About us

WhatSpa? is the UK’s leading hot tub buyer’s guide magazine, and has been helping UK hot tub buyers to make more informed decisions for more than 15 years.

Featuring top brands

Man smiling and relaxing in a hot tub

Whether you’re completely new to hot tubs and buying your first spa or if you’re researching the market and looking to upgrade from an existing model, we can help.

WhatSpa? magazine will be your expert guiding hand, full of valuable advice on how to buy, what to buy and even preparing for delivery day and planning your grand unveiling to your family and friends at your first spa party!

Advice you can rely on

A key tenet for WhatSpa? is its independence, which ensures you receive informed, unbiased and impartial advice.

WhatSpa? has a team of respected experts who are on-hand to provide sound, independent advice and hot tub reviews.

We also have a team of ‘Spa Doctors’ who are happy to answer any technical questions and queries that our readers may have.

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WhatSpa? Spring 2020

Best Buy Awards

Since 2006, WhatSpa? Best Buy Awards have become the industry-standard recognition for hot tubs that achieve the best scores in our rigorous tests for quality and value across all price brackets.

WhatSpa? Best Buy: Caldera Spas Vacanza Series Marino
Caldera Spas Vacanza Series Marino

Caldera Spas Vacanza Series Marino

Seats 6

WhatSpa? Verdict

Caldera Spas® is one of Watkins Wellness®' top flight stable of brands, and distributed in the UK by Certikin, one of the most respected names in the British swimming pool and spa industry. The multiple award-winning Marino is one of Caldera's top-selling models in the Vacanza Series. The Marino has a stylish ergonomically sculpted shell and roomy non-slip footwell. Barrier-free seating makes moving from seat to seat easy and finishing touches like the Acquarella waterfall ensure a sensory experience that is guaranteed to relax! Built in Spa Frog® tops off the package for easy water maintenance.

WhatSpa? Best Buy: HotSpring Spas Highlife Envoy
HotSpring Spas Highlife Envoy

HotSpring Spas Highlife Envoy

Seats 5

WhatSpa? Verdict

Just when we thought that spa design had reached it's zenith, HotSpring® has raised the bar again with it's market leading Highlife range. Designed in conjunction with BMW, the new Envoy® has taken contemporary spa design to the next level. The sculptured base gives the impression that the spa is sitting on legs, with integral corner lighting panels for added ambience. The new backlit Moto-Massage® DX lounger is superb and the backlit pillows, waterfalls and topside controls are stunning. If you are looking for a top-notch spa with the emphasis on sleek aesthetics, comfort and hydrotherapy, the new HotSpring® Envoy® has them all in spades!

WhatSpa? Best Buy: Artesian Spas Artesian Elite Dove Canyon
Artesian Spas Artesian Elite Dove Canyon

Artesian Spas Artesian Elite Dove Canyon

Seats 6

WhatSpa? Verdict

The new ELITE range by Artesian SpasTM has really raised the bar for this Las Vegas-based manufacturer. The bright lights of Vegas are reflected in their latest design cues and the ELITE range delivers with an awe-inspiring after dark light show with an array of underwater and exterior lighting plus backlit water fountains and a branded 20-inch waterfall. The scope of the specification and design is also first rate, particularly the unique Direct FlowTM system, which puts each bather in control of their own massage experience. The lounger with armrests is super comfortable and Spa Frog® tops off the high-end spec on the best-selling ELITE Dove Canyon.

WhatSpa? Best Buy: Riptide Spas Tranquility Uptown
Riptide Spas Tranquility Uptown

Riptide Spas Tranquility Uptown

Seats 5

WhatSpa? Verdict

Riptide Pools has followed up on its remarkable success in the swim spa arena with its launch of the Urban Lite spa collection in 2016, which is designed to minimise operating costs, as all models in the range can be operated as plug-and-play 13 amp spas. The Uptown is the best-selling model in the range and is a spacious five-seater with comfortable lounger plus a range of barrier-free seats, all with different rotary or directional jets. A low-energy Gecko® circulation pump ensures quiet constant filtration and the optional hand-held massage jet reaches those muscle groups that can't be targeted by conventional jets. Ticks all the boxes!

WhatSpa? Best Buy: RotoSpa QuatroSpa
RotoSpa QuatroSpa

RotoSpa QuatroSpa

Seats 5

WhatSpa? Verdict

The hugely successful QuatroSpa is manufactured here in the UK by Midlands-based company RotoSpa and is made by using a rotational moulding technique using a tough resin, which provides an extremely durable finish accented by attractive synthetic cabinetry. The reclining seat with 15-point ultra-blast jet and a considered functional massage system provides for maximum relaxation. The entry step offers easy access and also doubles as a child seat. It is deceptively spacious and fits through standard doors and gates. At under 13 amps it provides true plug-and-play convenience, just wheel it in, fill it up and plug and play!

WhatSpa? Best Buy: Aquavia Spa Aqualife 7
Aquavia Spa Aqualife 7

Aquavia Spa Aqualife 7

Seats 5

WhatSpa? Verdict

Spanish powerhouse Aquavia Spa is now sizing up the transatlantic competition with its brand new Aqualife range, to cater for the sub-£10k price spectrum. The spacious Aqualife 7 is the pick of the bunch and offers a beautifully moulded shell with lounge seat and four facing seats which ingeniously doubles up the calf jets to become foot jets in the opposing seats! The chic cabinetry is available in three unique finishes including graphite, thunder and walnut, and is both modern and stylish. If it is a modern designer look that you're after, the Aqualife 7 is a must-see!

Our Best Buy Awards cannot be purchased or influenced by third parties, such as manufacturers and retailers, and we take great pride in their independence, which is why they are now held in such high esteem by hot tub buyers.

For a full breakdown of our 2020 Best Buy Award winners across all price brackets, request your free copy of WhatSpa? magazine now and look out for these prestigious logos in showrooms as you start shopping. For more information on our reviews and awards visit this page.

Woman relaxing in a hot tub

Seal of approval

When making any purchase of this size, trusting the manufacturer and retailer is essential. The WhatSpa? Approved scheme is a unique hallmark of quality and is only awarded to companies who meet our exacting high standards.

The Approval Scheme offers the customer peace of mind that comes from knowing companies are reputable, well established, have a professional infrastructure and a good track record within the industry, so they are the logos to look out for.

In order to win coveted WhatSpa? Approved status, hot tub retailers must have a minimum number of display spas and prove that they have all of the insurance requirements and trained staff in both water hygiene and safety as well as technical backup and maintenance.

WhatSpa? Professional retailers also have to pass a stringent extra set of criteria, including professional training accreditation by attending industry-recognised hot tub technician courses. link.

Trusted traders

When you request your free copy of WhatSpa? magazine, you will also receive a complimentary 40 page UK Retail Directory that lists all of the WhatSpa? Approved showroom-based hot tub retailers across every area of the UK.

To get your free copy of WhatSpa? magazine and your complimentary UK Retail Directory, click the link below:

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WhatSpa? Retail Directory Summer 2020