Posted on January 17, 2020
Whether you are local to The Cotswolds, house-hunting or visiting - the region is the perfect destination for a wellbeing retreat to banish those winter blues - combining beautiful countryside for bracing walks, indulgent spas to relax and great fitness studios to work off the excesses of Christmas, here are our favourite wellbeing destinations in The Cotswolds...
Cowley Manor (main pic) - C Side Spa
Cowley Manor is the perfect Cotswolds mix - Italianate architecture in the original country house hotel, combined with contemporary-cool styling in the C Side Spa. The glass-fronted wellness centre, sunk into a hill on one side, allows you to drink in the green surroundings from the warmth of the indoor pool. The hotel's own 'Green & Spring' range uses British-grown botanicals and smells divine - with the full 'spa' gammut of beauty treatments, spa, gym and sauna - you could lose a whole weekend here, happily.
Pic credit: Bamford Haybarn
Part of the Daylesford empire, the Bamford Haybarn offers a range of treatments and classes, designed to gently nurture and restore. Giving you the luxury of space and time to truly unwind, their team of experts take a holistic approach - offering mindful yoga, massage and facial treatments. Once revived, you can pop next door to Daylesford Organic for further fortification in their café, lifestyle store and farm shop.
At the heart of the quinessential Cotswolds' village of Chipping Campden, Cotswold House is a handsome honey-stone, rambling country house straight out of the picture books. Tucked away in the former coach house is the hotel's spa, offering Decléor treatments and hydrotherapy pool. The gardens and terrace are stunning come spring, while the Ebrington Arms nearby topped our recent '5 of the Best Country Pubs in The Cotswolds' list'.
Lygon Arms
Pic credit: Lygon Arms
In the heart of Broadway, this 600 year old coaching inn is the perfect destination if you're looking for a wellbeing break that's not too virtuous - you can hole up in the spa during the day (the pool atrium is stunning - pictured) but then indulge in the well stocked wine bar and cosy restaurant in the evening. For residents, there is a great membership scheme - with access to the modern gym and personal training.
If you're looking to improve your fitness this year, One Grove Pilates in Cheltenham offers a range of mat- and equipment-based Pilates classes; as well as Yoga and Barre lessons. With tailored sessions for pre- and post-natal, over 60+ and rehab classes for those looking for some TLC - it's a great hub of experienced and specialist teachers.
Looking to sweat out the excesses of the season? Ella & Fleur Hot Yoga in Cheltenham offers just that, with immersive one-day workshops, as well as a full timetable of specialist classes, including Acro Yoga (a mix of acrobatics and yoga, performed in pairs), pregnancy yoga and 'Hot Yoga' performed in a heated studio to really help you deepen your stretches and revive tired muscles.
If you're looking to get fit and make the most of The Cotswolds beautiful surroundings, The Whiteway Studio in Cirencester offers Nordic Walking classes that get you that cardio fix, with the added mental health benefits of time spent in the great outdoors.
If you're looking for some TLC as part of your winter wellbeing - Stuart Holmes salon in Cheltenham has a great reputation for hair and beauty (and the awards to back it up). Great for scheduling some self-care to pep you up in the grey, winter months.
Pic credit: Barnsley House
The Spa at Barnsley House has a treatment menu that makes you more relaxed just by reading it; from high-tech facials to 'head to toe indulgence' packages - they also run regular 'Movie Night' packages at their in-house private cinema where you can stay for supper and watch the latest release. The perfect end to a spa day for those looking for complete escapism.