What David Lloyd Has the Best Spa?
I cover which David Lloyd clubs have the best spa in 2026, the difference between general spa facilities and Spa Retreat, and the top picks.
Quick Answer
David Lloyd Chigwell is the most consistently praised spa across the David Lloyd estate, with a sauna, steam room, caldarium, salt room, ice room, plunge pool, large jacuzzi, and a high spec Spa Retreat. Member review aggregates give it a 4.2 average across hundreds of reviews, with the spa specifically called out as one of the best they have used anywhere.
Close behind sit Cambridge (Himalayan salt sauna and ice cave inside the Spa Retreat), Bushey (large Spa Retreat plus Spa Garden), and Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour (the only Super Tier flagship).
Every David Lloyd has some form of spa facility (sauna and steam at minimum), but only selected clubs have a full Spa Retreat.
What David Lloyd actually means by spa
The brand uses two different terms and they matter:
- Spa facilities (every club). Sauna, steam room, hydro pool, and similar wet area features shared with general gym members.
- Spa Retreat (selected clubs only). A separate, premium adult only zone with multiple sauna and steam experiences, relaxation rooms, treatment options, and quiet space. Usually Platinum members only at clubs that have it.
If someone says David Lloyd has a brilliant spa, they usually mean Spa Retreat.
The strongest Spa Retreats in 2026
- Chigwell. The most cited member favourite. Sauna, steam, caldarium, salt room, ice room, plunge pool, and a generously sized jacuzzi alongside the full Spa Retreat.
- Cambridge. Independent reviews highlight the Himalayan salt sauna, ice cave, and well integrated Spa Retreat as one of the strongest in East Anglia.
- Bushey. Premium Tier 2 club with a high spec Spa Retreat plus Spa Garden and a strong reputation among Home Counties members.
- Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour. The brand's only Super Tier club. Flagship pricing, flagship spa.
- Finchley and Beckenham. Tier 1 clubs with the full Spa Retreat template and ample relaxation space.
- Harlow. Opened December 18, 2025 with the latest 2025 generation Spa Retreat and Spa Garden built in.
What to look for in a David Lloyd spa
If you are picking a club mainly for the spa, the meaningful differences are:
- Number of thermal experiences. A great Spa Retreat has at least four: sauna, steam, caldarium or aroma room, salt or himalayan room, and a cold contrast (plunge or ice).
- Spa Garden. An outdoor hot tub, sauna, or relaxation area extends the experience year round.
- Adult only zone. The Spa Retreat is usually adult only, which protects the atmosphere.
- Treatment rooms. Some clubs run a fuller treatment menu with massage, facials, and ritual programmes.
- Membership tier needed. Spa Retreat is usually Platinum only at member clubs.
Can a non member use the David Lloyd spa?
Generally no. The Spa Retreat is Platinum members only at the clubs that have one. A guest brought in by a Platinum member usually cannot access Spa Retreat, only the standard spa area. Day pass holders almost never get Spa Retreat access.
FAQ
Which David Lloyd has the best Spa Retreat?
Chigwell is the most consistently cited member favourite, with Cambridge, Bushey, and Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour close behind.
Do all David Lloyd clubs have a Spa Retreat?
No. Spa Retreat is at selected clubs. Every club has at least some spa facilities (sauna and steam at minimum).
Is Spa Retreat included in Plus?
Usually no. Spa Retreat is normally a Platinum only facility at clubs that have one.
Can children use the Spa Retreat?
No. Spa Retreat is adult only.
How to choose which David Lloyd has the best spa for you
Asking what David Lloyd has the best spa is really three questions in one: which has the strongest thermal experience set, which has the best Spa Retreat atmosphere, and which delivers the best ratio of spa quality to monthly rate. Chigwell wins on facilities, Cambridge wins on the unique features (Himalayan salt sauna and ice cave), Bushey wins on Spa Garden integration, and Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour wins on overall flagship feel.
Use case shortlist
- Strongest thermal experience set: Chigwell.
- Unique signature features: Cambridge (Himalayan salt sauna, ice cave).
- Best Spa Garden integration: Bushey.
- Newest built in 2025 generation Spa Retreat: Harlow.
- Flagship overall experience: Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour.
If you are choosing a club mostly for the spa, tour at the time you will actually use it (typically Sunday evening or weekday lunch) rather than the busy weekend midday window. The Spa Retreat experience is materially better in quiet hours, and a tour that misses those hours can underrate a strong spa.
Whichever David Lloyd has the best spa for your routine, budget for Platinum: Spa Retreat is almost always a Platinum only facility, and Plus members at clubs with a Spa Retreat usually have to pay to upgrade if they want regular access.
Final word
If you want the best David Lloyd spa in 2026, start with Chigwell, then look at Cambridge, Bushey, Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour, Finchley, Beckenham, and the newly opened Harlow. Make sure the club you join has a full Spa Retreat and not just a standard sauna and steam area, and budget for Platinum if Spa Retreat is the whole reason you joined.