For women seeking an ideal venue to celebrate a hen weekend, Holly Cave lists a selection of places that can comfortably accommodate groups.

Girls-only getaways are more popular than ever, with groups of friends, relatives and hen parties wanting to get away from domesticity for a day or two. While the options for hen parties and groups are growing, there’s always been that timeless appeal to the tradition of a relaxing spa break. Offering plenty of self-indulgence and time for gossip, here are a handful of choices.

THE HARROGATE MAJESTIC HOTEL

The Harrogate Majestic Hotel is located in North Yorkshire and offers great deals for group visitors.
TONY HISGETT

The Harrogate Majestic Hotel, situated in this well-heeled North Yorkshire spa town, offers some great deals for groups. This year, one in every six people go free on spa breaks at the Victorian hotel, with prices ranging from £89-£174. Even the lowest-priced, one night packages, include full use of the spa facilities, a 60 minute treatment, such as a facial or aromatherapy massage in The Orchid Room, an overnight stay, dinner and a full English breakfast the following morning. Beyond the hotel’s grounds, the city of Harrogate is a delightful place for friends to enjoy together. Explore the boutique shops and don’t miss out on afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms.

THE WINCHESTER HOTEL AND SPA

The Winchester Hotel and Spa offers a wide range of options for hen parties, for both day guests and overnight stays. A one night package features bed and breakfast, a 25-minute treatment, use of the Health Club, lunch with a glass of bubbly, and a three course evening meal in the Brasserie for £99-£135 per person. The spa is sleek and modern, with lots of different treatments on offer. The hotel is in a great position in the city of Winchester, and the AA Rosette award- winning Hutton’s Brasserie is a highlight for visitors. The adjoined Gershwin’s Cocktail Bar is perfect to kick off a girl’s night out, serving up an amazing range of drinks. Don’t leave without trying the Winchester Grand, made with champagne, crème de cassis and fresh blackberry.

FISTRAL BEACH HOTEL AND SPA

To the south west, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa on the Cornish coast would be a great choice for hen parties. With the party town of Newquay nearby, this smart, contemporary resort also offers a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Two great packages are available, with the Domestic Goddess option inclusive of two nights bed and breakfast, a three-course dinner both evenings, full use of the spa and two additional activities, for those who would perhaps get bored sitting in a steam room. Choose from a facial workshop, chocolate making, or even surf lessons down the beach. The Fistral Spa features a heated vitality pool, jacuzzi, steam room, relaxation suite, nine treatment rooms and a gym. Twin rooms cost from £369.

LONG FURLONG HOLIDAY COTTAGES

For a quiet, chilled out bash, head to the calm environs of Hartland House Spa, located within the complex of a five-star holiday cottage on the North Devon coast. The 12 cottages can accommodate up to 62 people, sleeping between four and ten. When it comes to spa facilities, the pool on the outdoor deck sets this place apart. The hen weekend package are also amazing value, ranging from £100-£145 per person for three nights’ accommodation and unlimited use of the spa. The area has some lovely pubs and beaches, and offers activities such as horse riding.

HOMEWOOD PARK HOTEL AND SPA

Ask anyone to name a spa town in the UK, and the lovely city of Bath is likely to spring to mind. Hen parties and groups flock to the Georgian streets of the town, known for its laidback vibe and naturally warm spring waters. Many visit the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in the warm, mineral- rich waters. The open-air pool, with views over the rooftops of Bath, is a once in a lifetime experience. Small groups might like to splash out on a day away from the crowds, at the small and exclusive Homewood Park. The Pampered Hens Spa Day at this pretty hotel will shower the bride and up to five pals with luxury, providing them with a glass of champagne, a manicure, a goody bag and use of the spa facilities, including a heated pool, hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite and Elemis Treatment Room, all for just £50 each. Overnight stays can also be booked.

THE MALVERN

The Malvern welcomes groups to sample its award-winning facilities.

Great Malvern is a quaint town in the heart of a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Beauty’ in Worcestershire. The area’s natural spring water has enticed visitors since the medieval times.

The Malvern emits a sophisticated air and welcomes groups to sample its award winning facilities, offering a package for £146 per person midweek or £161 at weekends. Hens can enjoy bed and breakfast, an evening meal with a glass of bubbly, and two treatments in its gorgeous spa. The stunning hydrotherapy pool forms the centrepiece, leading from the inside to the outside, and is filled with Malvern spring water. The hotel has an Italian feel, where guests can relax amid olive trees in the Grand Salon. Alternatively, spend a day at the hotel with a Heavenly Hen Day package, which includes an ESPA facial, manicure or pedicure, full use of the spa facilities and lunch for £119. Groups of four to eight people will receive a free bottle of champagne with their lunch.

