Homewood Spa

“A playful Georgian country house just outside Bath, where sun-drenched courtyard pools, quirky art and a transformative bespoke massage leave you restored – and a little taller”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Turn off the main road, follow the leafy drive and the main house soon comes into view… it’s immediately clear that this is no ordinary country house hotel: Homewood describes itself as ‘part Georgian house, part playground for the curious’ - and we couldn’t sum it up better. Eye-catching art, furniture and garden installations wait around every corner; look out for the giant giraffes and yellow submarines in the grounds. Whether or not it’s your taste, it’s impossible not to smile.

There’s plenty of parking, plus a drop-off at the front door if needed. A step-free route leads to the spa.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

We entered through the hotel’s front door and were directed down a short corridor to spa reception. Our host gave us a friendly welcome and, after a tour of the facilities, asked us to complete health questionnaires.

In the ladies’ changing room you’ll find quarter-size lockers with digital locks, two shower cubicles stocked with full-size Gaia products and two hairdryers. There’s also a large accessible room and a costume spinner just outside. Robes and towels are provided, with extra towels available around the spa.

The heart of the spa is its sun-trap courtyard garden. Here, the leisure pool (11 x 5 metres, heated to 28 degrees) sits alongside the vitality pool (8 x 4 metres, a toasty 38 degrees), framed by seven or eight cabanas and plenty of stylish sunbeds. On our visit, the courtyard was bathed in sunshine and was clearly the place to be. The water was crystal clear, while attentive staff kept things ship-shape throughout the day.

Attractive terraces with plenty of seating surround each pool and an outdoor glass room with sunbeds keeps you sheltered whatever the weather. Drinks can be ordered anywhere in the spa via a QR code - handy when you don’t want to leave your lounger.

Inside, behind a glass wall with two opening doors, you’ll find a jacuzzi pool (38 degrees, with room for six), a steam room (for around eight) and a sauna (for six; a toasty 90 degrees on our visit); cool off under the shower.

The indoor relaxation room has around ten beds and stunning views down the valley over the Somerset countryside – a lovely spot to pause after your treatment.

There are four treatment rooms – two in the spa and two in shepherd huts – and the menu offers plenty of choice and good value. Products come from two West Country brands: Gaia and Bramley.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

We tried the Bespoke Massage (90 minutes, £155).

My therapist, Zoisa, collected me from the relaxation room and led me to a compact, tidy treatment room with a floral installation above the couch. The treatment oil scented the room; music played discreetly in the background and the temperature was just right. After discussing my health questionnaire and explaining how the treatment would be tailored to me, Zoisa left the room so I could de-robe and lie face down on the bed.

Zoisa commenced the treatment by wrapping my feet in hot mitts. Using Gaia Awakening Oil, she then worked each half of my back and arm – positioning, stretching and supporting with deep, intentional movements. After easing out tension on each side, she moved to the backs of my legs and hamstrings, identifying further imbalances.

Turning over, the focus moved to my thighs and hips, with work on specific muscles to address what she had found. A neck and shoulder massage completed the treatment.

Zoisa offered me a dry robe and finished with useful advice on listening to what my body needs.

The result? This was not a drift-off-to-sleep massage; we had agreed at the consultation that it should be targeted. It was invigorating and, at times, intense but always with the sense that it was doing me good.

I felt an inch taller, my joints felt loose and - for the first time in eight years - the range of movement in both my hips matched.

FOOD FACTS

Spa lunch is served in the light-filled conservatory overlooking the terrace. From the spa day menu, we started with Serrano ham with Wyfe of Bath cheese and honey; other options included sweet potato falafel with cumin hummus and pickled shallots, or grilled halloumi with coriander.

For our mains, we chose mushroom gnocchi with spinach and crispy cavolo nero – which we later spotted growing in the kitchen garden. Beetroot, green beans, feta and quinoa was the alternative. There’s an extensive wine list if you fancy a glass, though we stuck to water.

The restaurant was buzzing on our visit. Homewood is dog-friendly, so expect a few four-legged diners – there’s even a dog agility area in the grounds.

WE LOVED...

Zoisa’s bespoke massage: a powerful, professionally-delivered treatment that was therapeutic in every sense. We would return for this treatment – and this therapist – in a heartbeat.

The playful spirit: from giant giraffes to yellow submarines, Homewood’s quirky installations make you smile at every turn. On a sunny day, it’s a fun choice for friends and groups meeting up.

The flower garden: as we left, we wandered down to the flower garden, picked a few blooms in our favourite colours, tied them with string and took them home. A simple, memorable touch of wellness.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Homewood Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 4 Bubbles for its sun-drenched courtyard pools, playful spirit, delicious spa lunch and an exceptional bespoke massage from a very special therapist. We left feeling restored, happier - and a little taller.