THE LOWDOWN

The Malvern is a stylish boutique hotel, wellness centre and restaurant rolled into one. Located just minutes from the elegant spa town of Malvern and its famous hills, if you’re craving a getaway that prizes pampering above all else, you’re in the right place.

Malvern has long had a rep for all things wellbeing. its medicinal waters placed it firmly on the world map as a famous spa town in Victorian times. And when it opened in 2008, it was kind of a big deal, the first spa to be built in the town since 1910.

There are 33-bedrooms spread over two floors, and relaxed brunch to dinner dining at the Grovewood Restaurant. The spa itself features a show-stopping heated indoor / outdoor hydrotherapy pool with body-trembling massage stations, 14 treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, oh, and a-state-of-the-art gym if you can prise yourself away from your poolside G&T.

Set on the eastern edge of town, a retail area may have sprung up around it in recent years, but you’d honestly never know – it’s wonderfully peaceful here, a proper cocoon from the world, with the added bonus of easy M5 access.

THE VIBE

The spa here really is the all-singing, all-dancing star of the show – with the hotel the stylish supporting act. From the moment you enter it’s instantly clear what you’re here for – the steaming pool, spring-fed hydrotherapy, and the delicious ritual of switching off.

The spa lounge – aka Grand Salon – is an open plan, Italianate-style space, with shafts of light that stream in through the atrium ceiling, low-slung sofas and potted trees. It’s a gorgeous spot to chill between treatments with a water feature bubbling away.

The vibe is grown-up and relaxed – Malvern Spa is strictly an adults-only spa, and with 14 treatment rooms you’ll never be fighting for a massage slot. When I visited, on a crisp wintery day, the crowd was a mix of couples, girly get-togethers, friends meeting up for a chat and chill, and solo sybarites just getting away from it all for a few hours. I also found it incredibly sociable – people in the pool were so chatty, the whole place had a really happy vibe.

THE POOL

The A-lister offering here is the 35°c, 20-metre, indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool. Hugged by scores of oversized loungers (big tick). There are nine bliss-inducing, bubbly massage stations to knead yourself with, the aptly named Volcano for the extra-knotty, and my absolute favourite, the Bubble Lounger (a curvy rack you lie back on, it was utter bliss).

Gorgeous at any time of year, the day I visited it was a nippy 10 degrees, so being able to slip into the steamy bubbles was insanely good. Go at night and it’s stargazing heaven as you lie back in its otherworldly mist-scape.

Malvern gets it right on the attentiveness front – staff are incredibly friendly and, importantly, always around – they keep a constant eye on bed turnover (and any absent bed-hogging!) which is great. And it felt so decadent being able to order drinks from my pool lounger – hello tropical holiday energy. The Malvern feels like the closest thing you can get to a Caribbean fly-and-flop in Worcs.

THE SAUNAS

Once pummelled – get thee to the fire and ice section. The Spa Ritual is a hot and cold experience perfect for continuing the unwind. I started off with the foot spa, a 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 is fun.

Next up are the saunas, the kelo sauna was popular, a hideout made from fragrant wood found only in the Arctic Circle. I chose to go to the herby hang-out instead, where seasonal herbs and essential oils swirl around the room, giving you the most fabulous calm and cleansed feeling.

The Crystal Steam room was so soothing too, a steam room with a fibre-optic ceiling display, infused with essential oils that fill the air with relaxing aromas. I’m actually not normally a sweat-it-out in a sauna fan, but be warned, The Malvern will convert you.

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.

When you’ve reached peak par-boil, drench yourself with a old bucket shower. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t bear to break Malvern Spa’s warm spell with a Wim Hoff dousing, so I left that to the more adventurous.

I should also mention the Health club and Gym, which looked really good if you fancy a work-out. There’s a state-of-the-art gym and an air-conditioned exercise studio that hosts more than 50 classes a week.

THE TREATMENTS

There are 14 treatment rooms here – including dual ones for couples – with a well curated variety of treatments too, from manis and pedis to HD brows, facials, ELEMIS full body massages and niche treatments such as mums-to-be massages.

I went for the Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage (60 minute for £80) and it was heaven. Everything from the heated bed and calming room with flickering candlelight to the ELEMIS aromatherapy oils that smelt amazing – all in all a gorgeous and very competitively-priced experience.

On a previous visit I’d tried the Elemis Cryo2 Smooth + Polish Facia l (60 mins, £100) and also highly recommend it. If you love the current LED mask trend, you literally feel the years being pumped back into your skin.

Afterwards put your feet up – some more – in the Relaxation Room, a really stylish and soothing place to chill out; big, comfy day beds, calming music and white muslin sheets draped from the ceiling for privacy.

WHAT ELSE?

Step this way to your Spa Pod madam… Malvern Spa has three awesome glass party pods that you can book to upgrade your spa day, located overlooking the pool.

