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 treatment reception area 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, or (when the weather is good) you can head to the outdoor gym which is set within the peaceful parkland. Personal Training, Yoga, Pilates and Aqua-Aerobic Classes are also available.   

We had two treatments back-to-back: Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy (40 minutes, £30) and an ESPA Mindful Massage (90 minutes, £157).

Our therapist, Evie, met us in the comfortably chic treatment lounge and led us outside and along a path to the Well-being House, a converted cottage in a pretty garden. The Sunlight Therapy room upstairs has four comfortable loungers placed around a light box in the centre of the room. All I had to do was lie down in my swimsuit as the light changed intensity, moving from dawn to dusk, bathing me in warmth and stimulating vitamin D production. I emerged feeling happy and relaxed.

Evie led us back through the rain, holding an umbrella aloft, to a tastefully beige treatment room for the massage. After choosing my ESPA body oil – the warmly spicy Restorative -- I disrobed and lay on my back on the warmed bed. Evie led me through a guided visualisation, asking me to breathe deeply and imagine a colour working its way through my body. She performed a foot massage using the Metamorphic Technique (MT): gentler than reflexology, just avoids being ticklish. She massaged along the right then left sides of my body with long, flowing strokes. Perhaps due to the meditation, I felt aware and connected to my body as well as relaxed. I turned over and Evie massaged the backs of my legs, the soles of my feet, then focused on my back, undoing my knots and ironing out all tension.

I turned over again and Evie applied pink hair oil, giving me a deep and pleasurable head massage. Finally, she drew warmed rose-quartz crystals across my forehead: it felt so wonderful, I could have happily spent the entire 90 minutes just having that. To end, Evie rang prayer chimes and led me to the relaxation room, where she brought me a mint tea. I felt wonderfully calm and at peace with the world: perfect treatments to beat the winter blues.

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 Little Miss treatments for eight to 16 year olds.

During a spa day, you will have to change out of your robe to 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, salads and several dessert choices, including banana bread, vanilla churros, or a selection of farmhouse cheeses. I had a peppery vegetable soup and colourful Superfood Salad with pomegranate and avocado, both fresh and delicious.

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. In the evening, you can dine informally in The Brasserie, or try the Restaurant Hywel Jones, named after the executive chef who has held a Michelin star since 2006. There are four tasting menus, including the chef's signature and seasonal. I had a delightful seven-course vegetarian tastingmenu here, each dish beautifully presented; I loved the tomato and ricotta tart and my spicy seasonal gnocchi. Despite eating alone, I felt very comfortable.

We loved

The hydrotherapy pool overlooking the gardens and trees: this really elevates the spa.

Our balancing treatments and blissful Saturday morning yoga session with Sarah in the Well-being house.

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

We didn't love

While still stylish, after eight years, some of the facilities are ready to be updated.

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

The intimate but elegant environment is great for couples, small groups of friends, or mother-daughter duos.

Foodies will love the Michelin-starred restaurant as well as the cookery school.

Holistic enthusiasts will enjoy ESPA's approach to treatments, while countryphiles will adore the equestrian school and gardens. You can combine your spa days with horse-riding.

We awarded Lucknam Park Spa Good Spa Guide's highest Bubble Rating of 5 Bubble Luxury for its fresh and modern design that embraces the outdoor space, thoughtful service, and luxurious treatments. It's a Spa Spy favourite.

Savant Spy visited in September 2018 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury.