A New Forest Hotel has been named The Times and Sunday Times' Spa of the Year 2024. 

Lime Wood Hotel near Lyndhurst picked up the prestigious title in the first ever definitive list of the 50 best UK Spas. 

The retreat has been branded "a pioneer in the UK’s wellness scene" since its opening in 2009, with its forest-bathing-inspired design, innovative use of its rooftop for relaxation, and commitment to seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.

The guide says the Herb House continues to set the standard for excellence in spa experiences, offering everything from cold-water dunks and sound healing to ayurvedic treatments led by qualified practitioners.

Lime Wood Hotel also picked up Spa of the Year for the Southeast region.

Claire Irvin, Head of Travel of The Times and Sunday Times, said: "This inaugural edition of our 50 Best UK Spas guide builds on the ongoing success of our popular ‘Best Places to Stay’ and ‘Best Beaches’ lists.

"At The Times and Sunday Times, our award-winning travel team is dedicated to producing the most authoritative, meticulously researched, expert guides, and our new spa list reflects the growing importance of wellness in the UK.

"According to the Global Wellness Institute, the UK is now the world’s fastest-growing wellness market, with Brits spending an average of £2,500 a year on wellbeing and fitness. 

"Our guide celebrates the impressive depth and individuality of the UK’s spa offerings—places where readers can invest in their health and relaxation, from cutting-edge wellness retreats to tranquil countryside escapes. With this guide, we aim to offer a trusted resource for planning the ultimate rejuvenation getaway."

Susan d’Arcy, Hotel and Spa Expert at The Times and Sunday Times, added: “With the UK spa scene in such robust health, it’s the perfect time for us to launch a guide to the best places to experience it.

"Obviously, excellent treatments, knowledgeable therapists and results-driven skincare ranges are the non-negotiables for inclusion but we’ve also prioritised thoughtful design, comprehensive facilities and inventive health-focused cuisine.”

The guide divides the UK into ten regions: London, Southeast, Southwest, Central, East, Northwest, North and Northeast, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.