Spa of the Week: Lucknam Park Hotel, Wiltshire

The escapism begins as soon as you drive through Lucknam Park’s iron gates and cruise up the mile-long, tree-lined driveway. 

As you make your way up the sweeping avenue, you’ll see horses grazing in the adjacent paddocks and, at the end, you’ll have your first glimpse of the 18th Century pile you’ll be lucky enough to call home for the next few days. 

Along with the award-winning ESPA spa, Lucknam Park has 42 rooms (including 13 suites), a Michelin-starred restaurant, cosy bar (complete with roaring fire), gym, equestrian centre, tennis courts, lawn croquet, a cookery school and 500 acres of walking trails.

There’s no chance of getting bored here. 

Famous for: 

Already one of the best loved hotels in the South West, the relaunch of the spa in July 2017 as an ESPA property, cemented its status as a British classic. 

Hidden on the other side of a pretty courtyard and walled garden is the spa, which is home to indoor and outdoor pools backing onto a wild meadow, five thermal cabins (including a Japanese Salt Room and Amethyst Room), salt water plunge pool, experience showers, plus the more laid back Brasserie serving up seasonal grub and woodstone pizzas. Bath robe clad spa-goers are welcome here, as are non-spa guests. 

You’ll find all the usual offerings – manicures, pedicures, facials and massages – but with the opening of the new Wellbeing room, there’s also a selection of holistic treatments. Think mindful massages, personalised Ayurvedic dosha techniques to help tackle insomnia and stress, dry floatation and reiki. 

There are also special treatment packages for expectant mothers, men and children. 

Even without a treatment, a morning or afternoon spent lying by one of the pools is a tonic. For pollution-weary Londoners, a few minutes in the Japanese Salt Room will improve any respiratory conditions or allergies. 

The treatment: 

Suffering from a particularly aggressive head cold, I opted for the ESPA Inner Calm Massage (£105 for 60 minutes). In my fragile state, about all I could stand was gentle touch and my therapist really listened to my needs, applying the exact amount of pressure my aching body could take. Using my choice of oil (I decided on something non-scented), the therapist worked her way through a full body massage. The treatment effectively rid my shoulders and neck of tension but was also thought-deadeningly relaxing.

The treatment rooms at Lucknam Park are geared up for shutting out the world. They’re dark, quiet with heated massage beds and, when you’re lying on your back, even the neck rest warms up. 

The hour culminated in a blissful head massage – opt out of this if you don’t want oily hair for the rest of the day. Then I was lead, half staggering in a zen stupor, to the relaxation room where I prepared to re-enter the world with a peppermint tea. 

I was so out of it after my treatment that I slept for two hours on a sun lounger by the pool. Nirvana, achieved. 

Verdict: 

I can’t think of many better ways to spend a day than at Lucknam Park’s spa. Quiet (I was the only one in the relaxation room), beautiful (the scent of the English wild flowers follows you around the spa), and with a menu of innovative treatments. 

You’ll leave feeling… 

Completely restored. At just over an hour from London on the train, Lucknam Park is ideally located for an easy weekend jolly.

Details

Rooms are available from £295 based on two sharing a double room. For bookings visit lucknampark.co.uk. 

ESPA Inner Calm Massage, 60 minutes – £105. For the full treatment list, visit lucknampark.co.uk.spa-wellbeing/treatments.