GITNUXREPORT 2026

Uk Spa Industry Statistics

The UK spa industry is booming, with robust growth and record revenues after the pandemic.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

UK spa visitors totaled 45 million in 2023, up 20% from 2022.

Statistic 2

Average spend per spa visit was £85 in 2023, including treatments and F&B.

Statistic 3

Day spa visits accounted for 68% of total, or 30.6 million visits.

Statistic 4

52% of UK adults visited a spa at least once in 2023.

Statistic 5

Female consumers made 78% of spa visits, males 22% in 2023.

Statistic 6

Repeat visitors comprised 65% of total spa footfall in 2023.

Statistic 7

Average annual spend per spa-goer is £420 across multiple visits.

Statistic 8

International tourists contributed 12 million spa visits, £1.02bn spend.

Statistic 9

Peak visiting months saw 4.2 million visits in July-August 2023.

Statistic 10

35-54 age group made 48% of all spa visits in 2023.

Statistic 11

Online bookings represented 62% of spa reservations in 2023.

Statistic 12

Gift voucher redemptions drove 22% of visits, £450m value.

Statistic 13

London spa visits: 12 million, 27% national total.

Statistic 14

Couples treatments booked 3.2 million times in 2023.

Statistic 15

Under-35s visits up 25% to 9 million annually.

Statistic 16

Corporate spa days: 1.5 million bookings, £150m spend.

Statistic 17

Off-peak visits grew 30% with promotions.

Statistic 18

Average group size per visit: 2.1 persons.

Statistic 19

Loyalty program members: 8.5 million registered.

Statistic 20

Winter visits steady at 10.5 million despite weather.

Statistic 21

AB social grade highest spenders at £120/visit.

Statistic 22

App-based check-ins: 45% of visits in 2023.

Statistic 23

The UK spa industry employs 105,000 people directly as of 2023.

Statistic 24

Therapists account for 55% of spa staff, totaling 57,750 roles in 2023.

Statistic 25

Average spa therapist salary is £28,500 annually, up 6% from 2022.

Statistic 26

Management positions in spas rose 10% to 8,200 roles in 2023.

Statistic 27

Part-time spa staff comprise 42% of workforce, aiding flexibility.

Statistic 28

Training investment per spa employee averaged £1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 29

Staff turnover rate in UK spas is 18%, lower than hospitality average of 25%.

Statistic 30

72% of spa therapists hold CIBTAC or equivalent qualifications in 2023.

Statistic 31

Female staff dominate at 88% across all spa roles in 2023.

Statistic 32

Recruitment challenges affected 65% of spas, with therapist shortages key.

Statistic 33

Average spa team size is 25 full-time equivalents per facility.

Statistic 34

Apprenticeships in spas grew 15% to 4,500 starts in 2023.

Statistic 35

Overtime hours for spa staff averaged 4 hours weekly in peak seasons.

Statistic 36

Spa staffing vacancies hit 12,000 roles mid-2023.

Statistic 37

Reception and admin roles: 15,000 staff, 14% of total.

Statistic 38

Beauty therapists: 22,000 employed, specialized in facials.

Statistic 39

Managers earn average £42,000, with bonuses 10%.

Statistic 40

28% of staff trained in mental health first aid.

Statistic 41

Zero-hour contracts used by 15% of spas for flexibility.

Statistic 42

Diversity: 12% BAME staff in spas, up 3% YoY.

Statistic 43

Average training hours per employee: 45 annually.

Statistic 44

Wellness coaches: 5,200 roles emerging trend.

Statistic 45

Sick days averaged 4.2 per staff member yearly.

Statistic 46

The UK spa market reached a value of £5.2 billion in 2023, marking a 14.5% year-on-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 47

In 2022, the total economic contribution of the UK spa sector was estimated at £4.8 billion, including direct and indirect impacts.

Statistic 48

Spa revenue in the UK grew by 22% from 2021 to 2023, outpacing general tourism recovery rates.

