The Spa at Lucknam Park

First Impressions

Few hotels can lay claim to a having such an impressive entrance: Lucknam Park's driveway is lined with trunk after trunk of towering beech trees. At the end of the arrow-straight road, you’ll arrive at a grand Italianate Cotswold manor house. Head through the pretty courtyard garden to the classy, light-filled spa, surrounded by 500 acres of grounds dotted with mature trees, trickling streams and pretty flowerbeds..

What's on offer?

The spa is housed in a modern, glass-fronted building within charming walled gardens. One side is taken up by the Walled Garden brasserie: the other the impressive spa wing. In between, is a minimalist and airy reception area, where you check in. We were warmly welcomed, handed a dark grey fluffy robe and flip-flops and given a brief tour of the facilities.

Rich wood meets pale stone tiles in the changing rooms where a central dressing area with raised glass sinks, mirrored vanities and hairdryers awaits. At the far end you’ll find rows of solid wood code-activated lockers, a large bench for changing and shelves containing fresh white towels. The showers are stocked with Lucknam’s own Vanilla and Fig shampoo, conditioner and body wash. There's two private changing rooms, as well as a wheelchair-accessible shower. A cosy single-sex steam room and sauna are here, too.

Lucknam Park's beautiful 20-metre swimming pool will take your breath away (we had it all to ourselves on our visit): a curved glass ceiling shows off English skies, while creamy tiles cleverly mirror the hotel's Cotswold stone exteriors. A slick ribbon fireplace flickers seductively along one wall.

The main thermal facilities are to the right, adorned with real hanging plants; a rare and welcome sight for this nature-loving Spa Spy. We began in the Amethyst room, tiled wall-to-wall in glistening mermaid mosaics with a huge crystal set into the ceiling. The super-steamy Japanese salt room has four curved heated loungers allowing you to lie back and absorb its detoxifying benefits. Cool off under one of the experience showers with their huge square heads or grab a cooling flannel from the ice fountain. Rehydrate with a glass of water from the dispenser before planting yourself in the spacious and toasty hot (85.C) cedar-lined sauna with its amber and pink salt brick feature. Move across to the small but perfectly formed infrared sauna and sit while the infrared heat penetrates your back and muscles. The aromatic steam room, set behind a sheer glass wall, was fragrant and hot on our visit.

The toasty indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool has a swan pipe jet for optimal shoulder pummelling. Press the button to open the sliding door to the outside, where you can bubble away while soaking in views of the beautifully tended gardens.

There are plenty of poolside loungers to choose from. Lie back and marvel at the sky-high ceilings. On sunny days, there are ample loungers outside, too.

The treatment reception area is a peaceful oasis with sofas and chairs in soft greens and greys. There’s also a light-filled relaxation room for spa guests only at the back of the treatment area, with floor-to-ceiling doors which open onto a private spa garden. Inside are seven large and comfortable loungers for snoozing, as well as magazines to flick through and a choice of teas to sip post-treatment.

Tell us about the treatments

We tried an Energy Renewal Treatment by Ashmira Botanica (90 minutes, £240) followed by a 111Cryo De-Puffing Facial (90 minutes, £265).

My therapist, Lucia, met me in the pre-treatment area and led me to one of the eight treatment rooms. She began by explaining that the treatment combines the healing powers of clay, lymphatic drainage and sound therapy.

She left the room so I could disrobe, don a paper thong and lie face down on the heated bed. The treatment commenced with a mini sound bath using singing bowls and a tuning fork; the resonant sound calmed my busy mind instantly.

Lucia then applied a non-setting, Ashmira Botanicals Clay Mask to the back of my body: legs, back and arms. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the metal element in my personalised clay is designed to invigorate and harmonise the metal meridians – the large Intestines and lungs – an ideal remedy for my newly-acquired autumn cough.

Lucia then used small silicone suction cups to create a pulling force on the skin and tissues - this, she explained, helps move stagnant fluids and toxins out of the body, improving the flow of lymph and clearing blockages to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Next, a deep and soothing massage. Turning onto my back, Lucia repeated the three-step process on the front of my arms, legs, decollete before moving onto my stomach.

