by Too often seen as an extension of London or a route to the Continent, Kent rarely benefits from destination recognition like Devon or Cornwall. However, the Garden of England offers bucolic countryside with medieval pubs, quaint seaside towns such as Whitstable and Margate, and the historic cities of Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells.
From the rolling High Weald to the rugged North Downs, and from crab buttons served on Dungeness beach to Michelin-starred food served in the 10-person STARK joint in Broadstairs, Kent blends coastal nostalgia, rural charm and urban charm. This curious fusion is intertwined with Kent’s growing reputation as a food hub and its eclectic spa offerings. Here you can have a massage with organic products in a rustic pottery hut with a walking stream, enjoy romantic couple treatments by the sea or splash out on a wellness weekend in a great destination spa hotel. Here are the best spa hotels in Kent.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
A historic country house hotel and spa by Champneys, set amongst the beautiful grounds of the Kent Downs. In addition to the full-service spa, there is an outdoor pool with a food van, a nine-hole golf course, a falconry center, a tennis court and an array of garden games including croquet, pétanque and badminton. This is one of the best spa hotels in Kent, with a wide range of wellness and beauty treatments, a 20-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, and a gym. The professional and passionate therapists deliver signature Champneys treatments as well as facials and massages using Clarins and Elemis products.
• The best boutique hotels in Kent
A country house spa hotel set in lush gardens that offers a sense of tranquility, despite being within easy reach of London. The traditional Victorian and clapboard exterior (some original, some new) belies the property’s contemporary interior, slick service and the impressive Utopia Spa, one of Kent’s finest with a dramatic duplex swimming area designed to resemble Roman baths ; hair and nail salons; large gym; 17 treatment rooms offering expertly administered therapies from British brands Ila and Temple Spa; and a tempting shop. We recommend the Ayurvedic treatment Within Peace, which fully delivers on its name.
• The best restaurants in London
This Georgian house set in 12 acres of private grounds is about restrained grandeur. The decor is neutral with a muted color palette, white painted wood paneling and sleek leather armchairs. The 38 rooms are bright and extremely spacious, and all have a sitting area. There are also comfortable beds as standard with a thoughtful range of pillows, baths, a bath with rain shower and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. The Spa includes seven treatment rooms, a 12-metre indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam and relaxation rooms. The health club, which is also open to non-resident members, has a state-of-the-art gym, fitness studios and tennis courts.
• The best hotels in Tunbridge Wells
Originally launched in 1880 as the Seabrook Hotel, the Hythe Imperial has a long history as Hythe’s smartest address. And now it has been injected with contemporary glitz as part of an ambitious renovation. Located on the beach, with its own golf course and ocean view champagne bar, the hotel strives to combine old-school glamor with contemporary seaside. The main dining venue is the Coastal Restaurant, which serves modern British cuisine in a fairly formal environment in the evenings. However, the most exciting food is found in the basement: the Holy Pundit is a little piece of Goa magic. Other facilities include a leisure center with spa, swimming pool and gym.
• The best hotels in Margate
The Holdstock family bought Hempstead House in 1990, offering a three-bedroom bed and breakfast. Five fairly sympathetic extensions later, the original house is now linked, via the mid-19th century Coach, to the horseshoe-shaped spa, with a lovely courtyard in the middle, and 34 rooms in total. The hotel feels like a small resort, with two restaurants, three bars, two private dining rooms, a large conference / wedding room and a spa. The AquaManda Spa includes a swimming pool and gym (open to non-resident members but off-limits to children under 16), a beauty salon and five treatment rooms, one of which caters for couples’ treatments.
• The best bars and pubs in London
A smart hotel set in a restored Jacobethan style building within the East Kent College campus. Although managed by innkeepers and professional caterers, some of Yarrow’s staff are apprentices and trainees fresh from hospitality. They are clearly committed to the industry, polite, enthusiastic and efficient. Facilities are also great with a restaurant; large bar and sunroom with dedicated menu; spa with sauna, steam room and whirlpool (all free for residents), treatment rooms and hair and beauty salon (reduced prices for trainee therapists and stylists). There are 23 spacious rooms and five suites, all finished to a high standard with sleek fittings, Hypnos beds and excellent bathrooms.
