Gloucestershire spa break guide

A spa break can provide rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and the perfect way to unwind in 2008 – and it just so happens that Gloucestershire is home to a host of stylish spas that can pamper you to perfection.

Whether you want to completely unwind in a tranquil setting or treat your body to an invigorating boost, an overnight stay at one of Gloucestershire’s sensational spas comes second to none.

With the help of our handy Gloucestershire spa break guide, you can be settling into a fluffy white robe by the poolside in a flash.

With four of Gloucestershire’s best spas vying for your attention, spoiling yourself couldn’t be simpler in 2008, now all you have to do is work out what treatment you’re going to indulge in first.

C-Side at Cowley Manor

The hotel: Cowley Manor is a chic country house hotel located in Cowley near Cheltenham. Set in 55 acres of picturesque countryside, with private lakes and heritage listed gardens, Wellington boots supplied to guests come in handy for strolls around the grounds. As well as 30 individually designed rooms, guests will find a modern British restaurant and funky bar, as well as a billiards room to while away the hours.
The spa: Named one of the ‘Best Hotel Spas in the UK’ by Condé Nast Traveller in 2006, Cowley Manor’s modernist C-Side Spa includes a slate indoor pool, an outdoor pool, sauna and steam room, as well as luxurious treatment rooms offering bespoke massages, wraps and facials designed by leading aromatherapist Michelle Roques O’Neill.
Prices: All of Cowley Manor’s spa packages are bespoke. A typical spa day at C-Side includes two spa treatments and a lunch for approximately £116 per person. Until the end of February, Cowley Manor also has a special detox offer for two people from Monday to Thursday, which includes a two-night stay, daily breakfast, one two-course lunch, two detox spa treatments per person and a 20 per cent discount on C-Side products, for £660. Terms and conditions apply, contact Cowley Manor’s C-Side for more information or see cowleymanor.com.

Wyckhillhouse Hotel and Spa

The hotel: Wyckhillhouse is a grand 18th century, 60-bedroom, Cotswolds mansion house with a contemporary décor, which has recently undergone a £3.5million refurbishment. Set in a 100-acre private estate near Stow-on-the-Wold, the haunt of many a celebrity guest plays host to a modern French restaurant and bar, as well as a croquet lawn and tennis courts.
The spa: The luxurious Elemis spa at Wyckhillhouse is home to six treatment rooms, including two dual treatment rooms for couples, friends or family members – with treatments including a range of facials, massages and exfoliating treatments and body wraps. There are also two nail bars, as well as a large sauna and steam room, and a St Tropez spray-tanning room.
Prices: Spa retreat day packages start from £95 including a two course lunch, while an overnight stay in the hotel and two days in the spa costs from £140 per person. Terms and conditions apply, contact Wyckhillhouse Spa for more information.

Calcot Spa at Calcot Manor

The hotel: Calcot Manor is a restored Cotswold stone farmhouse with 34 bedrooms and suites, set in a 220-acre private estate, just a few miles from Tetbury. It offers a fine dining restaurant, gastropub and sun terrace overlooking impressive gardens, as well as tennis courts for burning off the calories.
The spa: Calcot Spa is housed in its own building and offers a gym, a decent-sized indoor pool and a small outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, exercise studio. There are also seven treatment rooms offering Jessica manicures, Zenspa pedicures, Guinot and Aromatherapy Associates facials and massages, complementary therapies and men’s treatments.
Prices: A double room at Calcot Manor costs from £205 per night, including breakfast. There is currently also a Sunday night spa special offer, which costs £325 per couple and includes one night in a double room, breakfast, £40 per person off the cost of dinner and £90 worth of spa treatments. Terms and conditions apply, contact Calcot Spa for more information.

Le Spa

The hotel: Le Spa is an Edwardian manor house situated near Cirencester, surrounded by landscaped gardens and woodlands. There is a choice of nine individually designed rooms, a cosy modern restaurant serving local cuisine and a cocktail bar.
The spa: Le Spa’s main attraction is undoubtedly its spacious and modern spa which includes two gyms, an indoor swimming pool with an outdoor sun terrace, outdoor hot and cold tubs, plus a sauna, steam room and whirlpool. There are 14 treatment rooms (including four in the garden for pampering two people at a time) offering treatments including Samui body scrubs, polishes and wraps, Pattaya oil massages, and Le Dermie facials for men and women, as well as holistic treatments.
Prices: Day spa packages cost from £40 per person at Le Spa, while an overnight spa break at Le Spa costs from £99 per night. There is also currently a Stay Spa package available from Sunday to Thursday, which costs £129 per couple. Terms and conditions apply, contact Le Spa for more information.

Michelle Byrne
18 January 2008