Set in the hills above Malvern, Worcestershire, The Cottage in the Wood has opened The Forest Spa, a new indoor-outdoor wellness space inspired by the region’s rich history as the birthplace of British wellness retreats.
In the 19th century, doctors James Wilson and James Gully pioneered the Malvern Wells Victorian Water Cure, using the area’s renowned spring water in hydropathy treatments. The movement attracted notable visitors including Florence Nightingale, Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin and Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Today, The Forest Spa reimagines this heritage for modern guests seeking to slow down, switch off and reconnect with nature. Located just a five-minute walk from Malvern’s historic Holy Well, the spa combines natural textures, calming interiors and outdoor relaxation spaces.
Facilities include a sauna, hot tub, cold-water plunge pool filled with local water, indoor relaxation room, garden with fire pit and treatment rooms offering massages. Guests can also experience Nordic Cycle Therapy, alternating between the sauna and cold plunge pool.
Complementing the spa experience, The Cottage in the Wood’s The Brasserie serves seasonal, best-of-British cuisine inspired by the surrounding landscape, creating a restorative countryside escape rooted in Malvern’s wellness heritage.
It will open for access to non-resident day visitors (locals) from 15th November. Spa access will be priced from £59 per person and include the use of the hot tub, indoor relaxation room, relaxation garden, sauna, and cold-water plunge pool together with a three-course set menu lunch in The Brasserie - or there is the option to swap the brasserie lunch for a luxurious afternoon tea with the non-resident package then priced at £60 per person.
Treatments can be purchased as an add-on and are currently available on Saturdays. You can view the treatment menu here.
