Historic spa hotel's new retreat couples outdoor adventure with thermal bathing

Buxton Crescent, one of the UK’s first spa hotels, has launched a three-night retreat blending nature immersion, hiking and thermal bathing.

Featuring two private hikes and three spa treatments, the Achieve Peak Health in the Peak District programme is designed to make the most of Northern England’s picturesque yet hilly Peak District National Park and the town’s natural mineral waters.

Buxton’s thermal history originates from Roman times thanks to the warm-water springs beneath the hotel, which are directly piped into the hotel's spa.

As part of the schedule, Buxton Crescent has partnered with local hiking operator MyGuidedWalks to offer tailored hikes – ranging between three to 12 miles long.

All hikes are accompanied by experienced guide Paul Smith who contacts guests prior to their visit to discuss interests, fitness and previous walking experience to create a programme of customised walks showcasing the Peak District's natural beauty.

Following an active day outdoors, guests reap the benefits of Buxton water’s therapeutic qualities to aid recovery, with rituals including the Therapeutic Thermal Mud Pack.

This treatment incorporates Hungarian mud sourced from Heviz claimed to be packed with minerals. After being heated to 40 degrees, guests apply the mud to warm and soothe their muscles while relieving aching joints.

Retreat attendees also receive an Underwater Jet Massage with alternating water pressure to target tension in muscles and promote a feeling of weightlessness.

The package is completed with a CO2 Infusion Mineral Bath, which harnesses Buxton’s thermal mineral water alongside CO2 to enhance microcirculation to help lower blood pressure.

In addition, guests can spend their downtime in the spa’s indoor-outdoor rooftop pool, a thermal pool – a fully refurbished Victorian pool filled with mineral water which is heated and left chemically untreated – as well as a relaxation pool with an atmospheric dark ceiling pierced with shafts of light.

The programme has a starting cost of £650 (US$877, €775) per person, based on a three-night stay in an Attic Room for two people on a dinner and B&B basis.

More about Buxton Crescent

Opened in 2020, Buxton Crescent is the first UK property in European health spa brand Ensana Hotels’ international portfolio.

The hotel spa is home to a salt cave, bio-sauna, steamroom, infra-red sauna, ice fountain, Finnish sauna and gym, as well as eight treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite – some of which are completed with original stained-glass windows.