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We reveal the best places for a hen weekend, a family-moon and a pet-friendly mini-moon

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I want to book a spa weekend in the Cotswolds for my hen do –where do you suggest?

Meet the experts: Spabreaks.com, Europe’s leading spa experience and booking agency, has recently revealed the five most popular spa hotels in the Cotswolds.

The Gloucester Robinswood Hotel, Signature Collection By Best Western has been revealed as Cotswold’s most-booked spa. The findings have been revealed by Spabreaks.com which totalled 19.2% of all bookings made in the Cotswolds this year.

The second most booked spa is DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham with 15.4% of the bookings. Closely behind in 3rd and 4th place is Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase and De Vere Cotswold Water Park. At number five, with 11.6% of the bookings made in the Cotswolds last year was the Cotswolds Hotel and Spa.

Spa days are not only the perfect retreat for a special occasion but also a way to improve mental and physical health with regular attendance, perfect during the hectic build-up to a wedding. Abi Selby is the chair of the UK Spa Association (UKSA). She says, “Invest in yourself by prioritising your well-being and it will be the best decision ever made.” Abi adds: “Our unbeatable selection of top-quality spa hotels across the Cotswolds means you’re never too far away from a day or night of luxury.” for enthusiasts, as well as a swimming pool to enjoy which lends itself to a steam, sauna and hot tub experience, too. The spa, which is in its own separate area, is the place to visit for a session of pampering and relaxation offering head-to-toe treatments.

Gloucester Robinswood Hotel, Signature Collection By Best Western offers great walking routes, dry-skiing, golf and shopping all within easy reach of this contemporary hotel. There’s a hot tub, sauna and steam room to unwind in and a menu of tantalising treatments to send you into a deep state of relaxation. There are also teenage treatments available for younger ones, perfect if they’re to be included as part of a hen party.

Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase is home to a lively restaurant and outdoor terrace as well as a health club and spa. There’s a pool, hot tub and steam room to chill out in, as well as a relaxation room for cosy group relaxing. Indulge yourself in a calming facial or massage or opt for a manicure or pedicure to get both feet and hands looking polished and perfect.

DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham has the iconic Cheltenham racecourse, the quintessential Cotswolds and this iconic Regency town all on its doorstep. The hotel is a fantastic getaway destination for a group of special people, like a low-key hen gathering. There’s a golf course www.spabreaks.com | 0800 043 6600 | www.facebook.com/ spabreaks | www.instagram.com/spabreaks

De Vere Cotswold Water Park is situated in the glorious surroundings of the pretty Cotswold villages, cocooned by the rolling countryside. Inside the hotel is Spa 6, a destination in its own right with a gym, a hydro swimming pool, an aroma steam room and a dry flotation room. The popular Rasul Therapy experience is ideal for a pre-wedding pamper and sits perfectly alongside a host of other luxury spa therapies and beauty treatments.

Cotswolds Hotel and Spa provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, perfect for intimate hen gatherings. Set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, there’s golf available, many walks to enjoy and a relaxing spa to help guests unwind. Here, an indulgent menu of treatments awaits, all using the Natural Spa Factory products.

FUN FAMILY-MOON

We want to enjoy a family-moon in Gloucestershire, where can you suggest visiting?

Meet the experts: Birdland & Jurassic Journey based in Gloucestershire in Bourton-on-the-Water was one of the first bird encounters to open in the UK and provides a fun day out for all. It’s home to one of the largest collections of exotic birds in the UK including flamingos and pelicans.

What better time to visit Birdland & Jurassic Journey than now to meet the World’s Most Popular Penguin? The Gloucestershire attraction is home to England’s only colony of king penguins and they are the only breeding group left in the UK. Spike, the famous 15-year-old resident King Penguin, has earned the crown after winning a global competition run by Penguins International. There’s also Seth (the oldest male king penguin in Europe) along with Frank, Maggie, Lily and Bill.

Head keeper Alistair Keen said: “At Birdland, we are part of the European Endangered Species Programmes and I sit on the King Penguin Committee. We are committed to increasing the numbers and health of the endangered avian species.” He added, “The kings – which are the world’s second-largest species after Emperors – have been enjoying their new enclosure Penguin Shore since last summer when it reopened after an extensive redesign and renovation.”

There are daily keeper talks on penguins at Birdland and feeding displays take place at 11 am and 2.30 pm when visitors can find out more about the individual personalities of the penguins and how couples will often pair up for life.

Birdland & Jurassic Journey | www.birdland.co.uk | www.facebook.com/birdlandparkandgardens

A Pawfect Break

We want to enjoy a dog-friendly mini-moon in Gloucestershire with our four-legged friend! Can you suggest somewhere?

Meet the experts: From muddy dog walks through the countryside to blustering beach runs, who doesn’t love exploring the great outdoors with their dog in tow? Barnsley House, a PoB Hotel, is a luxury spa property located in Cirencester providing a charming option for country gent canines.

Guests of PoB Hotels, which also includes Gloucestershire-based Ellenborough Park in the portfolio, don’t need to leave their dogs at home, with a selection of the very best dog-friendly stays in-store; think beautiful private gardens, panoramic countryside views and perfectly packaged stays for guests and their canine companions. With a soothing spa, delicious dining, and a classically British country garden, Barnsley House is a picture-perfect haven located in the Cotswold village of Barnsley. Barnsley House is proud to welcome four-legged friends – dogs are welcome in a selection of the rooms, which come adorned with a welcome doggie pack, a dog bed and a bowl. Located in the Cotswold countryside, Barnsley House is surrounded by fantastic walks for furry friends to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. https://pobhotels.com/hotel/barnsley-house; www.facebook.com/PoBHotels; www.instagram.com/pobhotelsuk

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