Lake District Wellness Stay: Lakeside Hotel on Windermere with Elemis Spa

The hotel's position is the main thing going for it: it sits directly on the southern shore of Lake Windermere, and the gardens lead down to the water. Rooms look either over the lake or over the gardens. There are five room types: Lake View Suite (sleeps 3), Lake View Terrace (sleeps 2), Lake View Double (sleeps 2), Superior Classic Double (sleeps 2) and Garden View Room (sleeps 2). Breakfast is included with the room, and you can eat in any of the dining spots on site.

The Elemis spa is where the treatments happen. Facials, body wraps and massages are on the menu, and therapists adjust what they do based on what you ask for. If the weather is good, there is an outdoor spa garden where you can sit afterwards with a drink. A spa day starts with tea or coffee, orange juice and pastries, then you can walk the gardens, swim in the lake if you're up for it, or use the indoor heated pool and look out at the fells while you swim.

Food is spread across four options. Lakeview Restaurant is the formal one, with a head chef cooking seasonal and locally sourced dishes. John Ruskin's Brasserie is the relaxed one, and it's dog-friendly. The Muddy Boot is a small pub with oak panelling and a log fire — good for a pint after a walk. Afternoon tea is served looking out at Gummers How. There are vegetarian and vegan options across the menus, and room service is available.

This is a hotel break rather than a retreat with a programme. You won't find scheduled yoga classes, guided hikes or group meals. What you get instead is the lake on your doorstep, a spa, a pool, and the freedom to do as much or as little as you want. If you're after structure and a group to train with, this isn't that.

Getting there: Newby Bridge is at the southern end of Windermere, around 15 minutes from Windermere town and roughly 30 minutes from Kendal. It's reachable by car, and there are boat experiences operating on the lake. The hotel also runs offers and breaks through the year, so it's worth checking what's on before you book.

What's included

- Overnight accommodation in your chosen room - Breakfast - Access to the indoor heated pool - Access to the spa garden - Access to the gardens running down to Lake Windermere

What's not included

- Spa days and Elemis treatments - Lunch and dinner - Afternoon tea - Drinks - Room service - Travel to and from the hotel - Travel insurance - Boat experiences