Some of the Best Spas and Hotel Spas in Hythe
The town itself might be delightfully dinky, but our Hythe spas go big when it comes to convenient, well-connected luxury. With London less than an hour away and Folkestone, Ashford and Dover practically on the doorstep, it’s the kind of place where you can squeeze a lot into one little getaway. Here are our standout spas in Hythe – and a few that lie just beyond…
- Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa: Perfect for those who love their R&R with lashings of Vitamin Sea, this large Victorian hotel wrote the book on blending old-world charm with contemporary seaside glamour. It sits right on Hythe beach and comes with its own nine-hole golf course, intimate spa, two restaurants and an ocean-view (and blissfully adults-only) Champagne bar.
- Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: About 13 miles from Hythe, This Grade II-listed beauty sits proudly on Dover’s seafront, blending Regency-era elegance with knockout views of the Channel. A no-expense-sparing refurbishment has brought its Waterfront Spa bang up to date, with seven treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and a peaceful relaxation room.
- Ashford International Hotel & Spa: Thought Ashford International was just a stopover on your way to somewhere a bit more Europe-y? Think again. This sleek four-star hotel is a fully fledged destination for serious switch-off time. Just 13 miles from Hythe and moments from the high-speed rail link, it boasts a huge health club with a heated indoor pool and thermal suite, plus a soothing spa offering Elemis rituals across six treatment rooms.
- Bannatyne Health Club & Spa Ashford: If the gym’s more your tonic, this high-spec spa and health club is just a 20-minute drive from the Hythe coast. It’s part of the iconic brand founded by Duncan Bannatyne, so expect a results-driven experience at its dedicated Elemis day spa. And, with a huge 20m swimming pool, two saunas, two Jacuzzis and a steam room, you won’t be playing musical chairs with the spa facilities, either.
- Champneys Eastwell Manor Spa Resort: Founded in 1925, Champneys is the UK’s original health spa brand, so you know your wellness is in good hands. Their first foray into the luxury hotel world (just a 25-minute drive from Hythe) will wow you with its multi-million-pound spa housed in the estate’s former Old Pavilion. It’s a total sanctuary featuring a 20-metre indoor pool, thermal experiences and 20 treatment rooms, plus a super-swish gym for those who like to stay active before they unwind.
What a Spa Day in Hythe Looks Like
Wondering what your dream Hythe spa day will look like in reality? While every package is different, choosing something like the Imperial Lover’s Pamper Day at the Hythe Imperial Hotel gives you the perfect balance of exploration and indulgence. Here’s how your day could unfold.
But first, sightseeing! Start your day with a wander through Hythe’s historic centre. Mooch along the High Street and soak up the charm of the timber-framed buildings. Pick up a flat white at local favourite Mit Milch Coffee, then take a scenic stroll along the banks of the Royal Military Canal.
Stop for a history lesson: Head back towards the coast to get your first glimpse of the imposing façade of the Hythe Imperial. Originally opened in 1880 and built to rival the grandest hotels in Europe, this Victorian landmark has stood guard over the Channel for nearly 150 years, surviving everything from wartime requisitioning to the Great Storm!
Check-in and unwind: Stop at the spa reception to pick up your fluffy robe, slippers and fresh towels. With two hours of full access to the leisure facilities stretching out ahead of you, there’s plenty of time for some laps of the 14m heated indoor pool. Lie back on a lounger or clear your head in the steam room and sauna – this is your moment to disconnect from the real world.
The main event: Next up: 75 minutes of dedicated treatment time. This isn’t a quick refresh – it’s a trio of rituals designed to leave you feeling properly renewed. Therapists use premium Caudalie products – and with £10 off any Caudalie purchase (min spend £30), you can take a little of that spa magic home with you.
Afternoon tea for two: Once you’re fully spa-fied, swap your robe for something smart-casual and head to the hotel’s elegant tea salon. Your day includes three tiers of delicate sandwiches, warm scones and patisserie. Menus change with the seasons, but expect plenty of innovative flavours among the classic concoctions. Make ours a brandy snap filled with lemon mascarpone, please!
The final flourish: You could just take a seaside stroll along the two-mile promenade right outside the hotel’s front door. But why not take a quick detour to the Champagne Bar for one last toast to the coast? However you choose to round off your day, you’ll leave Hythe feeling lighter, brighter and perfectly pampered.
How to Spend the Rest of Your Day in Hythe
Complement your Hythe spa escape with these interesting things to see and do, in and around the town.
- Port Lympne Reserve: Set in 600 acres, this safari park lets you see giraffes and rhinos against a backdrop of the English Channel. It’s less than a 10-minute drive from Hythe, but you’ll feel like you’re in another world entirely.
- Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway: For a hit of pure nostalgia, head to the world’s smallest public railway. These famous one-third-size steam engines chug from Hythe right across Romney Marsh.
- St Leonard’s Church & The Ossuary: For a dose of Hythe history that’s a little out of the ordinary, climb the hill to St Leonard’s. While the views over the town are stunning, the real draw is the Ossuary – a medieval crypt housing over 1,000 ancient skulls.
- Fisherman’s Beach: Head to the east end of the beach to watch the fishing boats being hauled up onto the shingle. You can even buy the morning’s catch directly from the seafood stalls – it doesn’t get fresher than that.
- The Royal Military Canal: This 28-mile waterway is lined with ancient trees and historical pillboxes. You can hire a rowing boat for a quiet hour on the water or simply follow the flat, grassy bank if you prefer dry land.
Feeling inspired? Book your ideal Hythe spa day or spa break with our easy-to-use online booking form. Or take a peek at our just-landed Kent spa deals, featuring fantastic discounts on a variety of spa days and relaxing getaways in the Garden of England.