The Vineyard

At a glance

Location

The Vineyard at Stockcross, Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8JU
RG20 8JU

Newbury, Berkshire, 23 miles West of Reading

Spa & Leisure

Unusually the spa at The Vineyard is a circular, glass space looking out onto the hotel grounds. The circular pool complete with water jets is 15-metres in diameter and also features a current machine so if you want to work out you certainly can – or just go with the flow. Changing rooms are downstairs alongside the steam room, sauna and four treatment rooms including a treatment room for couples all of which feature candles, mood lighting and heated treatment beds.

Ultimately, the name of the game here is a bespoke experience – temperatures, treatments and quality time tailored to the individual – and it is all done to perfection. When it comes to treatments equally careful attention has been paid: using Darphin and the venue’s own bespoke Red Grape products, therapists are highly trained and all treatments have been carefully selected for maximum effect.

Hotel & Accommodation

Part of the Relais & Chateaux collection – known for their epicurean excellence – this five-star country hotel owned by the Michael family is a former 18th Century hunting lodge remodelled as an homage to the produce of the family vineyard in California. Throughout the 49 rooms (all named after different wines) interiors are spacious and sumptuous despite the juxtaposing modernity of 16 contemporary rooms that have been added to the main house.

Overseeing the restaurant is none other than Daniel Galmiche who has held a Michelin star for more than 20 years and has instilled a tradition of sustainable, contemporary French cooking all the way from the Bento boxes in the spa, to the more formal dining space in the restaurant overlooking the gardens. Wine is, naturally, key here, with a cellar holding 30,000 bottles (yes, you can take tours) and a shortlist for those a little bemused by the variety come dinner time.