The Sybarite checks into Calcot & Spa for a blissful 24 hour reset amid stunning Cotswolds countryside.
Ensconced within 220 acres of rolling Cotswolds countryside, Calcot & Spa is a true rural retreat. Set in the picturesque market town of Tetbury my unadulterated state of relaxation began long before I floated to the spa, housed in a separate honey-hued building from the main hotel.
The Spa
This two-storey temple to wellness is ultra-slick and seemingly as popular with well-heeled locals as frazzled weekenders. I was immediately swept upstairs to the changing rooms to slip on my prerequisite fluffy robe and flip flops. Spa mode activated, I entered one of the many candle-lit treatment rooms. The treatment menu is extensive from Aromatherapy Associates sleep-inducing massages to supercharged CACI facials using LED and microdermabrasion to tighten and lift skin. I opted for the Remedy Soothing Facial – the perfect treatment to soothe parched sensitive skin types — powered by Comfort Zone’s ultra mollifying products. Laying atop a gently-warmed bed, my treatment commenced by inhaling a few drops of aromatic essential oils to instantly still the mind. The treatment continued with a double cleanse of a decadent cream-to-oil cleanser, my skin was then liberally spritzed with a fortifying toner before my therapist began a firm facial massage to coax tension out of my jawline, around the brow bone and temples. Next up was a reassuringly gritty exfoliation before a cloud-like creamy hydrating mask was applied. I enjoyed a vigorous shoulder, neck and scalp massage while the mask got to work. Finally my skin was treated to an application of soothing serum and lashings of SPF50 (naturally). The result? Thoroughly-cleansed, plump skin bestowed with a revived glow.
The Amenities
I positively floated out of the treatment room to enjoy the spa’s extensive facilities. The indoor 16m heated pool is flanked by trees and flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the surrounding greening within the spa. Upstairs guests will find a sauna and steam room, and there are a pair of relaxation lounges to recline and soak in the calming atmosphere. The true crowning glory is the al fresco hot tub in a lavender fringed courtyard. Set against an open fireplace (so it’s inviting even on a bracing February afternoon) you practically need to be prised away from it. Looking to refuel post-swim? The spa’s cafe is ideal to detox or retox depending on your spa alter-ego, serving virtuous green smoothies through to fizzing flutes of Champagne.
If your wellness game is a little more fast paced, check out The Grain Store: a 280 m2 fitness sanctuary housing a state-of-the-art gym, spin barn, holistic studio facilitating yoga and pilates classes, plus a fitness studio hosting an impressive roster of classes throughout the week — from Boxfit and Circuits to high tempo dance classes. If you prefer an al fresco workout, borrow a bike for a cycle around the grounds or a pair of wellies for an amble on foot.
The Rooms
The spa offers myriad packages, from evening sessions to full day immersion but to fully reset I’d recommend an overnight stay in one of the romantic boltholes. Dual-level suites are particularly inviting with country chic accents, cavernous bathrooms flanked with 100 Acres beauty products and a fully stocked complimentary mini bar including deliciously moreish homemade shortbread.
The Dining
Bring your appetite to Calcot & Spa as decadent dining is a key pillar of the experience. The Brasserie is the hotel’s main restaurant, a relaxed yet elegant spot serving lavish afternoon tea for an afternoon refuel and makes for a romantic dinner spot come evening. Local produce is at the heart of the menu: standout starters include a featherlight cheddar soufflé and dressed Cornish crab with a zingy lemon aioli. For mains you can’t go wrong with buttery-soft Chateaubriand in a punchy red wine jus served with a velvety truffled mash. Sweet tooths won’t be disappointed with a deconstructed lavender and local honey mille-fuille or indulgent cocoa panna cotta.
By morning, following a quick stint in the gym and a hearty full english breakfast at The Brasserie, I felt fully refreshed and recharged after a mere 24 hr escape from London. My only sadness being it was over so soon…
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