SOMETIMES you need to just kick back, relax, and unwind after a tough day.

While some like to read a book, go to the pub or just have a lie in, some people like to go to spas for the ultimate relaxation experience.

There are dozens of spas and health clubs scattered around Essex which offer a wide range of services.

But, with so many to choose from, how do you decide which one to go to?

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best spas in Essex.

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel – 

Located in Thorpe-le-Soken, the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel markets itself as an ‘adults-only oasis’ — the perfect place for some well-deserved pampering.

The award-winning spa offers a wide range of treatments from healing body therapies and wellbeing consultations to massages.

Facilities include a swimming pool, thermal spa area and Mediterranean restaurant.

The spa has also received more than 1,000 reviews which score it 4.2 stars out of five on google.

Bannatyne Health Club and Spa – Colchester

Bannatyne are one of the county’s lead spa, health club and gym providers in the UK.

Owned by Scottish Dragons Den entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne, the business owns and runs countless venues across Britain.

One such venue is located in Kingsford Park, Colchester.

This spa also sees itself as a health club, giving visitors the chance to relax but also improve their health.

The venue has large amounts of outdoor space as well as pools, massage rooms and restaurants.

It also has more than 500 reviews on google with four stars out of five.

Other Bannatyne venues can be found in Braintree, Chafford Hundred, Grays and another in Colchester.

Adonia Hammam Spa

For a unique experience, people can also visit Adonia Hammam Spa in Westcliff/

The spa is modelled on authentic Moroccan traditions and offers a fusion of ancient therapies and contemporary holistic treatments.

The spa also features steam rooms and tranquil baths.

The spa also has great reviews with five stars on google.

Stoke by Nayland Resort

This spa, which is based near Colchester, has a healthy 4.4 stars out of five on google after more than 1,400 reviews.

Unlike most spas, the resort features a golf course as well as pools, restaurants and an indoor gym facility.

Along with these four spas, there are a number of other Essex spas with great reviews for people to look up and visit.

These include –

  • Greenwoods Hotel and Spa, Ingatestone
  • Potters Resort, Five Lakes
  • Aqua Springs, Colchester
  • Orsett Hall, Grays
  • Prested Hall, Colchester
  • Roslin Retreat, Southend
  • Talbooth House Spa, Colchester