THE LOWDOWN

Located within yomping distance of the famous Malvern Hills, Malvern spa is a wellness centre, 33-room boutique hotel, restaurant and all-round pleasure palace. In short, if you’re a fan of getaways that prize relaxing and pampering above all else, you’re in the right place.

Historically, Malvern as a destination has a seriously therapeutic rap sheet. For many years health tourists swamped the Victorian spa town to get a dose of the medicinal spring waters, from Charles Darwin to Florence Nightingale. Rising to that impressive heritage, the spa opened in 2008, was the first one to be built in the town since 1910.

The spot was originally chosen in order to be able to use spring water from one of the town’s last remaining natural boreholes and you used to be able to drink from it before it was closed down.

I’d assumed the spa would be located deep in the Worcestershire countryside, but it is on the eastern edge of the spa town, in the middle of a retail area, which has sprung up around it in recent years. But once you pull in (it’s super easy and quick to reach from the M5) and step through the automatic doors, it’s very much like entering a zen-infused bubble.

Worcs and Glos are not short of covetable spa hotels, but what makes Malvern Spa feel really different is that the spa is no afterthought, it’s the absolute star of the show here. Among the stand-out facilities here are, a huge heated indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool with multiple massage stations, 14 treatment rooms, the Grovewood restaurant and bar, and a state of the art health club.

THE VIBE

The spa lounge area – aptly named The Grand Salon – is an enormous, Italian-styled space, with shafts of light that stream in through the atrium style ceiling. It’s a gorgeous spot to gather between treatments and pampering, amidst the 200-year-old potted olive trees, with comfy, low slung chairs and a hypnotic water feature bubbling away in the middle.

Snaking off from this main meeting point are 14 treatment rooms so you’ll never be fighting for an appointment at peak periods. Malvern Spa is an adults-only, 18+ and without a doubt this ramps up its relaxation appeal exponentially.

Everywhere has a soft, enveloping vibe with muted peachy colours, white walls, giant wicker lampshades and just a feeling of tranquility. On the day I visited the crowd was a mix of groups of ladies having a spa day, people on a getaway, lots of couples and a few solo sybarites like me, just getting away from it all for a few blissful hours.

THE SPA EXPERIENCE

Naturally, I couldn’t sling on the robe and slippers quick enough. The changing rooms are great, huge in size with lots of hair and makeup stations (with handy hair straighteners too, it’s my pet hate when they don’t) and easy to use lockers.

But the A-lister offering here is the 35°c, 20-metre, indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool. Hugged by scores of cushiony pool loungers where you can base yourself all day, I counted at least nine powerful massage stations, some with seats, some with jets that make you feel like you are floating on a cloud, the aptly named Volcano for the extra-knotty, and my favourite, the new Bubble Lounger (a curvy rack you lie back on, it was utter bliss).

The day I visited it was barely scraping 5 degrees outside, so it was sheer bliss to slide into the balmy bubbles. At this time of year huge plumes of steam rise above the pool, making it the most beautiful mist-scape to float around in. You could spend hours gently bobbing between all the jets, and in truth I did, not wanting to get out *ever*. Coming for the evening? It’s utter perfection at night too, I spent a good hour just lieing back in the bubbles gazing up at the stars.

One thing I loved and really noted about Malvern Spa is the level of attentiveness here. It’s so 5 star. Wherever you go there’s someone checking if you need anything, or just giving you a smile or a hello, from the main spa right through to the poolside, which even has a Poolside Assistant who keeps the loungers spick and span and will bring you drinks or nibbles if your heart desires it.

THE SAUNAS

Once pummelled – get thee to the fire and ice section! Otherwise known as The Spa Ritual, this hot and cold experience located next to the pool is perfect for continuing your ultimate unwind. I started off with the foot spa, a lovely mosaic-tiled area where you fill up a foot bath and soak your feet, you get a little tub of mineral salt to pour in too which was rather fun.

Next up are the saunas, the kelo sauna looked popular , a hideout made from fragrant wood found only in the Arctic Circle. I chose to go to the herb hang-out instead, where seasonal herbs and essential oils swirl around the room, giving you the most fabulous calm and cleansed feeling. I’ve got to say this place has converted me, using state-of-the-art tech, it radiates a far softer heat than the harsh dry heat found in a standard sauna, so it was the most glorious place to bake, I didn’t even want to run out once.

The Crystal Steam room was under maintenance the day I visited, but it sounds like utter bliss too – with a fibre-optic ceiling display and infused with essential oils that fill the air as you relax.

Lastly, I tried the Salt Grotto (although I was told I should have done that first, rooky error!) which hugs you in a healing salty fog whilst you warm yourself on the heated seats, good for your respiratory system and ionic balance (yes, I’m off to Google it too).

When you’ve reached peak par-boil from all of that, it’s time to drench yourself in the chilly Bucket Showers. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t bear to to break Malvern Spa’s warming spell with a Wim Hoff dousing, excellent as I know it would have been for me, so I left that to the more adventurous.

I should also mention the Health club and Gym here, which looks really good if you’re a bit of a gum bunny. There’s an air-conditioned exercise studio that hosts more than 50 classes a week with a full holistic programme including aerobics, spin, body pump, boxercise, yoga, and mindfulness sessions.

THE TREATMENTS

There are a huge 14 treatment rooms here – including dual ones if you fancy a bit of his and hers time. There’s a wide variety of treatments too, from manis and pedis to HD brows, facials, full body massages and treatments just for men.

