a sink with a faulty tap....??? honestly am lost for words - head office happy to operate a salon with a faulty tap ... happy to allow customer's to go home covered in hair dye .. Happy to treat a 70 year old elderly lady in this way...it's a disgrace...I would not recommend this salon to anyone...unless you want the worst experience and service that you ever had ...