Spa Revew: Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa, England

You could be forgiven for thinking that once you have left London finding a half decent spa becomes more difficult to predict in terms of quality and offerings. In the English countryside, however, there are some gems, and one I discovered nestles in pristine, manicured parkland in Bedfordshire.

• Location: It’s part of the exclusive and historic Luton Hoo estate.
• Treatment menu: One of the many things which sets this spa apart is that it has a number of exclusive spa blends inspired by flowers and herbs found on the estate. On the spa menu is a range of beauty therapies, body treatments and massages of many types, in combination with organic oils made by aromatherapists from natural ingredients. There is also a collection of Spa Days, including the Signature Spa Day which includes an 80 minute Balinese massage, a foot ritual, a two-course lunch in Adam's Brasserie, and full use of the spa and leisure facilities.
• What else is there: There are indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, an infinity swimming pool, a vitality pool and heat therapy suite.
• Why go: The treatment menu is impressive, the therapists are good, and it’s very all very "Downton Abbey”.

The Space

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa is a stately home with a long history, and which has in recent years been lovingly restored to its former glory. Rather than a home, however, today it's an all-encompassing luxury resort, offering anyone seeking a romantic getaway the ideal combination of the countryside, a top class hotel, fine dining, quality golf and a full-service spa. Once you arrive, there's really no reason to leave, and from a quick facial to a pedicure, the hotel's spa is the ideal place to wile away a few hours, to or pamper yourself into looking your best before a romantic dinner for two. The spa is tucked away in what used to be the original stables courtyard, with plenty of original features intact, and has a beautiful oak framed indoor swimming pool with a view overlooking the woodland beyond, and facilities including six treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, a sauna, steam room and gym. The treatment rooms are havens of quiet, with soft music playing, luxurious treatment beds adorned with rich chocolate brown covers on which to relax, and lovely original features including fireplaces and pantry-like closets. The decor embraces the home’s traditional heritage, with warm painted walls, polished wood floors, and large shuttered windows with views out to the courtyard. Just looking out you could imagine the scene from days gone by; horses being prepared for a ride, the clatter of their hooves echoing in the countryside stillness. Quiet pervades today, making you feel entirely relaxed the minute you walk through the ground floor front door.

The Treatment

My guest and I were running late, and a little stressed, but the friendly staff took charge of us from the outset, showing us upstairs to our separate treatment rooms to change into a plush bathrobe, and await some much-needed pampering. The treatment I’d chosen had a kind of best-of-all-worlds approach to a spa experience, and included an 85-minute back, face and scalp treatment, and the use of hot stones. It was ideal for a somewhat weary traveller, newly arrived into the UK and battling jet lag. It began with the option of choosing what "response" I desired from the oils that would be used; being tired, I decided on something stimulating, as I had a fine dining experience lined up that evening. Starting face down, I enjoyed a gentle back exfoliation which to smooth the skin and relax you ready for the massage. The strokes were gentle and kneading, ideal for loosening knotty muscles, and the hot stones penetrate the tissue wonderfully to further enhance to feeling of relaxation, yet stimulating the circulation. The next step was a mini-facial, which consisted of cleansing and a stimulating massage to the entire face, including the jaw line and the temples. Finally attention turned to the scalp, just in case there was any residual tension from the neck up - by which time there honestly wasn't.

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The friendly and genuinely caring staff
• The feeling of taking a step back in time.
• The massage with hot stones was top notch. 

Insider Tips  

• The indoor pool is simply gorgeous and a great place to relax before or after your treatment so pack your swimmers and make time to visit.

The Details

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is located at The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire , LU1 3TQ, www.lutonhoo.co.uk/spa-hertfordshire.