I simply had to road test the Elemis BIOTEC Pro-Glow CryO2 Sculpt Facial, if you haven’t heard of these they are the Rolls Royce of face-rollering, let me tell you. Freeze time you say? Erm yes please. This supercharged treatment uses sub-zero Cryotherapy to tighten and LED Light Therapy to promote collagen.

It was an amazing hour long treatment, you can literally feel the years being pumped right back into your skin with every shot of pure oxygen from the whirring ELEMIS machine, in between the essential oil massaging. If you haven’t ever had one, treat yourself, it’s well worth it. The results were astounding, and I don’t say that lightly. For days my skin was tighter, smoother, and dare I say it, even noticeably younger (miracles can happen).

Afterwards you can go and put your feet up – some more – in the Relaxation Room, a lovely, dimly lit room with comfy day beds, soothing music, giant pampas decor and white muslin sheets draped from the ceiling for privacy.

WHAT ELSE?

Step this way to your Spa Pod madam… yes, you heard me right. Malvern Spa has three awesome glass party pods that you can book to upgrade your spa day. They are 10 out of 10 fabulous inside, with a remote control sound system so you can party to your own Spotify playlist at will, and a colour changing LED system to suit your mood. One of the best touches was you get your own spa pod butler, the friendliest assistants who bring drinks direct to your pod on a silver tray.

Evening spa pod packages include spa use 6pm – 10pm, a glass of Prosecco and an antipasti box delivered directly to your personal pod for £95.

SCOFF & QUAFF

The Grovewood is Malvern Spa’s all-day dining space, and it’s great for refueling between treatments or dips. I couldn’t bring myself to de-robe, but here you can roll out of the pool fully and into your lunch without anyone batting an eyelash. You don’t even have to get dressed for robe if you don’t want, as there’s a special bar seating area for hardcore loungers in the evening.

The new menu for 2024 is overflowing with really tasty looking dishes. From cheese, olive and dip platters to hearty pasta, burgers and nutritious salads. It’s one menu all day which keeps it nice and simple.

For lunch I had the White Onion Soup with Sourdough bread (£7), which was so good, filling and guilt-free, teamed with a Chicken Wrap that set me up for the whole day, both were served up on charming rustic wooden platters.

Late on for dinner I had the Spinach Falafal Burger (£14.50) which comes with a moorish red onion marmalade, and I got a side of the most amazing Maple Roasted Vegetables, which were so good chips were totally not needed.

The drinks flow all day long here, and it’s the perfect setting to order your favourite cocktail or mocktail from the friendy, super helpful staff, or crack open a bottle of Prosecco, lots of couples and girly groups around me seemed to have them on the go.

PILLOW TALK

There are 33 rooms at Malvern Spa, all of which come with walk-in showers or baths. My abode for the night was an Executive Room, which had simple, super-comfy and modern styling, and stocked with complimentary Malvern water (of course) and ELEMIS toiletries tying in with products used downstairs in the spa. The only thing I felt it missed were proper feather pillows, to befit it’s 5-star vibe everywhere else, and maybe a mini fridge, but other than that you have everything you need here and it was a gorgeous night’s sleep.

You won’t want to spend much time in your room with the temptations downstairs, but if you want to upgrade for a treat, I’d recommend opting for The Suite, which has a luxurious hydro spa bath with TV screen, his and hers wash basins, fridge, Nespresso machine and a large lounge area.

OUT & ABOUT

Go out? Who are you kidding! We challenge anyone to drag themselves away from the bubble lounger. However if you really do, you’re in for a treat. The Malvern Hills with their walking, cycling and hiking trails are mere 10 minutes away, as is the charming spa town of Malvern itself. Venture a little further and 20 minutes south you can explore the quirky boutiques and lanes of Ledbury, with year round festivals, hugged by orchards, vineyards and foodie hotspots. Want more? Worcester 20 minutes north has a stunning cathedral and plenty of bars and boutiques to keep you entertained.

THE DAMAGE

Really very reasonable. Spa experiences start from as little as £79 for a half day, including four hours in the spa. A Spa Break stay in an Executive Room starts from around £182 per room per night. There are all kinds of offers and packages year round for every budget, from the ‘I’m Fond-ue You’ package (where you get a chocolate fondue delivered to your spa pod!) to a dreamy Twilight Spa Evening.

Food and drink are well priced here, a two-course lunch and dinner with a side and drinks (a delicious Green Smoothie and a glass of wine) came in at just over £50 which is great value.

MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: Full on pampering without breaking the bank. This place bottles 5-star holiday vibes. Couples will love the bubble-like feel. Romantics looking for the ultimate couples getaway, girly get togethers, hen dos, this place couldn’t be more perfect. Come here to recharge and bliss out. You may genuinely never want to depart, leaving felt like bidding adieu to a new love.

NOT FOR: Anyone looking for a getaway with kids, Malvern Spa is for the over 18s only. You may also have to get in line if you want membership. Although you can get a Fitness Membership currently, there is a waiting list for Spa Membership. But want a spa day in the meantime? Step this way.

The Malvern Spa, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GD

Desperate to go? Book in for a one-night or two-night break from £367 for one night, or £714 for two nights, based on two people sharing a twin or double Executive Room. The offer includes a stay, 60 minute spa treatment, £30 towards dinner per person, spa access and breakfast.

Deluxe Stay Spa Break

Review: The Malvern Spa, Malvern

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