FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Langley sits in Capability Brown-landscaped parkland on the edge of Iver, Buckinghamshire. It’s just a few miles from Slough, but a world apart - think sweeping lawns, a serpentine lake (and not a roundabout in sight). The 18th-century Palladian mansion was once the hunting lodge of the third Duke of Marlborough; after a lengthy restoration it opened as a 41-room hotel in 2019, with rooms split between the main house and the neighbouring Brew House.
The entrance hall sets the tone: deep teal walls, a carved marble fireplace and, stealing the show, a bespoke chandelier with 221 curved solid-brass arms each holding handcut glass spears that catch the light. Deep beneath the house, lies the spa - one of the largest subterranean hotel spas in Europe.
WHAT’S ON OFFER?
Take the stairs (five mini flights) down to the spa or hop in the lift. The reception corridor is pure elegance - white panelled walls, polished marble floors, dark wood doors and glass cabinets of products, with a gleaming gold reception desk at the far end. We were warmly welcomed by Holly, who gave us a grand tour of the spa.
The changing rooms are just as polished, with soft taupe walls and travertine-style floors. The large code-activated lockers come with everything you could need: a soft, thick robe, black flip-flops, a towel, a bottle of water, a hairbrush, deodorant and more ESPA goodies.
There are three showers stocked with ESPA bergamot and jasmine products, three loos and four generously sized private changing cubicles. The vanity area has four footstools and Dyson hairdryers beneath arched mirrors. Help yourself to extra towels.
The centrepiece is the heated indoor pool - sleek, serene and calming. Shimmering mermaid-green mosaic tiles turn the water a deep sapphire, framed by bronze marbleeffect walls and soft, low lighting. There are plenty of white cushioned loungers, some of them doubles – perfect for spa-ing in pairs. Fancy some fresh air? Head for the heated outdoor pool.
The thermal area is impressive, with a vitality pool at its centre, a hammam, amethyst crystal steam room, Himalayan salt sauna, four heated loungers, an ice fountain and experience showers for a bracing cool-off. The hammam is a showstopper – striped grey and white marble on every surface, a heated octagonal marble slab in the centre and gold mosaic alcoves around the edge.
The women-only thermal area offers a calm, private retreat away from the main pool, accessed through the ladies changing rooms - with its own hydro pool, rose quartz steam room, saunarium, and a row of heated mosaic loungers and its own relaxation room.
When it’s time to switch off, head to the main relaxation room. Curved, muted leather loungers (some doubles) sit behind dark privacy screens under low lighting. Help yourself to fruit-infused water, a big bowl of fresh fruit, magazines and tea.
Want the place to yourself? The VIP Suite can be booked for private spa-ing (£150 per hour). This private hideaway has its own juniper sauna, hydro pool with a bench seat, amethyst crystal steam room, a double treatment room and a private hammam. The whole suite is ideal for couples or friends who want a spa day without the crowds.
Active spa-goers will love the large, well-equipped gym.
TELL US ABOUT THE TREATMENTS
We tried The Langley Deep-Cleansing Hammam Rassoul (75 minutes, from £160).
My therapist, Zebunisa, and my spa partner’s therapist, Kelly, led us into the private hammam for a traditional Middle Eastern bathing ritual designed to deep-cleanse the skin.
The hammam is a thing of beauty: two octagonal heated slabs topped with thick black marble, striped grey and white marble on the walls and a floor that fans out in a chevron pattern and glass mosaic tiled alcoves.
Paper knickers donned, we climbed face down onto the slab, where bowls of just-theright-side of hot water were gently poured over us - immediately relaxing us.
Zebunisa began with traditional black soap (Savon Beldi), made with olives and eucalyptus, which was smoothed over my body - front and back - and left to work its magic. Once it was rinsed away, Zebunisa used the kessa mitt for a thorough full-body scrub. Next, a Rassoul clay mask scented with delicate rose and geranium was applied all over and left to set before another rinse. Between each stage, bowls of ice and cool flannels appeared so I could cool down - and wipe my eyes.
A firm body brush followed, starting at my feet and working upwards and then my hair and face were washed. Bliss.
The ritual finished with a full-body massage in the adjoining double treatment room, using La Sultane de Saba oils. I was offered a choice of three: a seven-spice Ayurvedic detox oil, a citrusy, uplifting blend, or orange blossom, said to aid relaxation and sleep. I chose the latter. The medium-pressure massage was soothing and calming, and my skin was left noticeably soft and glowing.
Afterwards, with a big glass of water in hand, I was shown through to the relaxation room. A delicious herbal tea arrived in glass cups set in pretty gold leaf-shaped holders – a lovely finishing touch.
FOOD FACTS
Spa guests can lunch en-robe in the dedicated Spa Lounge. Wooden floors, soft cove lighting and floor-length dark curtains make it feel more like a smart members’ club than a spa café. Take your pick from round tables with cream tub chairs, a squashy cream sofa scattered with blush cushions, or high-backed navy wing chairs piped in white .
At lunch, you pick one dish from each course to build your own menu. We started with green olives, while our spa partner opted for the bresaola – finely sliced aged beef with rocket, datterini tomatoes and Parmesan. We both chose the salmon salad: fresh raw salmon marinated in soy, ginger and garlic, with avocado, red cabbage, edamame, toasted sesame and a kick of sriracha. It was super fresh and zingy. Tiramisu rounded things off for us both. To drink, a Get Up & Glow juice (carrot, orange, apple and turmeric) and a Berry Boss smoothie. Afternoon tea is also available.
For dinner, head to Cedar, where tall ceilings, antique mirrors, candle-style chandeliers and a misty forest mural set the scene. Despite the setting, the mood was relaxed, smart-casual and family friendly.
For starters: pan-fried scallops and Cornish octopus, glazed with honey and rosemary. The Beef Cheek Wellington main was melt-in-the-mouth tender, filled with an autumn herb duxelles and served with truffle-infused mash, crisp kale and (crucially) a pot of extra gravy. A side of steamed tenderstem broccoli kept things virtuous. All washed down with a lovely glass of French red, a Saint-Émilion.
We had no room for pudding, despite the temptation of chocolate mousse with a zingy peach-and-yuzu sauce.
SWEET STAY?
We stayed in the Winston Churchill Suite, a nod to the estate’s past visitors. Churchill’s portrait hangs above the fireplace; his eyes seemed to follow us around the bedroom.
You’ll find it hard to leave the enormous emperor bed, with its tall buttoned headboard and crisp white sheets.There’s a separate sitting room with a velvet sofa, an illy coffee machine and a well-stocked fridge. The elegant marble bathroom has a sumptuous rolltop bath, a walk-in rain shower and every amenity you could wish for.
WE LOVED…
The thermal facilities: vast, beautifully designed and with a dedicated women-only area – you could happily lose a whole day down here.
The hammam ritual: a Middle-Eastern bathing ritual that left us deeply soothed and relaxed; our skin softer than it’s been in years.
The staff: warm, friendly and welcoming, throughout our visit.
WHICH BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?
We awarded The Langley a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of Five Bubble Luxury for its vast, beautifully designed spa, attention to detail, extensive thermal facilities, private women-only sanctuary and characterful suites.
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