Barnsley House – possibly the most romantic spa in the UK

Part of Spabreaks.com’s exclusive Elysium Collection, Barnsley House is a luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, set in an 18 bedroom manor house surrounded by exceptional gardens. However, it’s the attention to detail and the dedicated thought into how you might want to spend your time that really sets it apart and makes it one of the most romantic spa hotels that we have ever been to…

The luxury hotel

Stay at this intimate spa hotel and you have a choice of accommodation from luxurious two-storey suites to a private garden retreat with an open fire. From the traditional manor house to exceptionally sophisticated contemporary details, it is the Secret Garden Suite that you stay in if you book an Elysium Collection spa break. It is complete with its own access into the garden, private sun beds, a terrace, outdoor bath, a fire pit, and a heated outdoor pagoda that’s perfect for romantic dinners or proposals. (In the words of one Spabreaker, “it’s insane!”)

The romantic spa

Wander down a winding path and you will reach the purpose-built spa, tucked into the hotel grounds. Everything has been designed to create an idyllic romantic spa journey from the moment you arrive, incorporating the surrounding gardens and celebrating the fusion of past and present. Vast windows allow inside and outside to melt together, while wooden beams, Cotswold stone and plants enhance the connection. Facilities include a heated outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a steam room, sauna, relaxation room and five treatment rooms, and spa treatments are brought to you by Elemis. Together they have created the Barnsley House Signature treatment, which combines a relaxing head and full body massage with a results-driven facial and warming foot ritual. They also offer Medicetics - a UK doctor-led clinic that specialises in non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including fillers, BOTOX and skin peels.

The exceptional restaurants

Dining at Barnsley House is in a tranquil hideaway where all the design has relaxation in mind. Stylish, but understated, the Potager restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner, serving seasonal dishes with many ingredients grown in the hotel gardens (which reminds us, do pay a visit to the herb gardens). No young children (under 14.are allowed in the dining areas during breakfast and dinner to give guests who are trying to relax that extra opportunity for peace and quiet. However, that policy is relaxed at lunchtime. That said, if you’re visiting with family, which the luxury hotel does cater for, the Village Pub (a traditional pub with a modern twist) welcomes children of all ages at all times and is just over the road from the main house.

The scenic location

The grounds are an important part of the whole experience. The Cotswolds is always a joyful experience, but at Barnsley House, the gardens are carefully woven into your stay. You are invited to explore, with details such as free bikes to use at your leisure. The result is a truly relaxing stay and spa experience whatever time of year you visit… in fact, the spa is sensational in the winter.

The verdict: who is it perfect for?

Barnsley House has that wonderful quality of welcoming everyone who wants to visit, be it friends on a spa day or break together, groups celebrating special occasions or families on a luxurious retreat. However, it is crying out for couples to come here on romantic spa breaks. A special destination, the kind you want built into the fabric of your memories together, it’s ideal for proposals, babymoons or simply to ensure meaningful and memorable time together.

Top tips for your romantic spa weekend

• Have an evening in and enjoy access to the private cinema snuggled into the stylish pink chairs.
• Stay more than one night and make use of the different dining experiences including the Village Pub and to make sure you spend a full day in the spa.
• Stay in the exclusive Secret Garden Suite for total escapism.
• Cycle around the grounds to really enjoy the scenery and hard work that has gone into designing it.