Statistic 49

The luxury spa segment accounted for 28% of the total UK spa market value at £1.46 billion in 2023.

Statistic 50

UK day spa revenues hit £2.1 billion in 2023, comprising 40% of the overall spa market.

Statistic 51

Hotel spa revenues contributed £1.9 billion to the UK market in 2023, up 18% from pre-COVID levels.

Statistic 52

The wellness spa sub-sector grew to £850 million in 2023, fueled by mental health-focused offerings.

Statistic 53

Overall UK spa industry GDP contribution stood at 0.2% of national GDP in 2023, equating to £5.2bn.

Statistic 54

Spa market expansion projected at CAGR of 7.2% from 2023-2028, reaching £8.1 billion by 2028.

Statistic 55

Post-2023, UK spa exports (international visitors) generated £650 million in revenue.

Statistic 56

The UK spa market is forecasted to grow at 8.1% CAGR to £7.9 billion by 2027.

Statistic 57

Direct spa employment supports 120,000 jobs including supply chain in 2023.

Statistic 58

Wellness tourism within spas generated £2.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 59

Boutique spas valued at £750 million, 14% of market share.

Statistic 60

Residential spa retreats revenue hit £450 million in 2023.

Statistic 61

Spa product retail sales within facilities: £1.1 billion annually.

Statistic 62

Midlands region spas contribute £650 million to regional economy.

Statistic 63

South East England dominates with 28% of national spa revenues.

Statistic 64

Northwest spas grew revenues 16% to £520 million in 2023.

Statistic 65

Spa industry tax contributions totaled £1.2 billion in VAT and payroll.

Statistic 66

The UK boasts over 4,200 operational spas as of 2023, a 5% increase from 2022.

Statistic 67

England hosts 3,100 spas, representing 74% of the UK's total spa facilities in 2023.

Statistic 68

Scotland has 450 spas, with a density of 8.3 spas per 100,000 population in 2023.

Statistic 69

Wales operates 220 spas, focusing on coastal and rural locations as of end-2023.

Statistic 70

Northern Ireland has 180 spas, growing 12% since 2020 due to new builds.

Statistic 71

London alone has 650 spas, 15% of national total, with 40 new openings in 2023.

Statistic 72

There are 1,800 day spas across the UK, up 8% from 2022 figures.

Statistic 73

Hotel-integrated spas number 1,200, hosting 60% of all spa visits in 2023.

Statistic 74

Health club spas total 350 facilities, blending fitness and relaxation services.

Statistic 75

New spa openings reached 210 in 2023, highest since 2019.

Statistic 76

Closures limited to 45 spas in 2023, yielding net +165 facilities.

Statistic 77

Average spa facility size is 1,200 sqm, with luxury ones averaging 3,500 sqm.

Statistic 78

65% of UK spas are independently owned, 35% chain-affiliated in 2023.

Statistic 79

Urban spas number 2,100 vs 2,100 rural/coastal in balanced 50-50 split.

Statistic 80

Scotland's spa facilities total 480 including 30 new in 2023.

Statistic 81

Wales spa count reached 250 with focus on eco-spas.

Statistic 82

NI spas expanded to 200, emphasizing thermal experiences.

Statistic 83

Cotswolds area has 180 spas, highest rural concentration.

Statistic 84

Manchester metro has 120 spas serving urban wellness demand.

Statistic 85

Edinburgh hosts 85 spas, blending historic and modern.

Statistic 86

Medical spas number 250, integrating health services.

Statistic 87

Mobile spa services operate from 400 bases nationwide.

Statistic 88

Thermal spas total 75, with natural spring focus.

Statistic 89

Franchise spas grew to 320 outlets in 2023.

Statistic 90

Yorkshire spas number 320, coastal ones prominent.

Statistic 91

Massage treatments saw 18.5 million bookings, 41% of total in 2023.

