The Rise of the Group Spa Experiences: Why Wellness Is Better

There’s been a recent rise in the so-called ‘social’ wellness, where you share your wellness journeys with friends and it’s not hard to understand why. Group spa experiences not only offer the time to reconnect with others, but they also give an opportunity to uplift and inspire one another, whilst rewarding you with that relaxation time you’ve been craving for.

Let’s face it, time is limited in this face-paced world we live in. We’re juggling work commitments, family commitments and life admin. Our friendships and our own individual wellness usually feature last on the list. So, to mix the two elements –
friends and wellness – it’s the perfect combination and what a better way to fulfil it with group spa breaks in the rolling North Devon countryside!

What Makes a Great Group Spa Day?

The Guest List

Research shows we thrive better in groups, where we can obtain emotional and motivational support from others; with in-person connections also reducing stress and anxiety and therefore highlighting the need for that group spa day you’ve been
longing for! Whether it’s time away with University friends, a family catch-up, a hen party or a Mum’s retreat, the right company is key for making a truly memorable wellness experience.

Smooth Planning

Group spa experiences are only made possible when you plan! Gathering a group of friends is the easy bit, but finding a date to suit everyone can sometimes be a hard task.

Once you know who your final few are and the date’s in the diary, the spa booking process should be smooth and fluid, which shows you’ve found a good spa! Booking your group spa day online is the quickest and most efficient way. Confirmation should be quick and sent via email with details of your day, directions to the spa, cancellation policy and arrival times all listed. Northcote Manor’s spa days and breaks can all be booked online but there’s always someone on the end of the phone to assist with any questions you may have.

Excellent Facilities

When it comes to researching a great group spa day, facilities should be at the top of the list!

Have you thought of the following:

• Is there an extensive treatment list to choose from?
• Does the spa use quality products for their treatments?
• Is there a thermal pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub to reinvigorate your
  senses?
• Is there a communal area for your friends to gather to decompress the mental
  load?
• Is there a reputable restaurant on site to enjoy a spa lunch or afternoon tea?
• Is the spa unique and personable?
• Can you add on an overnight stay if you wish create a spa break?

Luckily Northcote Manor can assist you with providing an excellent array of facilities in order to make your trip one of the best group spa experiences you’ve been to! With it’s 12.5 metre indoor pool, thermal suite, hot tub and gym you have everything you need to unwind and rejuvenate. Complimentary bathrobes and towels are received on arrival to the spa for your ultimate comfort. What’s more, Northcote’s two AA restaurant means that you have the chance to indulge in a selection of culinary delights produced by Head Chef Richie Herks and his team.

Hospitality

Finding the right hospitality to match the spa can sometimes be challenging. It’s not just about giving a service, it’s about the art of delivering the service… a sense of generosity and kindness that comes naturally. Spa staff should be friendly, well trained, helpful and sensitive to your needs during your visit. Staff should be on hand to offer any advice and to recommend the right treatments or products to suit your needs.

Staff at Northcote Manor pride themselves in delivering exceptional hospitality in a non-intrusive way. Their excellent standards of guest care and customer service levels were recognised in a recent accolade awarded to them by the AA, as one of their Recommended Spas in 2025.

Natural Surroundings

Although most of your spa day will be spent relaxing indoors by the pool, it’s an added bonus to find a spa that is surrounded by rolling English countryside. Northcote Manor in Umberleigh is located within close proximity to Exmoor and the dramatic North Devon coastline. This not only gives you a picturesque outlook from the communal courtyard to enjoy with your friends, it also offers you the chance to top up your wellness bank even further, as we all know the link between nature and mental wellbeing is hugely beneficial. Perhaps you wish to meet for a group walk to catch up before you delve into the jacuzzi?