Top 10 UK spa gardens: Herb House Spa at Lime Wood

Herb House Spa at Lime Wood

The Herb House Spa roof garden, or ‘Herbery’, is specially designed to reflect the location of the spa and its natural approach to wellbeing. Small, delicate herbs contrast with the majestic trees in the nearby forest. Its proximity to the forest and the rooftop position heavily influenced the planting, which is as unstructured as possible to ensure a natural visual flow from the Herbery.

“The rooftop Herbery isn’t just an aromatic backdrop for yoga, meditation and forest watching – its collection of herbs is extensive and all are selected for a reason,” says spa director Tammy Kenyon. “The aim was to create a comfortable, unfussy outside area – garden-rooms, if you like – that reflects the interior and continues our theme of using living herbs outside to compliment and extend the treatments and therapies received inside.”

Facilities include a Mud House, an outdoor hot pool and a giant forest sauna where guests can feel fully immersed in the woodland. Designed by Lime Wood group director David Elton, the garden complements the 2,044sqm spa, located across three floors.

Over time the roof has evolved into a multi-use space and is in effect a living third floor of the spa that continues to be enjoyed by members, guests and staff alike. All year round a multitude of activities take place from yoga to qi-gong, spinning to stretching, meetings to relaxation and a glass or two of fizz. The rooftop garden is an immersive experience of visual, smell, touch and texture.

SPA STATISTICS

Herb House Spa at Lime Woodwww.limewoodhotel.co.uk/spa/ roof-garden Instagram @limewoodhotel Garden product partners Barr+Wray, KLAFS