Stoke Park

The spa at Stoke Park includes a pool, separate steam rooms for men and women, a gym, a relaxation lounge, and 11 treatment rooms; but what is particularly special about it is the sheer beauty of it all. The pool is parallel to the relaxation area with a large tropical fish tank in between, in a room which feels like a stately ballroom – high ceilings, pale yellow walls, lots of natural light, and classical music gently playing in the background. Other facilities include a recently refurbished gym with three studios, a deep relaxation room, a private atrium, a spa garden, an outdoor Scandinavian sauna, an outdoor hot tub and an adult only spa garden.

There is everything you need in the spa as well, so if you are there for the day or simply popping down from your hotel room, you don’t need to worry about taking towels and products – it has all been taken care of. Offering a range of decadent treatments as well, Stoke Park use the luxury Aromatherapy Associates product line.

The estate dates as far back as 1066, with the mansion house that exists today being a combination of a 1555 structure which was renovated in 1813. It has also been the scene for many a memorable movie including Bridget Jones’s Diary, Layer Cake and Tomorrow Never Dies. Today, 49 rooms are split between the main house and the Pavilion, which also houses the spa and leisure facilities, and although the design is very different in the two locations, the overriding sense of space and luxury pervades throughout.

Food is also a big thing here: Humphry’s is the fine dining option, holding three AA Rosettes and situated in the main house alongside The Orangery where breakfast is served in aristocratic opulence. San Marco however is in the Pavilion building – it's open all day, and is a relaxed environment but still provides meals that are just as high a quality as you would expect in any high-end restaurant.