Taplow House Hotel & Spa

“A grand Georgian retreat offering a soothing hydrotherapy pool and heavenly treatments, all wrapped up in elegant interiors, garden games and accomplished dining.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Taplow House is a grade-II listed Georgian country house hotel set in six acres of gardens near Maidenhead and Windsor. A clear gateway and signage lead to a short driveway with plenty of parking; the House, set back behind large lawns, is dotted with established trees, deck chairs and garden games. Despite the long, hot summer, the planters and hanging baskets were in full bloom, giving bright pops of colour against the parched grass.


WHAT'S ON OFFER?

We entered the hotel reception hall - with its original tiled floor, modern artwork and a beautiful staircase - and, after a brief consultation, were taken on a tour of the facilities.

The female changing rooms offer plenty of keypad-operated lockers alongside private cubicles, with quality hairdryers and straighteners at the vanity bench, and showers stocked with Temple Spa shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. A male changing room with its own shower and vanity sits alongside.

Help yourself to fresh fruit, fruit-infused water and magazines in the bright, plant-filled relaxation area decorated in soft, muted green tones.

Outside, six sunloungers with wonderfully thick, sleep-inducing mattresses and two cocoon day beds looked out over the gardens, the perfect place to put your feet up after a treatment. The alfresco hydrotherapy pool is the star of the show - complete with loungers for full-body relaxation, jet seats for the back and a dedicated foot spa, all set against beautiful views across the front lawns and mature trees. A Finnish sauna, heated to a toasty 72 degrees on our visit, and an outdoor hot tub rounded out the thermal offering, while a sunny terrace with sunbeds proved a lovely spot to while away time between treatments.

TELL US ABOUT THE TREATMENT(S)

We tried a Temple Spa Drift Away massage (60 minutes, £90).

My therapist, Ruby, led me to a spacious treatment room with a large adapted shower and a wide bed dressed in rich beige covers. Ruby invited me to lie face-down and left the room while I got comfortable - noting that I preferred not to have oil in my hair, she thoughtfully covered it with a towel on her return, which added a lovely, cosy feel before we'd even begun.

The massage opened with a series of firm pressures across my back, followed by an application of warm oil. Ruby worked deeply across my back and shoulders, stretching down into my arms and hands, finding every pocket of tension and working through it, checking the pressure as she went. Once my back was done, she removed the excess oil with a hot towel before moving on to the backs of my legs and feet.

Turning onto my back, Ruby continued to work through the fronts of my legs and arms, finishing on my chest. I'd asked to keep the focus on my body, but she was happy to weave in a little facial massage along the way without missing a beat. Having mentioned I was keen to rest after a long flight, I was grateful that Ruby let me sink into quiet stillness rather than making conversation. The treatment closed with a final spritz of Temple Spa fragrance.

The results spoke for themselves: my shoulders felt as though they'd properly dropped for the first time in weeks, and by the next day the puffiness in my lower legs, a legacy of the flight, had noticeably eased.

FOOD FACTS

Lunch was taken in the main restaurant - a light, grand room with high ceilings, ceiling roses, cornicing, chandeliers and large oil paintings offset by modern artwork and succulents on the tables. We opted for the caesar salad with chicken, beautifully presented with tender chunks and a soft poached egg; our server was quick to check on dietary needs, omitting croutons for gluten-free requirements. The Eton Mess - a deconstructed version with sweetened cream, meringue and summer berries - was not to be missed.

In the evening, we returned to the restaurant for dinner from the three-course overnight menu, enjoying cured salmon and grilled swordfish, served with bread, olive oil and balsamic. A gluten-free loaf, served alongside grilled prawns, was singled out as some of the best either of us had tasted.

SWEET STAY?

We stayed in the Orkney Suite, a junior suite with a super-king bed facing a large bay window, dressed in embroidered cushions and a soft blue throw. A modern tweed headboard, soft beige walls, a white ceiling rose and dark chandelier gave the room a regal feel, while a fireplace, coffee table and a plate of chocolate truffles added to the sense of occasion.

Tea and coffee were presented via a Dualit machine alongside a full bottle of sparkling and still water. The bathroom, tiled in dark beige and soft brown, offered both rainfall and handheld showers over the bath, plus travel-size Temple Spa amenities. A quietly running air conditioning unit was a welcome surprise in a period property, and opening windows made for a wonderfully quiet night's sleep.

WE LOVED…

The period elegance: restful greens and neutral tones ran throughout, with grand mirrors and ceiling roses lending a sense of history, beautifully paired with modern touches and artwork.

The garden games: a lovely, low-tech way to spend time together on the lawns - simple, outdoor fun suited to all generations.

The Orkney Suite: spacious, beautifully decorated and full of thoughtful touches, from the fireplace to the welcome plate of chocolate truffles.

WHICH BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Taplow House a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its handsome Georgian setting, warm hospitality and accomplished dining - a wonderful bolt hole for foodies who also love a spot of tranquillity.