Review: The Elms Hotel and Spa, Abberley, near Herefordshire

In and around Herefordshire, we are fortunate to have quite a bit of choice for spa days and trips.

The Elms Hotel's Greenhouse Spa, based in Abberley, Worcestershire, not too far from the border between counties, was recently recognised as one of the UK's cosiest spas by Spa Seekers.

It's under an hour's drive from Hereford, so I decided to spend a Sunday afternoon there to see what it was like.

I'm a keen swimmer and I also love relaxing in spa pools and steam rooms, so I couldn't think of a better way to spend one of my weekends off. Also eager for a day of relaxation, my boyfriend Ryan joined me on the trip.

We shared a classic afternoon tea for our lunch in the hotel's restaurant before heading to the spa to settle in for the rest of the afternoon.

The spa is designed a tranquil space with a 13m swimming pool, indoor and outdoor spa pool, sauna and steam rooms.

The spa had a range of refreshments, like fruit-infused water and hot drinks. We kitted out in our matching white robes and slippers, with a glass of lemon water each, and made ourselves comfortable on one of the sofas next to the pool.

The spa really brings the outdoors into the indoor space and lived up to its name "the Greenhouse" with greenery and plants dotted around the room, and even gardening tools like forks and spades hanging from the walls.

The spa is decorated from top to bottom with greenery (Image: Adam Lynk)

I swam a few lengths but admittedly much of our time was spent chilling out in the spa pool and sauna. 

Undoubtedly, the Elms Hotel and Spa is worthy of the praise and acclaim it has received from Spa Seekers - and definitely warrants an hour's drive. 

You'd struggle to find a more tranquil and relaxing day - it is certainly one of the very best spas I've visited.

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Spa experiences start at a cost of £140 per person, and this includes a treatment.

I was invited to look around and experience the facilities and didn't try one of the treatments during this visit.

I'd love to return at some point to de-stress with one of the packages, and perhaps even enjoy an evening's stay at the hotel.