Scarlet Spy tries a Temple Spa Champagne & Truffles Facial

Take me with you…

Located on the outskirts of Cirencester, the Stratton House Hotel is a honey-hued Cotswold manor with heaps of Georgian charm; high ceilings, grand fireplaces and symmetrical windows come as standard. Enter the privately-owned, 43-bedroom hotel through the elegant sage green door, complete with glass panelling framed by wisteria.

Shall we spa?

The hotel’s Spa in the Garden occupies a purpose-built, glass-fronted building within the charming walled garden. Although adjoined to the hotel, you’ll find the spa’s private entrance on your right. Three pendulum lights hang above the reception desk – with its white wall and wooden shelves filled with Temple Spa products to purchase. Pretty thistle-clad tiles line the floor; four pale pink chairs, floral artwork and pink orchids are paired with a green wall.

We were warmly welcomed by Milly, handed a consultation form to complete and a green smoothie shot to down. After handing us our locker key, we were taken on a tour of the facilities.

Beyond the reception, you’ll find the changing rooms which are small but perfectly-formed with pale wood lockers, stone tiles and pops of lime green. There’s a dressing area for two – with two rose gold mirrors with leather straps, hairdryers, GHD straighteners and a range of Temple Spa products (moisturiser, toner, serum) to use post shower. Lockers contain fresh white robes, towels and slippers. The two rainforest showers are stocked with Temple Spa amenities. Change beside a green bench or hop into the private changing room.

A door from here leads to a lantern lit corridor where five neutrally-decorated treatment rooms and one double treatment room live.

There's no swimming pool here but the thermal facilities are located garden side, affording green views. Deep blue diamond wall tiles (with metal hooks for robes) stand out against pale stone floors; behind glass doors you’ll find a sauna (comfortable for four lounging) and a super-hot steam room. Cool off under an experience shower afterwards.

The Spa Pavilion - with exposed brick wall and floor-to-ceiling glass - can be found through double doors. Here you’ll find six rattan loungers and two chairs with side tables for obligatory fizz (order via a barcode). To your left is the Jacuzzi; bubble away while soaking in views of the beautifully tended garden. For sunnier days, there are ample rattan loungers laid out out on the terrace.

The airy relaxation room can be found at the back of the spa. Gold ornate mirrors, abstract art and rattan candle holders set the scene. Help yourself to a glass of fruit-infused water and curl up on one of the seven large loungers, or simply unwind with a good choice of magazines.

Back towards reception, and up a rather steep flight of stairs, you’ll find The Nail Bar; a dedicated space for OPI manicures and pedicures. These can also be performed in the ground floor treatment rooms for those unable to climb the stairs.

Treatment talk

We tried a Temple Spa Champagne and Truffles Deluxe Facial (80 minutes, £95).

My therapist, Amy, met me in the relaxation room and led to a comfortable treatment room decorated in earthy colours. After explaining the treatment, she left me to disrobe and get comfortable on the bed, lying face up.

The epic facial began with three deep breaths of a calming eucalyptus-scented oil before a double cleanse, using Temple Spa truffle skincare, and a buzzing sonic cleansing brush for a deeper clean.

After a glycolic resurfacing peel – which fizzed on my skin – Amy applied a cooling alginate mask. While this worked, she performed a blissful scalp massage using lots of warm oil; the stress evaporated from my body.

Next up: a face massage using lifting techniques around my jaw and cheekbones, followed by cold rose quartz stones – which felt delightful on my skin. As the treatment concluded, Amy handed me a glass of water and told me to rest a little. She then led me to the relaxation room where I climbed hazily onto a lounger.

The Spa in the Garden offers a range of Temple Spa treatments including facials, massages, CBD treatments and menopause relief.

How did it measure up?

You can’t go wrong with a Temple Spa facial - my face looked squeaky clean, less puffy and much more radiant.

Spot of lunch?

Change out of your robe and take the door from the spa reception through to the relaxed Garden Restaurant for lunch. We bagged a table by the window to make the most of those spring garden views.

A choice of sandwiches, brunch or light bites are available; we feasted on a delicious grilled chicken, avocado and tomato chutney sandwich on fresh bread, accompanied by obligatory fries.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, you can pay a supplement and indulge in the main menu where sausage and mash or homemade burger should satiate. On warmer days, follow the festoon of lights out to the Garden Terrace with pergola and alfresco bar. As the sun goes down, the pretty lights create the perfect setting for sundowners.

Got all day?

Spend the day sauntering between the sauna, steam room and bubble Jacuzzi, cooling off in the shower. Book a long indulgent treatment, then seek out a comfy lounger (in the garden if it’s pleasant), order a drink of choice and get stuck into your book.

Short on time?

Book an OPI luxury pedicure for spring-ready toes.