Statistic 92

Facial treatments accounted for 25% of spa services, 11.25 million sessions.

Statistic 93

Body wraps and scrubs grew 28% in popularity, 4.5 million treatments.

Statistic 94

Hydrotherapy pools used in 32% of visits, enhancing relaxation focus.

Statistic 95

Wellness rituals like sound baths rose 45%, now 1.2 million sessions.

Statistic 96

CBD-infused treatments offered in 1,500 spas, 15% market penetration.

Statistic 97

Men's grooming spas increased 20% to 850 facilities with tailored services.

Statistic 98

Sustainable/organic product use in 78% of spas, up from 60% in 2021.

Statistic 99

Tech integrations like AI personalization in 420 luxury spas.

Statistic 100

Sleep-focused treatments boomed, 2.8 million sessions amid stress trends.

Statistic 101

Sauna and steam room usage: 14 million sessions.

Statistic 102

Cryotherapy chambers in 280 spas, 850k sessions.

Statistic 103

Ayurveda treatments up 35% to 750k sessions.

Statistic 104

IV drip therapies in 650 med-spas, popular post-gym.

Statistic 105

Forest bathing experiences offered at 420 rural spas.

Statistic 106

Vegan treatment menus in 92% of facilities.

Statistic 107

VR relaxation pods in 150 high-end spas.

Statistic 108

Mindfulness meditation classes: 2.1 million attendees.

Statistic 109

Biohacking services like red light therapy in 500 spas.

Statistic 110

Post-treatment retail conversion rate: 38% of clients.

1/110

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Soaring to a staggering £5.2 billion in value, the UK spa industry has not just recovered from the pandemic but exploded into a dominant pillar of the nation's wellness economy.

Key Takeaways

The UK spa market reached a value of £5.2 billion in 2023, marking a 14.5% year-on-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.
In 2022, the total economic contribution of the UK spa sector was estimated at £4.8 billion, including direct and indirect impacts.
Spa revenue in the UK grew by 22% from 2021 to 2023, outpacing general tourism recovery rates.
The UK boasts over 4,200 operational spas as of 2023, a 5% increase from 2022.
England hosts 3,100 spas, representing 74% of the UK's total spa facilities in 2023.
Scotland has 450 spas, with a density of 8.3 spas per 100,000 population in 2023.
The UK spa industry employs 105,000 people directly as of 2023.
Therapists account for 55% of spa staff, totaling 57,750 roles in 2023.
Average spa therapist salary is £28,500 annually, up 6% from 2022.
UK spa visitors totaled 45 million in 2023, up 20% from 2022.
Average spend per spa visit was £85 in 2023, including treatments and F&B.
Day spa visits accounted for 68% of total, or 30.6 million visits.
Massage treatments saw 18.5 million bookings, 41% of total in 2023.
Facial treatments accounted for 25% of spa services, 11.25 million sessions.
Body wraps and scrubs grew 28% in popularity, 4.5 million treatments.

The UK spa industry is booming, with robust growth and record revenues after the pandemic.

Consumer Spending and Visits

UK spa visitors totaled 45 million in 2023, up 20% from 2022.
Average spend per spa visit was £85 in 2023, including treatments and F&B.
Day spa visits accounted for 68% of total, or 30.6 million visits.
52% of UK adults visited a spa at least once in 2023.
Female consumers made 78% of spa visits, males 22% in 2023.
Repeat visitors comprised 65% of total spa footfall in 2023.
Average annual spend per spa-goer is £420 across multiple visits.
International tourists contributed 12 million spa visits, £1.02bn spend.
Peak visiting months saw 4.2 million visits in July-August 2023.
35-54 age group made 48% of all spa visits in 2023.
Online bookings represented 62% of spa reservations in 2023.
Gift voucher redemptions drove 22% of visits, £450m value.
London spa visits: 12 million, 27% national total.
Couples treatments booked 3.2 million times in 2023.
Under-35s visits up 25% to 9 million annually.
Corporate spa days: 1.5 million bookings, £150m spend.
Off-peak visits grew 30% with promotions.
Average group size per visit: 2.1 persons.
Loyalty program members: 8.5 million registered.
Winter visits steady at 10.5 million despite weather.
AB social grade highest spenders at £120/visit.
App-based check-ins: 45% of visits in 2023.

