I don’t know about you, but when I travel I need to have a mixture of both down time and activity that will keep me occupied for a weekend or week-long break. My style of travel often tends to be about slow adventuring which means we can take the adventure side of things at a nice steady pace but with the added luxury of a spa or good pool or hot tub nearby.
If you’re anything like me these will be right up your street….
Having visited this fantastic hotel in April 2018 I can definitely say that this place has it all if you’re looking for plenty of fun, outdoor activities whilst having a spa to relax and unwind in afterwards!
We got the chance to enjoy the off-road, 4×4 experience in a Land Rover Defender which was one of the highlights of my week (and travelling life!) I got to test and push the vehicle to its limits on a course created by the Land Rover team a few years ago. The hotel acquired the track themselves so you either can stay at the hotel and have a go or just head over for the day. I have to say, I was pretty nervous about doing it beforehand but the team made me feel really at ease and helped me all the way through. Not only that you can meet Eric the Owl on their fantastic falconry experiences too. This little guy was the cutest and I loved meeting him and feeding him. I am a sucker for anything that involves animals, though!
Sadly, we didn’t get chance to have a go at clay pigeon shooting on site, but this is also another on-site experiences you can put your hand to if your heart so desires. Heck, you can also hire a boat and head out on to the man-made lake to do a bit of fishing.
To round off a rather busy weekend we indulged in a spa afternoon where we received my favourite massage of all-time (thus far!) The spa was opened in 2015 and is clearly one of the greatest attractions about this hotel – especially the view of the lake and rolling hills from the outdoor infinity pool (where you can order lots of cocktails I might add!) The Spa also recently won the best Country Spa in the Good Spa Guide Awards meaning you really are getting the crème de la crème of spa’s!
This place (no pun intended!) is high up on my list of hotels that I would love to visit in 2019! Another Place in the Lake District is the perfect example of how you can split your time equally with action-packed activities and come back to the peace and tranquillity of a spa.
A lot of the activities of course are at or on the beautiful, private, lake shore that the hotel boasts – with Kayaking, Sailing and Paddle-boarding on offer you could fill a whole week with activities and that’s not including the Archery and Ghyll Scrambling! The prices are pretty reasonable too, starting from only £5pp for the Archery and £30pp for Paddle-boarding. I think it’s incredible value for money.
Then you have the gorgeous spa, with floor to ceiling windows, which separates the outdoors from the indoor but it feels as though they both intertwine. Once again this is a spa destination with views to die for. Can someone please just transport me there now?
if you’re looking for action, this is without a doubt somewhere that you can get just that.
In fact, this holiday park in North Yorkshire has everything you could need, in the most idyllic settings. Fancy learning the art of bushcraft? You can learn forest survival skills with an on-site forest ranger, learn how to make a shelter, how to find water and start a fire outdoors when you have only limited supplies – eat your heart out Bear Grylls.
There’s even the opportunity to go Horse-riding, go Cycling, Canoeing and even a Zip Wire nearby to keep those thrill seekers happy.
You’re also not too far out from one of my favourite day trips on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway too!
But, one of the best things about this place is being able to come back to your on-site cottage or log cabin and hop in the hot tub and hire your very own spa session in the comfort of your own accommodation. Dreamy right?
This hotel in Ireland has it’s very own adventure centre with a whopping 22 activities to choose from! There’s so many I don’t even know where to start. But, if you’re looking for something a little different to what all the other hotels have to offer, why not try a “Bog Obstacle Course.” Yes, you read that right. A Bog obstacle Course. If you want to get down and dirty (no, not in that way!) I mean covered in mud from head to toe, this could be exactly what you’re looking for – and to be honest, I bet it’s a great laugh.
If you want to head out on the water you can build your own raft and go surfing. You can even try your hand at Coasteering which is is a combination of adventure swimming and rock climbing, which is probably one for those who are very fit (that might exclude me then!)
Once you’ve had enough of all 22 activities and have managed to work your way through all of them. Firstly, WELL DONE and secondly, you certainly do deserve a day at the spa! The spa is adults only which means you can relax, safe in the knowledge it’s going to be very peaceful.
I love that all products that used in Delphi Spa are 100% organic (and that’s certified!) and they are made with the highest ethical standards that never compromise the environment – perfect if you are wanting to travel more sustainably!
As part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand, you know that you are going to get five-star sophistication with a hotel within its portfolio. The Alexander House hotel is located within a 120 acre site which is great to head to if you’re looking for some team-building exercises because of its sheer size and access. There are loads of activities on-site and off-site all within a short drive away. An events team can even bring along the Total Wipeout game to you! Now that would be fun, wouldn’t it?
There’s even a trekking trail and you can hire mountain bikes too.
The real draw to this hotel is the Utopia Spa. Not only is the hotel five-star rated, the spa has the same rating awarded by the prestigious Good Spa Guide! The spa boasts over 23 treatment rooms alone and has a lavishly, extravagant swimming pool that looks like it wouldn’t be out-of-place in a film about the Romans.
I have to admit I am now craving a little UK break where I can relax, unwind and also take part in some really cool outdoor activities!
Will you be considering any of these hotels if you like the best of both worlds when you travel?
Bee
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