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 you arrive at a grand Italianate Cotswold manor house, clad in thick swathes of crimson Virginia Creeper. Head through a courtyard to the classy, light-filled spa, surrounded by 500 acres of grounds dotted with mature trees and flowerbeds.

The spa is housed in a modern, glass-fronted building in charming walled gardens. One side is taken up by the brasserie, the other the impressive spa wing. In between is a minimalist and airy reception area, where you check in beside large displays of ESPA products. A receptionist will give you a wristband which grants you access to the spa facilities.

Enter the changing rooms, where rich wood meets pale stone tiles. There’s a central dressing area with mirrored vanities and hairdryers. At the far end are rows of solid wood lockers, a large bench for changing and shelves containing fresh white robes, towels and slippers – the smaller vanity area here has ESPA cleansers and moisturisers. The showers are stocked with ESPA shampoo, conditioner and body wash. There's one private changing room, as well as a wheelchair-accessible shower. The changing rooms house a cosy steam room and sauna, too.

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 five 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 with its amber and pink salt brick feature. 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. 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 beautifully tended gardens.

The treatment reception area is a peaceful oasis with sofas and chairs. There’s also a relaxation room for spa guests only at the back of the treatment area, which opens onto a private spa garden. Here you will find a small saltwater hydrotherapy pool with a swan pipe and outdoor shower. Inside are eight large and comfortable loungers for snoozing, and wellbeing books to flick through.

There's a gym within the spa building and a yoga pavilion in a nearby building.

We had the ESPA Inner Balance Back, Face and Scalp (90 minutes, £157).

Our therapist, Carly, met us in the comfortably chic treatment lounge and led us to a tastefully beige treatment room. She spoke knowledgably and with enthusiasm about the treatment and products. We discussed my concerns and chose ESPA oils through a scent test – I was drawn to the very popular Restorative Oil, a hug in a bottle.

I lay down on the warm treatment bed and Carly examined my face with a lamp that showed up my dehydrated zones. Then it was time to turn down the lights, lie face down and relax. Carly began with a back scrub which she removed with warm mitts. She followed this with a blissfully strong massage using many different stokes and stretches, working hard on my tension until I had utterly relaxed.

I turned to lie face up for the facial, which began with a refreshing double-cleanse. Carly then gave me a blissful facial massage, working along to my shoulders, neck and décolletage with deliciously fruity smelling oils. She applied a mask and, as it set, gave me a tingly head massage using the Pink Hair and Scalp Mud. Carly removed the face mask and finished the treatment by smoothing on Optimal Skin ProSerum and ProDefence SPF 15 onto my skin. Finally, she sprayed the Hydrating Floral SpaFresh to bring me pleasantly to my senses. She led me to the relaxation room, where she brought me a mint tea. I felt very positive gazing out over the spa garden and flicking through one of the wellness books on display. Later, I saw that my skin looked fresh and naturally glowing, and my hair when I finally washed off the Pink Hair mud was silky and nourished. A beautifully balancing and refreshing treatment.

You’ll find ESPA treatments at Lucknam Park. There's a keen focus on holistic, naturally-inspired treatments for mind and body wellness, such as mindfulness massage 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 can dine in your robe in the a la carte Brasserie, which is in the same modern building as the spa and has an area specially for spa guests. 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 enjoyed a delicious cauliflower soup with maple granola, catch-of-the day (hake) with posh mushy peas and finished off with a roasted pineapple.

If you're visiting Lucknam Park for a special occasion, you might want to indulge in the hotel's afternoon tea served in The Library or Drawing Room. In the evening, you can dine informally in The Brasserie – we did and enjoyed a beetroot risotto while people watching – or try the Restaurant Hywel Jones, named after the executive chef who has held a Michelin star since 2006.

We loved

The hydrotherapy pool overlooking the gardens and trees: such a peaceful and beautiful spot.

Horse-riding through the grounds: the livery stables offer lots of riding opportunities as well as a saddle and spa day. Our charming instructor, Kiri, really improved our beginner skills.

Our balancing treatment and blissful evening yoga session with Sarah in the new yoga studio: tree posing among the trees. What better way to de-stress?

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

We didn't love

Having to leave.

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.

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 2019 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury.