The Spa at Lucknam Park

First Impressions

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. Head through the pretty courtyard garden to the classy, light-filled spa, surrounded by 500 acres of grounds dotted with mature trees, trickling streams and pretty flowerbeds.

What's on offer?

The spa is housed in a modern, glass-fronted building within 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. Collect your plush grey robe – adorned with gold Lucknam logo - and blue flips flops from the friendly receptionist and wander just around the corner to the spa facilities.

From here you can enter the changing rooms, where rich wood meets pale stone tiles. There’s a central dressing area with raised glass sinks, mirrored vanities and hairdryers; at the far end you’ll find rows of solid wood, code-activated lockers, a large bench for changing and shelves containing fresh white towels. The showers are stocked with Lucknam Park Fig and Vanilla shampoo, conditioner and body wash. There are also two toilets, 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 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 four curved heated loungers allowing you to lie back and absorb its detoxifying benefits. Pit stop in one of the showers with their huge square heads, or grab a cup of water from the dispenser before planting yourself in the spacious – and rather toasty - 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 indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool has a swan pipe - great for pummelling weary shoulders - and a button-operated 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 clouds through the sky-high glass ceiling. On sunny days, the spa garden feels like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean; get horizontal on one of the rattan loungers that line the edge of the garden and listen to the gentle breeze through the tall treetops.

The treatment reception area is a chic and peaceful oasis with sofas and chairs. There’s also a light-filled relaxation room for spa guests only at the back of the treatment area, with floor-to-ceiling doors which open onto a private spa garden. Inside you’ll find seven large and comfortable loungers for snoozing, as well as wellbeing books to flick through and a choice of Camellia’s Tea House therapy teas, served in glass cups on a small tray.

There's also a gym within the spa building and a garden-view yoga pavilion in a nearby building.

Tell us about the treatments

We tried the 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Lift Facial (90 minutes, £230), followed by the Kloris Sleep Soundly Ritual (90 minutes, £225).

My therapist, Lauren, met me in the chic treatment lounge and led me to a tastefully beige treatment room. She spoke knowledgably about the treatments and products, and we discussed any concerns – a hormonal chin break-out and longing for plump dewy skin. Lauren then left me to disrobe and lay face up on the adjustable bed.

After a welcome spritz of Celestial Black Diamond Brightening Essence, she began the first or two cleanses. Lauren then applied a Celestial Black Diamond Multi-Acid Accelerated Peel; this iridescent, rich, exfoliating gel – complete with retinol and fine Black Diamond particles – was brushed onto my face, neck and décolleté. After removing the peel and cleansing for a second time, Lauren applied an Essence Infusion on a piece of gauze – a refreshing change to the usual toner application.

A Wrinkle Minimising Wand was used to facilitate a firm, focused massage around the forehead and eyes – where lines naturally appear. After an application of serum, Lauren began a deep tissue face and décolleté massage, lifting and sculpting the skin with firm strokes – and banishing tension in my jaw that I hadn’t realised even existed.

Finally, she applied the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks and Lifting & Firming Treatment Sheet Mask to my face, neck and décolleté – which felt incredible cooling - before moving to a blissful scalp massage. Once the mask was removed, a Vitamin C Brightening Booster finalised the facial.

The Kloris Sleep Ritual commenced with a scent test; the uplifting CBD oil with blood orange, vanilla and oud was clear favourite with its earthy, Mediterranean notes.

After a foot ritual, I lay face down on the heated bed. The hypnotic sound of a bell signified the start of the treatment and Lauren began guiding me through a breathing meditation.

Uncovering one side of my body at a time, she performed a deeply relaxing massage using warm oils, and lavender and chamomile-scented poultices, each placed on specific marma points. This traditional Ayurvedic massage technique is believed to help sustain the flow of energy throughout your body. After moving to the other side, Lauren focused on my back.

Turning onto my front, she placed a heated pillow under my head and neck and a mask over my eyes and continued the same on the other side of my body using long strokes and pulsing on specific marma points.

Finally, Lauren performed a gua sha stone face massage and blissful scalp massage. The end of the treatment was signified with the chime of the bell, which gently brought me back to the room.

Lauren led me to the relaxation room and offered me a glass of fruit water and Camellia’s Tea. She also left me with a Kloris Sleep Patch – with slumber-inducing valerian, passionflower and CBD extract - to apply to my wrist 30 minutes before bed to ensure I slept soundly. I felt so relaxed and soothed, gazing out over the pretty spa garden. My face looked glow-y, and I felt an overall sense of calm. 

You’ll find 111Skin, HydraFacial and Kloris CBD treatments at Lucknam Park, along with their own signature treatments. There's a keen focus on holistic, naturally-inspired treatments for mind and body wellness, such as mindfulness massage, reiki and crystal healing. The Spa also offer CND and Shellac manicures and pedicures.

Food Facts

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 itself has a pretty illustration of the estate on one side, and a good mix of healthy and more indulgent options inside.

You can try wood-fired pizzas, plenty of fish – including a Cornish catch of the day - pasta dishes, salads and several dessert choices, including rhubarb and custard choux buns and a selection of local cheeses.

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. Alternatively, try the Restaurant Hywel Jones, named after the executive chef who has held a Michelin star since 2006.

You can also dine informally in The Brasserie – we did and enjoyed a plate of local Charcuterie with pickles and sundried tomato and olive focaccia – dunked in aged balsamic - to start, and warm roasted and smoked aubergine with tahini quinoa, with a sprinkle of pomegranate and almonds for mains. Sadly, there was no room for dessert, despite the temptation of Chocolate chou with English cherries and cherry sorbet.

We did make-up for it with breakfast in bed the following morning; the Full English is divine – the best black pudding we’ve ever had.

We loved / we didn't love

We loved

The beautifully-manicured Spa Garden: lie back on the comfy cushioned loungers surrounded by pops of purple and pink, and abuzz with bees and the soothing chirping of crickets.

Our 111Skin facial: a fantastic mix of results-driven and super-relaxing - from the gauze infusion to the wrinkle minimiser wand. We loved it.

The staff:  every single person we encountered, from the spa to the Brasserie, was super-friendly and down to earth.

We didn't love

Being patient: the indoor/outdoor hydro pool is on a timer; with no on-demand button to press - you’ll need to wait for your bubble fix.
 

Who do you think would like it?

Spa aficionados will love the interesting variety of treatments; choose from 111Skin, Kloris CBD and HydraFacial.

The intimate but elegant environment is great for couples, small groups of friends or those wishing for some solo spa-ing.

Country-philes will adore the extensive gardens and equestrian school; a map and wellies can be borrowed from reception for optimal exploring. 

What bubble rating did you give this spa?

We awarded The Spa at Lucknam Park a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubble Luxury for its  modern design embracing the great outdoors, yummy (and locally-sourced) food and luxurious treatments with a strong focus on mind and body wellness. It’s a Spa Spy favourite.

Scarlet Spy visited in August 2023 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury.