For the third year in a row, the four-star Vale Resort in Hensol, South Wales, has been named Wales’ best resort spa by an international awards body that recognises excellence in tourism.

The Vale Spa, located in the four-star hotel and leisure venue in the Vale of Glamorgan, was named Wales’ Best Resort Spa 2019 at the fifth annual World Spa Awards.

The resort is no stranger to accolades and also retained its crown of Wales’ Best Golf Hotel 2019, completing a hat-trick of winning both awards three years running. Last year, it also featured inside the Lonely Planet’s first Wellness Escapes guide, a global list of the best places to experience total wellbeing and relaxation.

The ceremony was organised by the World Travel Awards to recognise the best in travel and leisure, which has been described by the Wall Street Journal as the “Oscars of the travel industry”. This year’s ceremony was held in the Armani Hotel Dubai, situated at Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest tower.

The Vale Spa fought off stiff competition from the Forum Spa at Celtic Manor and the Spa at Corran Resort to win the title again. Votes are cast by professionals working within the spa industry and by members of the public.

Stephanie Metson, marketing manager at the Vale Resort, said: “To have won this award not once, not twice, but three times, is testament to the hard work our entire team put in day in, day out.

“The World Travel Awards is recognised on a global scale and is an industrywide benchmark of quality, so to meet its high standards more than once demonstrates our commitment to offer the best quality service.

“We believe our spa, which is Wales’ largest, offers a warm welcome and access to plenty of bespoke relaxation spaces, in addition to indulgent treatments, and that sets us apart from other hotels with spa facilities.”

The Vale Spa has 19 treatment rooms and five bespoke relaxation zones. These include the “chill-out” zone with leather sofas and magazines, the “float” zone, with water beds and water feature, and the “slumber” zone, with low lighting and quilts. The resort’s spa and leisure facilities also include a 20-metre pool, whirlpool bath, steam room and sauna.

Ms Metson added: “We recently also announced a craft gin distillery which is opening very soon in the cellars of Hensol Castle. Spa goers who want to add a little something extra to their stay or day will be able to add on a tour of the distillery with tastings or even distil, bottle and take home their own bespoke bottle of gin – further evidence of how we continue to raise the standards and offer our clients something unique.”

Set in 650 acres of Welsh countryside, The Vale Resort is owned by the Leekes family and offers so much more than your average luxury hotel.

The resort includes a 143-bedroom hotel, 13-suite conference facility, restaurants and Champagne bar, award-winning golf courses, leisure and sports facilities, and the afore mentioned five-bubble spa.

It has retained its AA Rosette awards for its signature restaurant, the Vale Grill, for the last six years and has retained its Gold Award from Visit Wales.

The Vale Resort’s two championship golf courses have been host to a number of PGA and European golf tournaments over the years. The Wales National, at 7,433 yards off the championship tees, is one of the longest courses outside America. The Lake course, slightly shorter at 6,436 yards, is just as challenging, and aptly named with water coming into play on 12 of its holes.

By the start of the summer, a stylish refurbishment to its multi-award-winning spa will be undertaken, which will include treatment rooms and relaxation zones, as well as expanding the spa wet facilities for its guests.

So, if the kids are running you ragged, or work’s a bit of a slog, then a rejuvenating day or weekend at Wales’ Best Resort Spa is the perfect antidote. Its attentive therapists will ensure you leave feeling fabulous, with an array of tensionmelting spa treatments at your disposal and a warm South Wales welcome guaranteed to put you at ease.

This Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved one with an indulgent spa experience they won’t forget. Let your senses be infused with the fresh aromas of Sandalwood and rose.

Your indulgent spa day will include a 55-minute romantic candle lit massage treatment together in a double treatment suite. Choose either a blended sandalwood and bergamot essential oils massage to ease tension and restore calm or blended sweet rose and geranium essential oils massage to calm the mind, body and soul.

Valentine’s Spa Day packages also include full day access to the spa and use of its facilities, buffet lunch, glass of bubbly, robe, towel and slippers to use during your visit. Packages start from £170 per couple.

After being pampered, take a soak in the whirlpool bath, or unwind in the sauna and steam rooms. If you are feeling a little more energetic, why not take a plunge in the 20-metre pool?

Life moves at a gentler pace here – making it the perfect destination for couples seeking a relaxing weekend break, or just some time out. In fact, the biggest stress you’ll be faced with is deciding which spa treatment to go for first!

Hensol Park, Hensol CF72 8JY

01443 667800

www.valeresort.com