A boutique family-run luxury spa nestled in tranquil countryside near Melbourne that is “led from the heart” is ending 2025 on a high after winning a series of top awards – including an industry ‘Oscar’.
The Spa at Breedon Priory in the peaceful village of Wilson has been named “Best Spa in the East Midlands and East 2025” at the Good Spa Guide Awards – dubbed The Oscars of the industry and presented at a glittering ceremony in London.
Created on a former golf course, the spa with its thermal cabins, wellbeing suite, outdoor infinity and vitality pools, slumber lounge, exclusive Hideaway Retreat and top notch dining blew away judges from the Good Spa Guide.
The guide’s team of two judges spent a day at the spa, sampling the whole experience including its exclusive ‘Hideaway’ retreat and two course meal.
In making their decision, they said: “The Spa at Breedon Priory is a contemporary, no-expense-spared glass-fronted spa sunk into the landscape in peaceful Derbyshire. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook an impeccably landscaped garden and 24 acres of countryside in the charming village of Melbourne (not of Australia fame). Highly skilled therapists provide treatments from Temple Spa, Tribe 517 and Proverb; service is top class with a dedicated spa host attending to your every whim.”
They added: “The purpose-built spa has been exquisitely designed; every single detail has been considered: your shoulders will drop as soon as you step through the door.”
Still only four years old, this is the third year running the exclusive family-owned spa in Wilson has won the accolade, which sits alongside a host of other industry awards.
This month it has also been crowned with a Best Experience Award for its Spa Experience for Two in the Leicestershire Promotions Travel and Tourism Awards.
As well as that, it has been handed a top ‘Five Bubble Luxury’ rating by the Good Spa Guide and has also won Boutique Spa of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards, as well as a Traveller’s Choice Award on TripAdvisor.
The Spa at Breedon Priory is owned and run by Graham and Elaine Blunt with their daughter Sigourney Gates and her husband Tom.
Sigourney, who started out working at the neighbouring Breedon Priory Health Club – also owned by the family – said: “It’s testament to the hard work of every member of the family at The Spa at Breedon Priory that we have been named winners of the Best Spa in the East Midlands and East by the Good Spa Guide, and that we have kept up our high standards each year.
“Everything we do here at Breedon comes from the heart and I think that is what sets us apart.
“We have put our heart and soul into creating this beautiful retreat right here in the East Midlands, not just in the service we provide but in the local suppliers we use to provide everything from our high quality products to the food in our restaurant. It really is a family here and I think that is what comes across to our guests.”
The Spa at Breedon Priory has flourished since starting up and now employs 68 people. Local suppliers include Tori & Ben’s Farm Shop whose animals graze in fields just above the spa, along with Proverb skin care products whose founders are based in nearby Melbourne.
Built with a sustainable energy ethos, the spa has been fitted with its own water borehole and air source heat pump, and great efforts are made to reduce waste.
Spa director Kat Yeo said: “I think everybody who comes to visit us feels that warmth that comes from being family-run. Everybody here really cares. I think what sets us aside from bigger spas is that we are very much about the personal touch. We cater for everybody’s needs and wants.”
Guests at The Spa at Breedon Priory come as far as London to enjoy a luxury experience there, relaxing on loungers while admiring the surrounding countryside, ducks wandering around the lawn and checking out top features such as its Himalayan Salt Sauna, tropical rain shower and massage jets in the vitality pool.
This story was written and shared on behalf of The Spa at Breedon Priory by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
