Countryside Calm: Checking in to Coworth Park

The spa is a feat of architectural excellence. Emerging from the rolling hills, the building works with the natural surroundings. The indoor pool, flanked by 15 glistening amethysts, really is the crowning jewel of the spa. Guests can swim languid lengths while melodic tones are pumped out through underwater speakers.

New for 2025 is a thermal suite. Here you can hop between the steam room and Finnish sauna before a bracing stint in the snow room. Or you can work up a sweat in style in the gym, equipped with Technogym Artis Luxury line machines. And if you equate relaxation with putting your feet up, the plump loungers around the pool or lavender-fringed terrace are ideal. The spa has partnered with globally renowned brands, such as ishga, Natura Bissé and Wildsmith, for efficacious rituals. Keen to try products based on the transformative benefits of organic Scottish seaweed, I booked ishga’s Renewing Facial. With properties known to enhance collagen prodution and soothe inflammation, this was just what I needed.

Before the treatment began, I quickly entered a state of relaxation with a rosebud, hibiscus and chamomile tea in the spa’s Awaken lounge. This soothing space is replete with soft blue hues, foliage inspired prints and tactile textiles.

My therapist guided me through the light-flooded corridor to the treatment room. I was tucked into a gently warmed bed before a lavender eye mask was applied. This wasn’t any old facial. A mindful visualisation ritual began against the soundtrack of lapping waves, inviting me to focus on my breathing and picture the awe-inspiring Hebridean Islands in my mind’s eye. Fully grounded in the moment, I enjoyed the aromas and textures of ishga’s elixirs.

The 60-minute facial began with a creamy double cleanse, before a reassuringly gritty scrub was applied. As the day’s dirt and oil was lifted away, I enjoyed a suitably firm scalp massage. Next up, a nourishing face oil was applied and my therapist worked this silky texture into my skin. This lifted my visage, melted away tension, and focused on lymphatic drainage to dispel puffiness.

Next, a cooling, tingly mask was mixed, using pure seaweed extract that sets on the skin. As a bonus, my therapist indulged me with a leg and foot massage to mollify tired limbs. To finish, my skin was prepped with a trio of serum, marine cream and finishing balms for a plump, soothed, dewy complexion.

With its close proximity to London, spa-seekers can easily zip across to Coworth Park for the day. However, with exquisite suites and fine dining, you won’t need much persuading to upgrade your visit to an overnight sojourn.

I stayed in the cottage executive suite, a romantic bolthole, to continue my relaxation journey with a copper roll-top bath accompanied by fragrant Wildsmith products, and quite possibly the fluffiest bath robe I have ever worn. The room’s country chic accents echo the hotel’s equestrian roots. Horseshoe motifs bedeck cloud-like bedding and equine prints adorn the walls.

Dinner at Woven by Adam Smith, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, struck a decadent note. Smith has composed a locally sourced tasting menu. Exquisite dishes are paired with British wines including a Pinot Noir from Essex, an unexpected hit.

The feast commenced with a delicate array of canapés, with the Cornish crab in a Thai green broth a triumph. Other standout dishes included a Girolle tart studded with hazelnuts, leeks and a generous shaving of black truffle, and Cornish turbot served with a sliver of native lobster and salted grapes in a creamy cauliflower purée. A trio of desserts, including English strawberries atop a lemon verbena and yuzu posset, and decadent chocolate soufflé, almost brought the indulgence to a close. But then a Willy Wonka-esque array of treats appeared, taking the petit four concept to new heights.

Come morning, following a hearty full English at The Barn, I explored the tranquil grounds on foot in lieu of borrowing a bike from the hotel reception. The meadows are an enchanting spot, studded with a medley of wildflowers and sculptures by Carol Peace. For an added equine touch, guests can visit the horses in the paddocks. After less than 24 hrs at Coworth Park, I felt fully refreshed and recharged – with a rejuvenated complexion to boot...

ishga Renewing Facial from £180

Junior Suites start from £890 / night

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