Review of Tempus Spa at The Oxfordshire, Oxford

Tempus Spa at The Oxfordshire at Good Spa Guide

Tempus Spa at The Oxfordshire - 4 bubbles

Tempus Spa at The Oxfordshire is a small hotel spa that shares the pool and thermal facilities of the health club. We loved our Pinks Boutique treatments and the friendly staff. Don't miss if you're staying at the hotel, or drop in for a treatment or two.

First impressions?

What's on offer?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

What else could you have?

Food facts

Was it worth it?

We loved

We didn't love

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

The Oxfordshire is a hotel and golf resort on the outskirts of Oxford. A winding driveway away from the road, the hotel is a modern building with ample car parking and uninterrupted views over the golf course to the countryside. The hotel is large and a little confusing but we were pleased with our ample bedroom; everything was clean, contemporary and stylishly designed.

What's on offer?

Tempus Spa was added to the hotel a few years ago. The three treatment rooms were originally storage rooms. The treatment rooms are cosy and decorated in an Oriental style. Two of the rooms are off the main spa reception and the third is located at the far side of the dance studio. This room is mostly used for sports massage, so the location is very convenient as it's right by the gym.

The changing rooms offer a bank of lockers (you'll need a pound for these), three toilets, three showers, and three private changing cubicles as well as a vanity unit with mirrors, hairdryers and straighteners.

Tempus Spa has a sauna and steam, spa pool and 15-metre indoor heated pool. The pool area is light, bright and warm, with natural light streaming in through the huge skylight in the roof. The spa pool is big enough to comfortably seat six people without feeling squashed and is decorated with pretty azure blue mosaic tiles.

The sauna was nicely hot, although there didn't seem to be any manual way of altering the temperature had you wanted to. The steam room was immaculately clean and featured mosaic tiles and some pretty colour-changing lights in the ceiling. Both the pool and spa pool were clean, well maintained and thoroughly enjoyable. We lounged for a time watching the swimmers before taking a dip ourselves. Sadly, there's no relaxation room at Tempus Spa, so the poolside loungers are your only chance of a little lie down pre- or post-treatment.

The facilities are more health club than super-luxurious spa, but we couldn't fault the cleanliness. Also, the pool and gym were not overcrowded on our visit, despite The Oxfordshire being a popular health and golf club.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the Pinks Boutique Power Massage (85 minutes, £65) and Pinks Boutique Eco Chic Organic Facial (55 minutes, £55). My spa pal had a Signature Himalayan Pedicure (85 minutes, £55).

What were the treatments like?

My therapist greeted me at the spa reception and took me to the cosy treatment room. The tasteful Oriental-style decoration, subdued lighting, and the gentle scent of yummy Pinks Boutique products made for a very warm welcome.

We began with the massage. My therapist made sure I was comfortable and briefly talked me through what she was going to do before getting to work and allowing me to relax in the semi-darkness. She carried out a thorough and effective massage, starting with my legs and feet. She used gloriously scented lemongrass oil which smelt delicious. I was pleased that she had listened to me when we discussed my problem areas and took the time to tailor the massage to my needs.

My facial followed seamlessly after the massage. My therapist's touch during the treatment alternated between very gentle and firmer, more active movements, designed to help the products get to work. After a double cleanse and lots of facial massage, she applied a heavy cream mask and spent some time massaging my arms and legs whilst the mask got to work. This organic facial smelt wonderful. Afterwards, I really noticed a difference in my skin. My face was glowing and my skin was radiant. I was very pleased!

My spa pal loved her pedicure and told me she felt like a princess being pampered and massaged. This was more than just a quick file and polish, and the finished result lasted for a week!

What else could you have?

Tempus Spa offers Pinks Boutique treatments, lava-shell massages, a range of taster treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials and beauty treatments.

Food facts

The Oxfordshire's Spikes Bar offers snacks, light meals and beverages, while the Sakura Restaurant offers a more formal dining experience; neither venue is specifically for spa users, however. Also, we wouldn't have felt comfortable wandering about in our robes between the spa and our rooms as there were golfers and business people a-plenty milling about.

In the evening, we dined in the Sakura Restaurant and the food was both glorious and plentiful. Our helpful waiter recommended a fine bottle of wine, too, which rounded off the experience perfectly. Our only bugbear was the strange overhead lighting in the restaurant: not quite as subtle as we would have liked.

You can also dine al fresco on the terrace or partake of some private dining in your room. Conferences, weddings and large parties can also book one of The Oxfordshire's private dining rooms.

Was it worth it?

My treatments were fantastic and really good value.

We loved

Our glorious treatments.

The friendly and helpful staff.

We didn't love

The lack of a relaxation room.

The torn pocket on one of our robes.

Who do you think would like it?

Golfers! Tempus Spa at The Oxfordshire is the perfect place for a post-game massage.

Business folk looking for a little down-time after a hard day's meetings.

We're not sure The Oxfordshire would be the perfect spa-break destination; Tempus Spa doesn't have a relaxation room and you wouldn't want to wander about in your robe outside of the spa area.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Tempus Spa at The Oxfordshire 4 bubbles. The treatments were great, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We were disappointed that there wasn't anywhere to relax post-treatment; having to get straight back into our civvies after an oily massage in order to get back to our room shortened the spa experience.