Buxton has long been known as one of England’s great spa towns – a place where striking Georgian crescents and domes stand alongside manicured parks and sweeping views of the Peak District. Once favoured by high society, it is now enjoying a renaissance thanks to a multi-million-pound renovation of its most iconic landmark: Buxton Crescent Hotel.
This is the town’s only dedicated wellness hotel, a destination designed for spa breaks, indulgent weekends away or simply a day of restorative pampering. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Derbyshire’s rolling farmland, forests, and limestone plateaus, Buxton offers a perfect balance – outdoor adventure on your doorstep, followed by spa-soaked calm within the Crescent’s grand walls.
The Crescent itself has a fascinating story. Once two of Georgian England’s most fashionable hotels, it was a resting place for spa-seekers from across the country who came to bathe in Buxton’s celebrated thermal waters. Today, that spirit has been reimagined for the 21st-century traveller: a seamless blend of historic architecture and contemporary comfort.
The Spa is at the heart of the experience. Three pools tempt you in different moods: the indoor-outdoor rooftop pool with its whirlpools and skyline views; the tranquil relaxation pool beneath a ceiling of twinkling stars; and the beautifully restored Victorian thermal baths, complete with original tiles and stained-glass canopy, filled daily with Buxton’s mineral-rich spring water.
The heat experiences are equally enticing. There’s a Bio Sauna at a gentle 60°C for longer relaxation, an infrared sauna that warms the body from within, a traditional Finnish Sauna at a dry 90°C, plus steam rooms and an aroma room infused with calming scents. The Ice Fountain provides a bracing contrast – boosting circulation and leaving skin refreshed. For a softer unwind, there’s the serene Aroma Steam room or the spacious main Steam Bath.
Treatments here range from classic facials to holistic therapies. Salim opted for a Comfort Zone Aromasoul Body Scrub – a 50-minute ritual that left his skin glowing and his whole body deeply relaxed. I took the slower route: drifting between steam, sauna, and rooftop pool, lingering long enough to watch the rain fall while cocooned in the pool’s warmth.
We stayed in a Crescent Suite, complete with original fireplaces and sweeping views across the Buxton Slopes. The suite’s roll-top bath was irresistible, perfect for sinking into with a glass of champagne before a night in the four-poster king-sized bed. The atmosphere was indulgent, but not fussy – a reminder that luxury can still feel like home.
Dinner at 1789 Restaurant was a highlight. The setting is contemporary yet relaxed, the menu rooted in British classics with international flair. We started with prawns in garlic butter, shared a fillet steak with peppercorn sauce, garlic mushrooms and triple-cooked chips, alongside hot smoked salmon with a mini Caesar salad. Dessert was a gloriously rich sticky figgy pudding – leaving us pleasantly full.
Breakfast the next morning was equally impressive, with local breads, fruits, cheeses, and a full English for those who prefer heartier fare. The lounge and bar provide a stylish space for lighter bites, cocktails, or a nightcap by the fire (in the winter months), while the spa café offers wholesome salads and indulgent treats in a calm, robe-friendly setting.
The Verdict
Buxton Crescent Hotel is a rare find: steeped in history yet designed for modern indulgence. From world-class spa facilities to elegant dining and suites that invite lingering, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and wellbeing takes centre stage. After one night we left refreshed, restored, and already planning our return – perhaps next time for Sunday lunch.
“ Buxton Crescent Hotel is a rare find: steeped in history yet designed for modern indulgence.”
reception.buxtoncrescent@ensanahotels.com // +44 1298 808 999
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