The clay left my skin silky soft with a zingy lemon scent. The slight pinching sensation of the cups was bearable; the massage element heavenly. That night, I slept soundly and woke up feeling refreshed and revitalised.

For the second treatment, Lucia commenced with a double cleanse, before applying a spritz of 111Skin Antioxidant Essence NAC Y²™ to lock in hydration.

She switched on the Cryo Machine and strategically used cold (-15.C), purified air to massage my face for 45 minutes. The aim: to increase oxygen flow to the skin, reduce puffiness and enable better absorption of active ingredients.

Lucia then applied Repair Serum NAC Y²™ focusing on the wrinkly areas around my eyes and forehead. Next, she performed an incredible deep tissue massage on my face, lifting and sculpting the skin with firm, precise strokes, carefully working each muscle group using a combination of deep holding, pinching and lifting.

Cryo De-Puffing Eye Masks were placed under each eye and a Cryo De-Puffing Treatment Sheet Mask placed over my face. While the masks worked, Lucia carried out a slow but firm scalp massage that extended down to the back of my neck. Masks removed, this epic facial ended with some Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser and Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™

Unsurprisingly, the results were dramatic: my skin looked brighter, plumper and almost glass-like. I rocked the no-make-up look all day with confidence.

You’ll find 111Skin, Ashmira Botanica, Natural Spa Factory, Kloris (CBD) at Lucknam Park, along with their own signature treatments. Along with results-driven facials, there's a keen focus on holistic, naturally inspired treatments for mind and body wellness, such as mindfulness massage, reiki and crystal healing. The Spa also offer Nailberry and Shellac manicures and pedicures.

Food Facts

During a spa day, you can dine in your robe (if you wish) in the Walled Garden; a palette of pale green, white and gold is paired with natural wood, tropical plants and floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the courtyard garden. The menu itself has a pretty illustration of the estate on one side, and a good mix of healthy and more indulgent options overleaf. You can try wood-fired pizzas, grills, plenty of fish options – including a Cornish catch of the day – salads, nibbles and several dessert choices, including a selection of British Isle cheeses.

Knowing we would return to the Walled Garden for dinner, we opted for the set lunch menu; the crispy chilli squid starter and seabass with mussels, leaks and potatoes main were beautifully light and delicious.

For dinner, we plumped for two flavoursome 8oz rib eye steaks, served with a side of (more-ish) tender-stem broccoli with lime and Wasabi and Ratte potatoes. A glass of Pinot Noir was the perfect accompaniment. For dessert, the chocolate tart with brown butter, banana and sea salt hit the spot; our spa partner devoured the pineapple ginger cake with muscovado, rum and coconut.

We loved / we didn't love

We loved

The serene setting: the pool – with its flickering fire - is a delight to sit beside as well as swim in. Bubble away in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool, surrounded by lovely gardens - a highlight whatever the season.

The cutting-edge treatments: if a spa can impress a well-travelled Spa Spy they really are doing something new and inventive.

The Walled Garden with its beautiful botanical design, attentive staff and delicious food – this is spa food at its best. Don’t miss a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar – the watermelon Margarita gets the thumbs up from us.

We didn't love

Having to leave.

Who do you think would like it?

Treatment afficionados: from results-driven Cryo facials to sound baths and deeply holistic massages, Lucknam Park has got its spa menu nailed.

Anyone in need of nurturing: enjoy the peace of the countryside, stroll through the gardens, de-stress with a treatment and then doze off in the restful relaxation areas.

Your American cousins, sisters and aunts: or anyone else you would like to impress. Lucknam is a perfect example of a Palladian mansion with the added attraction of a very modern spa.

What bubble rating did you award this spa?

Once again, we awarded The Spa at Lucknam Park a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of Five Bubble Luxury for its glorious parkland setting, wide range of facilities, excellent treatments, delicious food and first-class customer service.

Scarlet Spy visited in September 2025 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury.