10 Best Spa Hotels in the Cotswolds
- James Long
- Apr 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 16
Last updated: 3 January 2026
If you’re looking for a spa break in the Cotswolds, not all “spa hotels” offer the same experience. Some are full destination spas built around wellness, others are country house hotels with excellent facilities, and a few are quieter retreats where the spa is about calm rather than scale.
This guide focuses on spa hotels where the spa genuinely matters — whether that’s for a romantic escape, a midweek reset, or a longer indulgent stay. Every hotel listed here offers something distinct, from large thermal suites to more intimate, garden-led experiences.
How this list is curated
Selected editorially by Cotswold Insider
Based on spa quality, setting, and overall experience
Spa hotels are just one type of hotel in the Cotswolds. If you’re still weighing up different hotel styles — from luxury country-house hotels to smaller boutique stays and town-based options — our Hotels in the Cotswolds guide gives a broader overview of how different hotels work depending on location, transport, and travel style.
If you’re set on a spa break but unsure which type of spa hotel suits you best, our guide to Spa Breaks in the Cotswolds: How to Choose the Right Spa Hotel explains the key differences.
Here are our top picks for spa hotels in the Cotswolds (please note that they are not ranked in order of preference):
Thyme, Southrop
Region: South Cotswolds
Best for: Quiet luxury and nature-led wellbeing
Thyme feels more like a small village than a hotel. Its Meadow Spa focuses on botanical, seasonal treatments and a slower pace, with gardens and outdoor spaces that encourage genuine switching off rather than a packed spa schedule.
Visit Thyme website (opens in a new window).
Dormy House, Broadway
Region: North Cotswolds
Best for: High-end spa weekends with views
Perched above Broadway, Dormy House offers one of the most complete spa experiences in the region. Expect an infinity pool, outdoor hot tub, and well-designed relaxation areas that feel indulgent without being over-formal.
Visit Dormy House Hotel website (opens in a new window).
Calcot & Spa, near Tetbury
Region: South Cotswolds
Best for: Couples or parents needing real downtime
Calcot balances a strong spa offering with broader appeal. The fireside hot tub and indoor pool are highlights, and it’s one of the few spa hotels in the Cotswolds that works well for guests travelling with children as well as those seeking relaxation.
Visit Calcot & Spa website (opens in a new window).
Cowley Manor Experimental, near Cheltenham
Region: South Cotswolds
Best for: Design-led spa stays
Bold interiors and a dramatic indoor pool define Cowley Manor’s spa. The outdoor swimming space set within landscaped grounds adds to the sense of theatre, making this a good choice if atmosphere matters as much as treatments.
Visit Cowley Manor Experimental website (opens in a new window).
Whatley Manor, Malmesbury
Region: South Cotswolds
Best for: Serious spa facilities and indulgence
Aquarias Spa is one of the most comprehensive in the Cotswolds, with hydrotherapy pools, thermal suites, and long relaxation areas. This is very much a destination spa rather than a light-touch add-on.
Visit Whatley Manor Hotel website (opens in a new window).
The Pig, near Cirencester
Region: South Cotswolds
Best for: Intimate, garden-focused stays
The Pig in the Cotswolds offers a quieter, more personal spa experience. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, it suits guests who prefer calm and privacy over large-scale spa complexes.
Visit The Pig in the Cotswolds website (opens in a new window).
Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham
Region: South Cotswolds
Best for: Historic setting with outdoor pool
Set in a grand manor house, Ellenborough Park blends heritage character with modern spa facilities. The outdoor pool overlooking open countryside is particularly appealing outside peak weekends.
Visit Ellenborough Park website (opens in a new window).
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
Region: North Cotswolds
Best for: Classic Cotswold spa breaks
A long-established favourite, The Lygon Arms combines traditional character with a solid spa offering, including a vaulted indoor pool and a wide range of treatments. Well placed for exploring the northern Cotswolds.
Visit Lygon Arms Hotel website (opens in a new window).
Minster Mill, Minster Lovell
Region: North Cotswolds
Best for: Riverside tranquillity
Located beside the River Windrush, Minster Mill’s Garden Spa is smaller and more intimate than many others on this list. A good choice for couples seeking peace rather than bustle.
Visit Minster Mill website (opens in a new window).
Stratton House Hotel & Spa, Cirencester
Region: South Cotswolds
Best for: Good-value spa stays
A more affordable option with a well-equipped spa, including hydro pool, sauna, and steam room. Ideal if you want spa facilities without committing to top-end luxury pricing.
Visit Stratton House Hotel website (opens in a new window).
Looking for a different type of hotel stay?
Spa hotels are just one type of hotel in the Cotswolds. If you’re considering alternatives — from luxury country-house hotels and romantic retreats to smaller boutique or town-based options — our Hotels in the Cotswolds guide explains how different hotel styles work depending on location, transport, and travel style.
Insider Notes
Weekend spa slots book up quickly; midweek stays are often quieter and better value
“Spa hotel” doesn’t always mean a full thermal suite — check facilities carefully
Outdoor pools are seasonal, even when heated
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming all spas allow day guests
Booking treatments without checking pool or thermal access times
Expecting a silent retreat — some spa hotels are lively social spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
What spa hotels are in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is home to a wide range of spa hotels, including Dormy House, Calcot & Spa, Cowley Manor, Barnsley House, Ellenborough Park, and Thyme in Southrop. These offer everything from luxury treatments to outdoor pools and relaxing countryside settings.
Are there any spa and golf hotels in the Cotswolds?
Yes, several Cotswolds hotels combine spa and golf facilities. Whatley Manor and The Manor House in Castle Combe offer both relaxing spa experiences and access to nearby golf courses, making them ideal for spa and golf breaks.
What are the best boutique spa hotels in the Cotswolds?
Thyme in Southrop, Barnsley House, and Minster Mill are popular boutique spa hotels in the Cotswolds. These offer a more intimate, design-led experience with high-end spa treatments in tranquil settings.
Are there any five-star spa hotels in the Cotswolds?
Yes, the Cotswolds is home to Whatley Manor, a luxurious 5 star hotel and spa.