ESPA at Lucknam Park

Few hotels can lay claim to such an impressive entrance: Lucknam Park's driveway is lined with trunk after trunk of towering beech trees. At the end of the arrow-straight road lies a quintessential Cotswold manor house, clad in thick swathes of crimson Virginia creeper.

Inside, a classy, light-filled spa with boundless facilities breathes contemporary into classic, surrounded by 500 acres of grounds dotted with mature trees and flowerbeds.

What isn't? The spa is housed in a new building that blends cleverly with the old, while plenty of glass lets natural light stream in. The minimalist reception takes up little of the wide, bright corridor, where you check in beside large displays of ESPA products.

In the changing rooms, rich wood meets pale stone tiles. A dual-sided slab hosting mirrored vanities and a couple of hairdryers separates the row of toilets from the showers, equipped with ESPA shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

The lockers, all solid wood, contain robes and slippers. For changing in private, there's one secluded room, as well as a wheelchair-accessible shower. The changing rooms house a cosy steam room and sauna, too, as well as shelves decked in thick white towels.

Lucknam Park's beautiful 20-metre swimming pool will take your breath away: a curved glass ceiling shows off English skies, while creamy tiles cleverly mirror the hotel's Cotswold stone exteriors. A slick ribbon fireplace flickers seductively along one wall.

The main thermal facilities are to the right. We began in the glamorous Amethyst room, tiled wall-to-wall in glistening purple mosaics with a huge crystal set into the ceiling. The super steamy Japanese salt room has a series of curved loungers allowing you to lie back and absorb its detoxifying benefits. Pit stop in one of the experience showers with their huge square heads or grab a cup of water from the dispenser before planting yourself in the spacious cedar-lined sauna.

If you're looking for a less intense heat experience, head along the pool to a cooler steam room which feels airy behind a sheer glass wall.

The toasty hydrotherapy pool has a swan pipe and a sliding door opening to the outside, where views over the beautifully tended gardens await.

There are plenty of loungers poolside to choose from, spanning two levels. The upper level has a six-bed tepidarium. Lie back and marvel at the sky-high ceilings or grab one of the magazines dotted about. On sunny days, there are ample loungers outside, too, with views over the gardens.

Lucknam Park's new treatment reception area (formerly the hairdresser's), feels more like a serene, classy bar.

The relaxation room succeeds in being modern, light and cosy all at once (no easy feat). Opposing rows of loungers (large and very comfortable) line the walls where doors open onto the gardens. A second hydrotherapy pool outside is reserved for guests who have booked treatments; this one is salt water and slightly cooler.

There's a gym within the spa building and a Well-being House through the back garden, equipped with yoga and Pilates studios, a Haslauer Reflective Sunlight therapy room and a Dry Floatation room.

We enjoyed three treatments back-to-back: an ESPA Mindful Facial (90 minutes; £155), Sunlight Therapy (40 minutes; £35) and a Personalised Dosha Ritual (120 minutes; £204).

My therapist, Siobhan, led me to a stylish treatment room bedecked in muted tones for my Mindful Facial. She settled me onto the massage bed and fully cleansed my face while going through some breathing techniques to allow me to get the most relaxation out of the treatment. She then went over my skin with a purple UV light to check for problem areas: dehydration and several oily zones showed up.

The facial used a combination of massage techniques, both gentle and invigorating, coupled with scrubs, serums and oils specifically chosen to tackle dehydration. To add to the indulgence, Siobhan coated my scalp in ESPA's pink mud mask and performed a heavenly scalp massage. I felt particularly Zen after this facial and floated though the evening without a care in the world.

The following morning, I made for the Well-being House for a Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy session, typically used to treat seasonal affective disorder. The room features four loungers around a glowing light which encourages the production of vitamin D; the light goes through a sunrise to sunset cycle. I left feeling energised and lively.

My second therapist, Tania, performed determined by particular Dosha before moving on to a body brush and invigorating salt scrub infused with luxurious oils. After I'd rinsed off the scrub, Tania applied ESPA's hydrating marine mud wrap before cocooning me in towels. As the wrap worked, Tania gave me a seriously relaxing scalp massage. One more rinse in the shower, and I was ready to sink into a subconscious state with a full body massage using oodles of oil to fully replenish the moisture in my skin.

ESPA products are renowned for their subtle scents and natural ingredients, and create a calming spa experience. The Dosha Ritual was the perfect finishing touch.

While ESPA is the lead product at Lucknam Park, you can also choose from a range of Carita facials and body treatments. There's a keen focus on holistic, naturally inspired treatments for mind and body wellness, such as dry floatation, light therapy and reiki. The spa menu also offers options for men, mums-to-be and eight to 16 year olds.  

During a spa day, you will have to change out of your robe and eat lunch in the a la carte Brasserie, which is in the same modern building as the spa. The menu has healthy and more indulgent options.  You can try wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes and several dessert choices, including banana bread, vanilla churros a selection of farmhouse cheeses. If you’re visiting Lucknam Park for a special occasion, you might want to indulge in the hotel’s indulgent afternoon tea served in The Library or Drawing Room. 

We returned to The Brasserie that evening to enjoy a delectable Chateaubriand for two which was fantastic. The wine list is particularly comprehensive.

We loved

The hydrotherapy pool overlooking the gardens: This really elevates the spa.

The spa therapists were infectiously enthusiastic and really believe in the results of the products and treatments.

Lucknam Park's overall vibe is relaxed yet decadent: heavenly for any occasion.

We didn't love

Our soggy feet in flannel slippers: Flip-flops, please, Lucknam Park.

We struggled to think of anyone who wouldn't like the spa at Lucknam Park.

It's particularly great for couples; small groups of friends or mother-daughter duos keen to spa in an intimate but elegant environment.

Holistic enthusiasts will enjoy ESPA's approach to treatments, and those with a penchant for the outdoors will adore the countryside surroundings.

We awarded Lucknam Park Spa Good Spa Guide's highest Bubble Rating of 5 Bubble Luxury for its outstanding design, thoughtful service, peaceful relaxation spaces and top-notch treatments. It's a Spa Spy favourite.

Spirited Spy visited in September 2017 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury.