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C.Side Spa at Cowley Manor, Cowley - 4 bubbles
We loved the C.Side spa at Cowley Manor on our first visit in 2005. On a return visit in 2008, however, the spa was looking a little tired. We still loved the beautifully designed facilities and great treatments (and chocolate-dipped strawberry) but peeling paint is never a good accessory for a spa day or stay.
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?
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 staff were efficient and friendly on the phone, and the advance information was clear and inviting.
First impressions?
Are we there yet? Cowley Manor is so discreet that you only realise you've reached the hotel when you see the very subtle sign at about a metre's notice. To give you an idea of just how rural the hotel is, the approach we took was signed: "Single track road, No passing places."
Fortunately, the only traffic we met coming the other way was a man on a pre-war bicycle. Once through the entrance, you get a glimpse of beautiful grounds and an impressive classic country hotel. And a conspicuously parked Lamborghini.
But where's the C.Side spa? The glass-fronted stone spa building and inviting, steamy outdoor pool have been sunk into the hill past the old stable block to one side of the hotel. Very subtle. It's an inspired piece of modern design.
How did they welcome you?
In a friendly, helpful manner. The receptionist checked us in and asked a colleague to show us round and take us to our room, which she happily did. There was no porter on offer, but luckily we were travelling light.
What happens next?
We settled into our modern suite in the former stable block. Like the rest of the hotel, the décor was fresh, funky and modern. The stable-block rooms have the added bonus of sliding glass doors at the rear, opening out onto a pebbled courtyard.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the C-side spa's signature treatment: Cloud 9 (£107 for 90 minutes).
What were the treatments like?
C.Side's brochure described Cloud 9 as a mix of aromatherapy, qi balancing and acupressure. I was looking forward to this treatment.
My therapist, Melanie, led me to one of C.Side's four modern glass-walled treatment rooms. She invited me to get undressed to my knickers and lie face down on the massage couch. Melanie then began the treatment by placing her hands, then hot stones, on a towel in several places along my spine.
Melanie then applied the lively Pure Alchemy "Passion" aromatherapy oil, containing rose, orange and ylang-ylang. She gradually worked her way up my body, paying huge attention to my back, neck and shoulders which I could feel were tense and knotted. Melanie used a variety of different strokes from gentle sweeping to chopping. She used her forearms and elbows as well as her hands to achieve greater pressure. The pressure was perfect for me: firm, and almost on the verge of uncomfortable, but, crucially, without crossing the boundary. Melanie pounced on my knots with commitment and vigour resulting in a noticeably looser feel in this usually tight part of my body.
I turned onto my back. Melanie lightly placed her hands shiatsu-style on my stomach for a couple of minutes, then proceeded to massage my legs. She massaged both legs in quick succession, with the towel being rolled up to my waist, which left me feeling a little exposed. I wasn't too keen on this. Next, Melanie massaged my upper stomach, chest and arms; again, firm and smooth. The massage came to an end with a medium-firm head massage.
How did you feel afterwards?
Satisfyingly relaxed. Not quite on cloud nine but definitely a good seven.
What happens afterwards?
Melanie left me to get back into my robe and make my way back to the poolside reception area. She brought me a cup of "love" herbal tea and a strawberry dipped into chocolate. Nice touch.
Was it worth it?
At £107 for 90 minutes, this treatment may not put your bank manager on cloud nine.
What else could you have?
C.Side has its own range of aromatherapy products, developed by aromatherapist Michelle Roques O'Neil. The spa also uses her Pure Alchemy range in its treatments. You can choose from a 60- or 90-minute massage, wraps, and facials. There's Thai Yoga massage, or Reiki. You can try Ashtanga yoga, reflexology or Breema - a form of "physical and mental energy workout".
Day packages are available from £105, including lunch.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
That you can borrow (clean!) swimwear from the spa. It would have saved me an emergency visit to a leisure centre en route.
Also, there's no complimentary water in the rooms. Chupa Chups lollies, yes. Water, no.
Any special features?
The outdoor pool is pretty special -- and a good size. Also, it's worth knowing that as of June 2008, C.Side is open to day guests so you don't have to invest in a hotel stay to enjoy a day at the spa.
Since our last visit, the crèche has been replaced by a shop selling upmarket gifts, clothes and accessories. Great if you've got a prezzy emergency, not so great if you're looking to off-load the kids for a couple of hours (although the shop assistant did seem very obliging).
Who do you think would like it?
City types with a penchant for the country. Country types with a penchant for the city. Couples looking for a romantic break. Singles looking for a little luxury. Yummy mummies looking for a family break. Most people with a solid bank account, in fact.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave C.Side spa 4 bubbles. Cloud 9 was a great treatment. My capable therapist used different techniques with varying pressures to deliver a relaxing yet highly effective massage. The treatment room was pleasant, clean and modern. So, 5 bubbles for my treatment.
The pools at C.Side are beautifully positioned and designed. But I have to say that I was rather disappointed by the other spa facilities. They weren't as smart or clean as they could or should be and this popped a bubble for C.Side.
I last visited Cowley Manor in 2005 and, when we were invited back, was interested to see how, or if, C.Side had changed. The facilities were generally the same. There are good-sized modern indoor and outdoor pools, plus a unisex steam room, sauna and gym. But the previously pristine looking décor now looks a little tired. Several years down the line, cracks are beginning to show -- literally in the case of the leaking pool roof! Standards had definitely slipped since my last visit. Paint was peeling, and the steam room smelled of damp. There were pools of water on the floor outside the sauna, and there was evidence of mildew on the otherwise white shower curtains.
The C.Side staff also seemed a little tired. Too tired to clean away the used towels. And it shouldn't have needed detective work to track down a towel in the spa.
Also, there's no dedicated relaxation area, just the reception area overlooking the pool. It's light and airy but can get quite busy with people coming and going. There's nowhere to recline here except for a few plastic loungers. Yes, they give you a chocolate-dipped strawberry after your treatment, but this doesn't make up for the lack of reclining to eat it. See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Yes, I would. Ideally, after a clean and polish of the spa. I love the design of Cowley Manor. The contrast of the traditional manor house exterior with the funky interior is a winner in my book.
We visited Cowley Manor in June 2008
See also:
* Chakra and qi: what are they?
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