Manchester spa breaks: five great places to enjoy a spa day in 2022

Who doesn’t need a little pampering every now and then? Manchester is blessed with lots of options when it comes to spas, whether you simply want to unwind for the afternoon on a spa day with friends, or turn your beauty treatments into a weekend-long mini spa break.

There has been a spike in online searches for spa days and breaks since Christmas with more of us looking for a little treat to get through the dark January days - and one booking site, Spaseekers, says searches were up 250% in 2021.

From boutique city centre hotels to calming escapes away from the hustle and bustle, there is plenty to choose from - here are some of our favourites that we have enjoyed visiting.

Malmaison

Piccadilly, Manchester

This super-stylish city centre hotel couldn’t be handier for those wanting to stroll off the train and straight into the pamper zone.

But the chilled-out basement set up with a tranquil relaxation zone and massage chairs means it doesn’t take long to escape from the buzz of Piccadilly outside.

When we last visited, it was a mix of regulars popping in for a quick facial to couples having a night away with multiple treatments as part of one of Mal’s packages. We enjoyed a package with a light lunch in the restaurant, with great service and window seats perfect for people-watching.

And it’s great for mums to be or new mothers too, with a range of tailored therapies to tackle aching backs and tired eyes!

See here for more details.

The Lowry Hotel

Chapel Wharf, Salford

Expect an indulgent day out at this well-established spa which caters for hotel guests, members and day visitors.

The therapists when we visited were all super-professional, putting us at our ease and gently explaining the treatments, and the treatment rooms were a lovely little peaceful personal haven with soothing music and low lighting.

It’s hard to go wrong with the Classic package of two 25-minute treatments (the body scrub with hand massage nearly had me asleep!), fluffy robes and a glass of fizz for £85 (an although I didn’t bother checking out the gym, this is included too!)

See here for more information.

The Midland

Peter Street, Manchester

If you need a pool to help you truly unwind, this one is for you. The Midland’s Rena spa is in the city centre and its relaxation pool offers a beautiful waterfall-style fountain to help give tired shoulders a mini massage. You can also indulge in the spa’s thermal journey and steam away your cares in the sauna. The comfy beds in the relaxation area may have you nodding off before you make it back to the hotel’s bedrooms!

See here for more details.

Macdonald Manchester

off London Road, Manchester

A very short skip from the train station and you are ready to unwind (and not having to park in the city centre is an essential part of this in my book!)

With lovely Elemis treatments on offer, you can choose full or partial spa days, and you’re super centrally placed to enjoy a night on the town afterwards if you are staying over in one of the hotel’s comfy rooms. We managed to find a bargain discount deal for an overnight stay too at a quiet time - we’ll return to try the afternoon tea next time.

See here for more information.

Radison Blu

Manchester Airport

A spa day at the airport, you say? Yes this one is a bit of a curveball but we managed to get a great deal on a spa afternoon via a discount website so it was hard to say no.

The therapists were friendly and we enjoyed a double massage session, with a back massage followed by a head massage to really ensure every inch was relaxed. There is also a pool and a gym - why not treat yourself straight after a holiday to get over those post-vacation blues on landing?

See here for details.