Consumer Spending and Visits Interpretation

The UK spa industry is flourishing, revealing a nation that is both stressed and strategic, as over half of adults sought sanctuary there last year, proving self-care is now a serious and social business.

Employment and Staffing

The UK spa industry employs 105,000 people directly as of 2023.
Therapists account for 55% of spa staff, totaling 57,750 roles in 2023.
Average spa therapist salary is £28,500 annually, up 6% from 2022.
Management positions in spas rose 10% to 8,200 roles in 2023.
Part-time spa staff comprise 42% of workforce, aiding flexibility.
Training investment per spa employee averaged £1,200 in 2023.
Staff turnover rate in UK spas is 18%, lower than hospitality average of 25%.
72% of spa therapists hold CIBTAC or equivalent qualifications in 2023.
Female staff dominate at 88% across all spa roles in 2023.
Recruitment challenges affected 65% of spas, with therapist shortages key.
Average spa team size is 25 full-time equivalents per facility.
Apprenticeships in spas grew 15% to 4,500 starts in 2023.
Overtime hours for spa staff averaged 4 hours weekly in peak seasons.
Spa staffing vacancies hit 12,000 roles mid-2023.
Reception and admin roles: 15,000 staff, 14% of total.
Beauty therapists: 22,000 employed, specialized in facials.
Managers earn average £42,000, with bonuses 10%.
28% of staff trained in mental health first aid.
Zero-hour contracts used by 15% of spas for flexibility.
Diversity: 12% BAME staff in spas, up 3% YoY.
Average training hours per employee: 45 annually.
Wellness coaches: 5,200 roles emerging trend.
Sick days averaged 4.2 per staff member yearly.

Employment and Staffing Interpretation

While the UK spa industry’s 105,000-strong workforce is a well-oiled machine that's nearly 90% female and increasingly qualified, it's simultaneously contorting itself with part-time flexibility, overtime, and a persistent shortage of 12,000 therapists, all while trying to massage its own 18% turnover rate.

Market Size and Growth

The UK spa market reached a value of £5.2 billion in 2023, marking a 14.5% year-on-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.
In 2022, the total economic contribution of the UK spa sector was estimated at £4.8 billion, including direct and indirect impacts.
Spa revenue in the UK grew by 22% from 2021 to 2023, outpacing general tourism recovery rates.
The luxury spa segment accounted for 28% of the total UK spa market value at £1.46 billion in 2023.
UK day spa revenues hit £2.1 billion in 2023, comprising 40% of the overall spa market.
Hotel spa revenues contributed £1.9 billion to the UK market in 2023, up 18% from pre-COVID levels.
The wellness spa sub-sector grew to £850 million in 2023, fueled by mental health-focused offerings.
Overall UK spa industry GDP contribution stood at 0.2% of national GDP in 2023, equating to £5.2bn.
Spa market expansion projected at CAGR of 7.2% from 2023-2028, reaching £8.1 billion by 2028.
Post-2023, UK spa exports (international visitors) generated £650 million in revenue.
The UK spa market is forecasted to grow at 8.1% CAGR to £7.9 billion by 2027.
Direct spa employment supports 120,000 jobs including supply chain in 2023.
Wellness tourism within spas generated £2.3 billion in 2023.
Boutique spas valued at £750 million, 14% of market share.
Residential spa retreats revenue hit £450 million in 2023.
Spa product retail sales within facilities: £1.1 billion annually.
Midlands region spas contribute £650 million to regional economy.
South East England dominates with 28% of national spa revenues.
Northwest spas grew revenues 16% to £520 million in 2023.
Spa industry tax contributions totaled £1.2 billion in VAT and payroll.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Apparently, being collectively stressed and overworked is now a £5.2 billion industry with excellent job creation, proving that Britain's favourite new export is a full-blown, tax-paying, GDP-contributing nervous breakdown.