MYDDFAI SPA ROOMS

Myddfai Spa Rooms has recently opened and offers a range of spa and beauty treatment packages.

Something new to add to the itinerary, Myddfai Spa Rooms will be opening at the Stradey Park Hotel on August 15, where parties can choose from a range of spa and beauty treatment packages.

The Myddfai Spa Rooms are a tranquil haven, located in a peaceful park at the end of the hotel. For overnight stays especially, spa themed rooms come complete with Myddfai gift sets, upgraded toiletries, tea/coffee facilities and the beneficial properties of salt lamps, which emit negative ions and help boost serotonin levels, promoting general health. The Relaxation Room offers a calming space for groups to enjoy before being pampered. Bridal Shower packages consist of a buffet selection, inclusive of delicious finger foods, or a decadent vintage tea, with a generous selection of homemade cakes and finger sandwiches, including scones served with clotted cream. Each party member will receive a mini bottle of Prosecco to kickstart the celebrations, served by a personal waiter for the evening. Prices start at £20pp for a basic package.

FURTHER AFIELD

If it’s pampering you’re after, then there’s really no reason to leave the UK. That said, there are many destinations around Europe, which are perfectly positioned for spa breaks.

Take the grand city of Budapest, for example. With natural thermal springs first tapped by the Romans, this beautiful ‘City of Spas’ is dotted with bathing facilities old and new. Beyond its healing waters, groups will find this city full of other exciting diversions. Jazz clubs are popular in the evening, as is local wine tasting, and visitors could spend days simply munching their way through cakes and pastries in the many elegant cafés available. Get a quick overview of the city from a river cruise or even a Segway tour. The city is very easy to navigate around as a group, thanks to its broad, straight avenues. Back to water and it’s the famous Széchenyi Baths in the City Park, which draw in crowds, thanks to its 18 pools and 10 sauna and steam rooms.

Other bathing pools are dotted around the city, and those heading there for a relaxing break should book into a hotel with a spa. The Corinthia Hotel Budapest houses the Royal Spa; a huge Art Deco complex of pools, saunas and steam rooms, relaxation areas and treatment rooms. It is a glorious space dating from 1886, with a 15-metre swimming pool set within an indoor galleried courtyard. Adventurous groups could always splash out with a trip to Iceland. Most visitors base themselves in Reykjavik and take excursions to the various volcanic pools located around the city. The Blue Lagoon is the country’s most iconic landmark, with its cast, eye wateringly bright waters standing out against the dark and rugged lava field surrounding it. Hens will have plenty of laughs applying the silica and algae-rich geothermal mud to each other’s faces.

Hen Weekend Party Packs

From banners to bunting and cake to champagne, GTW provides groups with a list of suggested weekend accompaniments.

BLAZE ON//FAIRY LIGHTS

Inspired by the rich culture of Thailand, Blaze On provides top of the range illumination, from vibrant fairy lights to the more intimate candle or tea light. www.blaze-on.com

THE CHOCOLATE CAFE//CHOCOLATE HAMPER

Enjoy a hamper from The Chocolate Café, stuffed with a generous selection of sweets, from a Milk Chocolate Pizza Bar to Truffles. Corporate groups could receive special discounts on bulk orders. www.chocolate-cafe.co.uk

GETTING PERSONAL//SHOT GLASSES

For the minimal price of £12.99 each, Getting Personal offers hens (and guests) the opportunity to toast the occasion in style, with personalised shot glasses, rated 4.8/5 for quality. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk 

HEPSWORTH KITCHEN//PRIVATE CHEF

Hepworths Kitchen offers the height of sophistication with passionate chef, Joe Hepworth, offering a personal chef service to groups of all sizes. www.hepsworthskitchen.com 

WROXETER HOTEL//AFTERNOON TEA

For £18.00 per person, groups can enjoy quaint afternoon tea fare at the Wroxeter Hotel in Shropshire. Served daily between 1400hrs and 1700hrs, the package includes a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival. www.thewroxeterhotel.co.uk

VERY NICE THINGS//BUNTING

Very Nice Things echoes a vintage, bohemian vibe for the less eccentric. Such products sold include organic cloud bunting, or neatly decorated confetti bunting to help get into the wedding spirit. www.verynicethings.co.uk