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Barnsley House, Cirencester - 5 bubbles
One of our Good Spa Spies made her way to the beautiful Cotswolds countryside to visit Barnsley House's Garden Spa. In the flourishing garden of the traditional stone manor-house, she found a contemporary spa offering excellent Aromatherapy Associates treatments. The friendly staff and stunning rural surroundings made her feel so comfortable she didn't want to leave.
Was it easy to book?
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
How did you feel afterwards?
What happens afterwards?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
Was it easy to book?
Yes, the spa receptionists were helpful, friendly and fully informed about the Barnsley House's treatments.
First impressions?
A quintessential Cotswold manor with a beautiful English country garden.
How did they welcome you?
From below ground. The reception has been moved to the basement since we were last invited to visit and the smiley receptionist came up to greet us as we arrived. She then showed me to my room. She gave me the check-in card to complete at the Perspex desk in my light double-aspect room, overlooking the pretty garden. She showed me where the mini-bar was, in a beehive-style cupboard, and gave me a demo on how to work the large flat-screen tv.
The receptionist then left me to settle in, giving me my room key, attached to a mini Maglite torch. I took a couple of minutes to take in the smart, predominantly cream decor with Perspex curtain poles, exposed-brick fireplace and impressively spacious oak-floored ensuite bathroom with huge twin baths, power shower and Aromatherapy Associates products. Gorgeous.
What happens next?
I made my way around the celebrated garden, with a soundtrack of birdsong and a backdrop of sunlit leaves. The spa, tucked away behind the garden, is a modern stone-and-glass building whose design is sympathetic to the Cotswolds surroundings. To the side of the building there's a toasty outdoor hydrotherapy pool and a pond (not to be confused!), with a lawned area and loungers, backing onto a field of dairy cattle. The spa has a large relaxation area, which also overlooks the field and hydrotherapy pool.
At the spa reception I was greeted by a friendly receptionist, who gave me a comprehensive form to complete, then showed me around the spa. In The Garden Spa there are changing rooms, a relaxation room, a steam room and sauna and a couple of power showers. The Garden Spa has a natural feel, with willow wall-coverings and herbs from the garden hanging from the ceiling of the sauna area, releasing a lovely spicy aroma.
The receptionist gave me a locker key and instructed me to change into my robe and return to reception where my therapist, Sarah, would be waiting for me. I duly obliged, donning the robe and slippers that awaited me in the locker, and went to meet Sarah.
Which treatments did you have?
The Garden Spa Signature Treatment (115 mins, £140): a body polish, massage and facial treatment using Aromatherapy Associates oils.
What were the treatments like?
Sarah led me downstairs along a softly lit sandstone corridor, complete with illuminated ammonites, to my treatment room. The calming room had a travertine-tiled floor and cream-painted walls, with a Philippe Starck Ghost chair in one corner. Sarah took a couple of minutes to talk me through the treatment and the products she would be using from the Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose range.
After popping out for a couple of minutes while I made myself comfortable on the couch, Sarah returned to start the exfoliation part of my treatment. This involved mixing Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Hydrating Body Gel with their natural exfoliating grains made from finely ground olive pits. As Sarah rubbed the combo in, my skin absorbed the gel while the exfoliating grains were simply brushed away. This felt good and also meant that the treatment didn't have to be interrupted while I got up to shower off.
Once Sarah had exfoliated the front and back of my body, she replaced the towel underneath me, asking me to prop myself up while she performed the manoeuvre. Next, Sarah started my massage by smoothing Renew Rose Massage and Body Oil into my back. She used a fusion of eastern and western techniques, ranging from firm pressing, for knots in my shoulder, to deep sweeping motions to soothe my limbs.
Sarah was keen to check my continued comfort, and intuitively struck a perfect balance between being informative, friendly, and silent. As the massage continued I could feel myself drifting into a state of deep relaxation. Before I knew it, the massage had come to an end, as Sarah whispered that she was about to start the facial.
Firstly, Sarah applied a rose cleanser to remove my make up, then rose-water tonic, which smelled fragrantly fresh. Next, Sarah exfoliated my skin and applied a hydrating mask. This was a process that was much appreciated by my dry post-holiday skin. She then massaged my face with Revitalising Facial Oil. I felt myself drifting into semi-sleep as she swept circles around my eyes and massaged my appreciative forehead. Any tensions I'd had when I arrived had well and truly melted away. Sarah finished the treatment by applying moisturiser, dabbing eye gel and lip balm in their respective places, and offering me a glass of water. I felt great.
How did you feel afterwards?
Completely relaxed and smelling florally fragrant. My skin was smooth and my mind calm.
What happens afterwards?
Sarah met me outside the room once I'd re-robed and led me back upstairs to the sunny relaxation room.
Long-term effects
Soft skin and a clearer-looking complexion.
Was it worth it?
Barnsley House falls firmly in our "push the boat out" price range. But the treatment and overall Garden Spa experience was delightful. For such a special spa stay I would have to say yes, it was worth it.
What else could you have?
You can pick your treatment according to duration. 115-, 85-, 55- or 25-minute treatments are available at The Garden Spa. If you prefer not to decide on your treatment in advance, you can choose on the day.
Treatments include a variety of Aromatherapy Associates massages, including a pregnancy massage and an aromatherapy massage. There are body scrubs and a selection of facials, with the range including a bespoke facial, a men's facial and an anti-ageing facial.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
The winning numbers for the week's lottery so that I could make Barnsley House my second home!
Any special features?
The hydrotherapy pool overlooking the countryside is beautiful, as is the glass-walled relaxation room with the same rural view. The fresh mint and free soft drinks in the mini bar were a nice touch, as was the torch attached to the door key to help any late night stumbles back from The Village Pub.
The Village Pub is Barnsley House's more casual bar and eaterie, while their main restaurant is smart but has a relaxed vibe. It's light and airy and overlooks the beautiful gardens -- you can almost see the kitchen garden from your table. The fantastic vegetable and salad garden is raided on a daily basis for fresh produce. .
Who do you think would like it?
Couples, singles, stylish urbanites or garden enthusiasts. Anyone looking for a quintessential Cotswolds retreat.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave Barnsley House 5 bubbles as the treatment was excellent, the spa facilities lovely and the staff natural, friendly and helpful. With the added bonus of a lovely hotel and garden, great food and good customer service, we couldn't give it anything less.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
In an ideal world, with money being no object, I would visit Barnsley House several times a year. I'd love to see the garden and the spa in each season.
We visited Barnsley House in June 2010.
See also:
* Contact Details for Barnsley House
* Our Spa Spies review Aromatherapy Associates products
* Massage
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