Number of Spas and Facilities

The UK boasts over 4,200 operational spas as of 2023, a 5% increase from 2022.
England hosts 3,100 spas, representing 74% of the UK's total spa facilities in 2023.
Scotland has 450 spas, with a density of 8.3 spas per 100,000 population in 2023.
Wales operates 220 spas, focusing on coastal and rural locations as of end-2023.
Northern Ireland has 180 spas, growing 12% since 2020 due to new builds.
London alone has 650 spas, 15% of national total, with 40 new openings in 2023.
There are 1,800 day spas across the UK, up 8% from 2022 figures.
Hotel-integrated spas number 1,200, hosting 60% of all spa visits in 2023.
Health club spas total 350 facilities, blending fitness and relaxation services.
New spa openings reached 210 in 2023, highest since 2019.
Closures limited to 45 spas in 2023, yielding net +165 facilities.
Average spa facility size is 1,200 sqm, with luxury ones averaging 3,500 sqm.
65% of UK spas are independently owned, 35% chain-affiliated in 2023.
Urban spas number 2,100 vs 2,100 rural/coastal in balanced 50-50 split.
Scotland's spa facilities total 480 including 30 new in 2023.
Wales spa count reached 250 with focus on eco-spas.
NI spas expanded to 200, emphasizing thermal experiences.
Cotswolds area has 180 spas, highest rural concentration.
Manchester metro has 120 spas serving urban wellness demand.
Edinburgh hosts 85 spas, blending historic and modern.
Medical spas number 250, integrating health services.
Mobile spa services operate from 400 bases nationwide.
Thermal spas total 75, with natural spring focus.
Franchise spas grew to 320 outlets in 2023.
Yorkshire spas number 320, coastal ones prominent.

Number of Spas and Facilities Interpretation

The UK’s spa industry, much like a carefully balanced hot stone treatment, is strategically expanding with a firm focus on both urban indulgence and rural escape, showing that Britons are increasingly committed to finding their zen, whether it’s in a city-centre hotel or a coastal eco-retreat.

Treatments, Trends, and Innovations

Massage treatments saw 18.5 million bookings, 41% of total in 2023.
Facial treatments accounted for 25% of spa services, 11.25 million sessions.
Body wraps and scrubs grew 28% in popularity, 4.5 million treatments.
Hydrotherapy pools used in 32% of visits, enhancing relaxation focus.
Wellness rituals like sound baths rose 45%, now 1.2 million sessions.
CBD-infused treatments offered in 1,500 spas, 15% market penetration.
Men's grooming spas increased 20% to 850 facilities with tailored services.
Sustainable/organic product use in 78% of spas, up from 60% in 2021.
Tech integrations like AI personalization in 420 luxury spas.
Sleep-focused treatments boomed, 2.8 million sessions amid stress trends.
Sauna and steam room usage: 14 million sessions.
Cryotherapy chambers in 280 spas, 850k sessions.
Ayurveda treatments up 35% to 750k sessions.
IV drip therapies in 650 med-spas, popular post-gym.
Forest bathing experiences offered at 420 rural spas.
Vegan treatment menus in 92% of facilities.
VR relaxation pods in 150 high-end spas.
Mindfulness meditation classes: 2.1 million attendees.
Biohacking services like red light therapy in 500 spas.
Post-treatment retail conversion rate: 38% of clients.

Treatments, Trends, and Innovations Interpretation

We’ve officially entered the era where the British public is so collectively frazzled that we now prescribe ourselves more massages than GP appointments, pair them with a side of high-tech zen and an eco-conscious serum, and then dutifully buy the entire experience again in a bottle on the way out.

Sources & References

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