Dry spa · Treatments and relaxation
Dry spa explained: treatment rooms, relaxation lounges and what you are actually paying for
The dry spa is the half of a club spa with a price list: massage, facials, body treatments, relaxation rooms and, increasingly, sleep pods and IV lounges. What each is, what it should cost inside a club, and the difference between a treatment that works and a nice hour.
Updated September 2026 · Facilities and prices are illustrative and need verification
The dry spa menu, decoded
| Treatment | Typical club price | Duration | What it is for | Evidence for benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports / deep tissue massage | £70 to £110 | 50 to 60 min | Muscle tension, recovery, range of motion | Moderate for soreness and short-term mobility |
| Swedish / relaxation massage | £65 to £100 | 50 to 60 min | Stress, sleep, general wellbeing | Moderate for anxiety and perceived stress |
| Facial (Elemis, ESPA, etc.) | £75 to £140 | 50 to 75 min | Skin hydration and appearance | Weak beyond short-term hydration |
| Body wrap / scrub | £70 to £120 | 45 to 60 min | Exfoliation, relaxation | Cosmetic |
| Hot stone massage | £85 to £130 | 60 to 75 min | Deep relaxation | As massage |
| Physiotherapy (in-club) | £60 to £95 | 30 to 45 min | Injury assessment and rehab | Strong when clinically indicated |
| Relaxation lounge / sleep pod | Included or £10 to £25 | Open-ended | Rest between heat cycles, naps | Rest works |
| IV vitamin drip | £150 to £350 | 45 min | Marketed for energy and immunity | None for healthy adults |
Prices are typical UK club spa list prices, September 2026, and vary by city and brand partner. Verify before quoting.
What a club dry spa is
Treatment rooms staffed by therapists, usually under a product brand partnership (Elemis at Bannatyne, ESPA at some David Lloyd and Third Space clubs), plus relaxation space and a reception that also sells the products. It runs as a separate business inside the club, which is why it has its own prices, its own booking system and, often, its own quality.
Where the value is
Sports massage and in-club physiotherapy are the treatments with real evidence and real utility for people who train. A monthly deep-tissue session at member rates is a defensible line in a fitness budget. Facials and wraps are a pleasure purchase; enjoy them as one.
Where it is not
IV drips, oxygen bars and most of the longevity menu that has migrated into club spas. Healthy people absorb vitamins perfectly well by mouth. Our recovery tech guide (not yet available) goes through the newer kit one by one.
Member rates and bundles
Most clubs discount treatments 10 to 20 percent for members and sell course bundles. Some tiers include a monthly treatment. If you will use it, that can close the gap with a cheaper club; if you will not, it is a reason not to pay for the tier. See club spa treatments compared.
FAQs
Common questions
What is the difference between a wet spa and a dry spa?
Wet spa: pools, sauna, steam, plunge, anything with water or heat you sit in, usually included in membership. Dry spa: treatments and relaxation rooms, usually paid per visit.
Are spa treatments cheaper for members?
Typically 10 to 20 percent off list price, with further discounts on courses. Some premium tiers include a set number of treatments per month.
Is a sports massage worth it?
For people training regularly, the evidence supports reduced soreness and improved short-term range of motion. It does not replace mobility work or good programming.