2026 spa & wellness trends

From bathing and star gazing to contrast therapy and social spa-ing, the Spa Spies have been discovering what’s in store for the UK spa industry in 2026.

Contrast therapy

Long used in physiotherapy - and by athletes wishing to avoid injury - alternating hot and cold is now being adopted by those investigating longevity, with evidence to suggest it promotes stronger vascular systems, improves mood and reduces stress. With their many heat rooms and cool experiences, spas like Cairndale Spa (pictured above) are the perfect place to test out this theory – spend a just a few minutes in each, without skipping the cold plunge.

Social spa-ing

We know you love to go to a spa with your bestie but we are seeing a trend for a social element within the spa itself, with live music or resident DJ’s getting the party started.  This year saw a resident DJ at The Spa at Manor House Alsager, while Hoar Cross Hall (pictured above) offered live Sundown Sessions for the first time. Spa-ing in groups is also likely to take off, particularly around women marking an occasion.

Group swimming

South Lodge and St Michael's Resort both offer group sessions for spa goers wishing to take a cold dip in the company of other brave souls. This year Scarlet Spy also tried her first cold water dip in the North Sea while reviewing the spa at Fairmont St Andrews – with a sauna session and hot chocolate afterwards. For natural pond swims within the spa itself, we recommend Yorkshire Spa Retreat (pictured above).

Warm baths

We all love a bath, but did you know that even a short soak can help with cardiovascular health, reduce stress and improve sleep? This year saw the Spa Spies bathing all over the country: Serene Spy tried a seaweed bath in a Shepard hut at Middleton Lodge; she also relaxed in Buxton Crescent’s CO2 Mineral Bath. Scarlet Spy, meanwhile, had a very grand Copper Bath at Field Trip Spa Brighton (pictured above), complete with sparkling wine.

Celebration spas

We are likely to see more vibrant spas being launched in the new year, with the onus very much on fun. Stylish Spa loved the colourful, playful hydropool (with huge glitter ball above) and swim-up bar at the new FFolkeSpa, where spa-ing felt more like a celebration, with a real Ibiza vibe. Climb into the pool, swim up to the bar, order a drink and enjoy. There’s also a rooftop relaxation area, a multitude of heat experiences and a disco toilet which has to be seen to be believed.

Destination spas

More spas are adding activities to their offering to encourage us to stay longer - and do more. Fancy something a bit different? How about spa and surfing at the Headland hotel in Cornwall? There is a strong Padel trend, too with Fairmont Windsor, Elcot Park and Hale Country Club all opening courts. For something gentler there are vineyard tours at Quob Park (pictured above), Animal Wellness Therapy at Armathwaite and guided farm walks at Green Farm.

Saunas

In Finland, saunas are de rigeur in restaurants, on boats, as part of pubs and in people's homes. In the UK we are seeing sauna boxes pop up in pub gardens or car parks, with a sauna session followed by a dip in the river sold as a package. The multi-sensory Aufguss ritual is also having its day, with competitions for sauna masters. Try it at Rudding Park Spa (pictured above), Galgorm Spa and Low Wood Bay 

Sensory Dopamine boosters

Nothing boost endorphins and alleviates stress like a sight, a smell or a sound. This year we are likely to see more dopamine boosters in spas. Rena Spa at The Midland not only created its own fragrance this year but uses scent machines to waft it around the spa. Swinton Country Club is offering sound bath sessions, while Hope Street Hotel Spa has underwater music you can float - and relax - to.

Other trends to watch out for:

Star gazing is the new meditation – you heard it here first.

'Granny' hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, baking and sewing are stress relievers that are set to increase in popularity.

Neuro-cosmetics: topical products combined with sensory stimulation are set to deliver both skin health and emotional benefits.

Tech Free Teen spas: given the under 16 social media ban in Australia, spas could well be used as a way to wean teens off their tech.