They are 10 / 10 fabulous inside, with a remote control sound system so you can party to your own Spotify playlist and a colour-changing LED ceiling light, to suit your mood.

You even get your own spa pod butler for your session who will bring drinks or snacks direct to your pod. 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. It’s such a cool place to come and hang out with a group of mates.

SCOFF & QUAFF

The Grovewood is Malvern Spa’s all-day dining space, and it’s great for refuelling between treatments or dips. I loved that you can just roll out of the pool fully-robed and into lunch, without anyone batting an eyelid.

You don’t even have to get dressed for dinner, if you want to eek out as much spa time from your stay as humanly possible – there’s a seating area for hardcore loungers in the evening.

The menu has a tasty selection of thoughtfully curated dishes – from super food salads and linguine to club sandwiches, with the dinner time menu slightly extended to include heartier dishes from burgers to a grill section.

And, new this year, it’s been extended to brunch too, so it’s great for all-day grazing.

Dishes are made with locally sourced produce with a nod to seasonality. For lunch I had the roasted squash on toast with smashed avocado, feta and dukkah on sourdough (£10.50) paired with a green smoothie. It was light, delicious, and well-priced – I’ve been to plenty of spas where you pay way over this for a lunch dish.

I loved the sound of Chicken & Waffles too – promising it to myself the next time I go. For dinner my plus 1 went for the Grovewood Burger with pulled BBQ pork, Monterey Jack & burger sauce which was very juicy and filling.

I had the butterflied chicken which was nicely seasoned, a side of chips and some delicious maple-roasted vegetables.

Desserts are a cut above. Whilst I loved the sound of the chocolate brownie with Mojito, I had to plump for the vegan salted caramel chocolate cheesecake – for a chocolate fix with less guilt (genius menu move), and it was sensational.

The drinks flow all day long here, and there’s an extensive wine, beer and cocktail menu to peruse, along with a variety of bubblies. Lots of tables around me seemed to have a bottle of Prosecco flowing, The Malvern just lends itself so well to a bit of champagne and chill time.

PILLOW TALK

There are 33 rooms at The Malvern, all of which come with walk-in showers or baths. My Executive Room had simple, super-comfy and modern styling, and was stocked with complimentary Malvern water (well of course) and ELEMIS toiletries tying in with products used in the spa.

The only thing it missed for me was feather pillows, I’d have loved these, and also perhaps a mini-fridge to keep that Prosecco cool. But other than that you have everything you need here, and I had a fabulously deep 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, opt for The Suite, which has a luxe hydro spa bath with TV screen, duo wash basins, fridge, and large lounge.

OUT & ABOUT

Go out?… who are you kidding! However, if you really are that crazy, you’re in for a treat. The Malvern Hills with spectacular walking, cycling and hiking trails are mere 10 minutes away, as is the charming spa town of Malvern itself with its boutiques, bars and theatre.

Venture 20 minutes south and explore the boutiques and lanes of Ledbury, with year round festivals, hugged by orchards, vineyards and foodie hotspots. Worcester is 20 minutes north with a stunning Cathedral and plenty of bars and boutiques to keep you entertained.

DOG FRIENDLY?

No. Book the petsitter because dogs are not allowed in the hotel or spa.

KID-FRIENDLY?

This is a blissfully adults-only (18+) spa and hotel – a safe haven from Peppa Pig, pinging iPads and anyone shouting “I’m bored” before 9am. The only splashing you’ll hear is in your Champagne flute. Pure, unadulterated, grown-up time and we’re so here for that.

ACCESSIBILITY?

The Malvern has two mixed-ability hotel rooms located on the first floor, both close to the lift for easy access. All of the spa and health club facilities are on the ground floor, including the hydrotherapy pool, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas, so everything is simple to reach.

THE DAMAGE

Really reasonable. Bed and breakfast starts from £100 per person, based on 2 people sharing a room (with spa use during your stay). An overnight spa break, including dinner and treatments, is from £170.50 per person. Our dinner for two (without wine) in the Grovewood came to under £40 per head, which is stand-out value.

Book in for a Signature Spa Break, from £367 for one night, based on two people sharing an Executive Room. Includes a 60-minute treatment, £30pp towards dinner and spa access from 12pm until 11am day of checkout.

Spa experiences start from as little as £79 for a half day, including four hours in the spa. There are all kinds of packages year-round for every budget.

MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: 5-star pampering, without the bank balance meltdown. Couples and romantics looking for the ultimate getaway, that long overdue girly get together, or meets-with-mates. Wellness bunnies – it has everything you need – or just anyone needing a recharge, The Malvern has the vibe of a far-flung spa but with Malvern Hills scenery and no boarding pass.

NOT FOR: Anyone wanting a kid-friendly break, this one’s for the over-18s only. Anyone who struggles to sit still may start eyeing the clock. This place is all about long soaks and switching off.

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

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