Long known as the country retreat for the urban cool set, Cowley is keeping them coming by having revamped its C-Side Spa with new treatment rooms and a chic range of products, all made on site.
The funky stately home is based in 55 acres of beautiful grounds in the pretty Cotswold countryside. On first appearances it appears as traditional as you can get – old-world elegance – tick, sweeping drive – tick, pale yellow Cotswold stone – tick (you might be forgiven for expecting the staff to greet you in period clothes). But step inside the door and instead you’ll be hit with the flamboyant, 70s contemporary vibe (think papier mâché sculptures and cowhide seats) mixed with the best in Georgian country-house luxe. Rooms are overly generous in size and have stunning floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the countryside, bathrooms are huge and the décor mixes the bold with the chic (vivid purple walls, elegant linens, and hi-tech mod cons). It couldn’t be further from your chintzy country house hotel.
The C-Side Spa is even more contemporary and fabulous within this traditional setting. A modern, glass building pings out of the green hill it is carved from. New treatment rooms and a revamp have updated the spa and, as well as the outdoor pool, there’s an indoor option in case the weather is not on your side (in the UK? Never!). The environment is nicely chilled and just the right side of pampering (not fussy at all). The treatment menu focuses on massages, with the Cloud 9 for the whole body being its signature (£110 for 90 minutes). It combines aromatherapy, reflexology and acupressure to leave you blissed out.
If massage is not for you, then there’s plenty of other choices. We loved the deep cleansing facial (£75 for 60 minutes), which includes a foot massage and lymph drainage for a brightened complexion. All treatments use the spa’s new product line, Green & Spring, which is a natural range of skin and body care using herbs, flowers and plants from across the British Isles. And all are available to buy in the new Village Shop, which also sells locally made gifts, jewellery and clothes.
Spa time, shopping… If you are not suitably relaxed after all that, then indulge in The Restaurant, which serves seasonal British dishes, such as Cornish crab mayonnaise, Gloucester Old Spot pork loin with fennel and apple salad.
Despite opening in 2002, it’s heartening to find that Cowley Manor is still one of the best UK retreats around for the ultimate chill-out weekend.
Cowley Manor, Cowley, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 9NL, +44 (0)1242 870900, cowleymanor.com
