Quick Answer
It depends on who signs you in. A guest pass brought in by a Platinum member usually gives the guest the same access the member has, which includes Spa Retreat. A guest pass brought in by a Plus or Club member does not include Spa Retreat, because that member does not have access either.
The Spa Retreat is a Platinum tier facility at the clubs where it is rolled out. Access is tied to the host member's package, not to the guest themselves.
Some clubs also restrict guest access to Spa Retreat during peak hours or at weekends, even when the host is Platinum. Always confirm with reception before booking.
How the guest pass tier inheritance works
| Host member package | Guest access to Spa Retreat |
|---|---|
| Platinum | Yes, where the club has a Spa Retreat and capacity allows |
| Plus | No, Spa Retreat is not included in Plus |
| Club (off peak) | No, and the guest visit must also fall in off peak hours |
| Corporate | Depends on the underlying package the employer bought |
Spa Retreat is the quiet adults focused wellness zone, typically including a thermal suite, hydro features, and relaxation lounges. It is the headline reason people pay the Platinum premium, which is why it is gated.
Which clubs even have a Spa Retreat?
Most Super Tier, Tier 1, and Tier 2 clubs have a Spa Retreat rolled out by 2026. Tier 3 and Tier 4 sites have been added gradually. A handful of smaller Tier 5 to Tier 7 clubs still run a more basic sauna and steam setup rather than the full Spa Retreat concept.
If the club you want to visit does not have a Spa Retreat at all, the guest pass question is moot. Sauna, steam, and the hot tub are usually open to any guest of any package, subject to capacity.
How to bring a guest to the spa
- Confirm the member's package. Only Platinum guests get the spa.
- Call the club. Ask about Spa Retreat access for guests at the times you plan to visit, and whether they accept guest spa bookings on a weekend.
- Bring photo ID and swimwear. A robe is provided at most Spa Retreat sites.
- Use the member's guest allowance. Platinum members typically get a small monthly guest allocation. After that, guest visits move to a paid rate.
- Respect the adults only rule. Spa Retreat is normally over 16s.
Alternatives if your host is not Platinum
- Day pass. A walk in day pass gets you sauna, steam, and hot tub but not Spa Retreat, even if you pay.
- Spa Day package. Many Platinum clubs sell stand alone Spa Day experiences open to non members, which do include Spa Retreat access plus treatments.
- Trial visit. If you are seriously considering joining at Platinum level, a Membership Consultant can usually walk you through Spa Retreat as part of a sales tour.
What is included once you are in the spa
- Thermal suite with sauna, steam, and aroma rooms.
- Hydro pool and experience showers at most sites.
- Heated loungers and a quiet relaxation lounge.
- Robe and towel service at the more premium clubs.
- Optional paid treatments at the on site spa menu.
FAQ
Can my friend use the David Lloyd spa as my guest?
Only if you are a Platinum member at a club that has a Spa Retreat, and the club is allowing guest spa bookings at that time.
Does the day pass include Spa Retreat?
No. Sauna and steam yes, Spa Retreat no.
Is there a guest spa fee?
Often yes, especially after the Platinum host has used their free monthly allowance.
Can children use the spa as guests?
No. Spa Retreat is adults only at almost every UK site.
Related reading
More context on Spa Retreat days
Two practical patterns: Sunday afternoon and Friday evening are the busiest Spa Retreat slots at most clubs, so guest spa visits are more likely to be refused there. Mid week mornings and early afternoons are the easiest windows. Booking 24 to 48 hours ahead, even informally by phone, is enough to confirm.
Where a club runs Spa Days as a paid product for non members, those packages are the easiest spa route if you have no Platinum host. They typically include Spa Retreat access, robe and towel, and a light lunch in the Clubroom, and they are bookable online or through the club spa team directly.
Final word
A David Lloyd guest pass can use the spa, but only when the host is a Platinum member at a Spa Retreat club. For Plus or Club hosts, the spa stays off limits. If the spa is the whole reason for the visit, plan around a Platinum host or look at a paid Spa Day instead.
