Our editor Charlotte Skidmore checks out the newly branded and refurbished spa at Lucknam Park Hotel
Over the summer, Lucknam Park near Bath relaunched its spa with a brand new treatment menu, refurbished treatment rooms and a new relaxation area, so when the hotel team invited me to check it out, I jumped at the chance.
In the past I have likened arriving at Lucknam to stepping into an episode of Downton Abbey and it truly is an exciting experience. The hotel oozes quality and class from the moment you drive up the tree lined drive and have the valet take your keys from you, until the moment the staff bid you goodbye.
As my main mission was to check out the spa, I wasted no time in getting to my room, the Peacock Room, and donning my robe and slippers in preparation.
The room was lovely with twin beds (it was a girly getaway), lounge area with sofas and a gorgeous bathroom with a slipper bath, twin sinks and a huge shower.
Off to the spa I went, where the friendly staff greeted me and explained there would be unlimited fluffy towels available around the pool.
The spa itself has good facilities with a large pool, outdoor plunge pool and bubbling hot tub, two experience rooms (including a steam room) and a sauna.
ESPA at Lucknam Park is one of the only three ESPA branded spas in the UK. The new spa menu includes the signature ESPA Inner Calm Massage and the ESPA Optimal Skin Health Facial, performed by newly trained and highly qualified therapists. I was lucky enough to have a 60 minute Inner Calm Massage on my visit and the way I described it afterwards was ‘it got to the root of the problems but the therapists didn’t make me suffer for it’. In fact it was deeply relaxing.
On arrival I was asked to choose my preference of oils (with my eyes closed in order to enhance my sense of smell). Then I went on to have my legs, back, neck, shoulders, arms, scalp and feet massaged. I have to say it was really wonderful, relaxing but effective in getting some knots out of my shoulders.
The treatment rooms have been completely refurbished, with the addition of an exquisite new relaxation area they do look very smart.
Since its debut in 1993, ESPA has been recognised for its range of innovative and natural products – that are made locally in Somerset – and they smell great!
As it was a spa break, we of course couldn’t top the day off better than having dinner in the restaurant, Hywel Jones. The evening started with pre-dinner drinks and apéritifs in the drawing room, which made the experience feel even more special. Then we went on to enjoy a three course meal, with the odd amuse-bouche thrown in. This really is fine dining at its best – substance, quality and amazing attentiveness and service.
I had crab and caviar to start, followed by venison with a blackberry jus, morels and creamed potato. It was all delicious, but the highlight for me was the cheese trolley to finish. I’d had my eye on it all night as it went around the other tables and I wasn’t disappointed. It contained one of the best selections of cheese, presented by extremely knowledgeable staff, that I’ve ever seen.
Thank you Lucknam Park. This visit was a treat for my mum for her birthday and we made some magical memories. I suggest other people do too.
