London is home to some of the world’s most incredible spas – we are utterly spoilt for choice. Yet, there is nothing that quite beats the therapeutic value of fresh countryside air – breathing in the flowers, forests, hay and manure (yes I said it, you all thought it) is a true commodity for those of us who live our lives in the hustle and bustle of the city. Pair first class spa treatments with a touch of rural glamour and sprinkle with some Daylesford deliciousness and you have the best of both worlds: Bamford Haybarn Spa.
Although Bamford’s Haybarn spa is outside of London, is it but a comfortable hour and a half journey, most of which is spent meandering through the idyllic British countryside. The spa is located in a quaint and charming part of the Cotswolds, next to the village of Kingham. The town is like a set out of a romantic movie, handsome couples strolling through the streets, cosy thatched cottages, bustling pubs, humble grocers and chit chatter on every street corner.
The spa itself is part of the impressive Daylesford Organic Farm set-up which has grown over the past 35 years from a traditional dairy and meat farm to now include a cookery school, clothes shop, restaurant, farm shop, cottages, florist and spa. The site is now a collection of separate beige brick and soft wooden farm buildings, all handsomely positioned around stunning courtyards and surrounded by miles of quintessential English landscaping – forests, golden fields, primed gardens and buttercups.
The Bamford spa is housed in a converted hay barn, hence the name, and is a beautiful sanctuary of wellness. As you step inside, all those strains, worries and pressures are instantly melted away by the serene vibe and soothing interiors. Everything is natural and neutral throughout, with elegant bleached wooden beams, high floor to ceiling windows, natural light, sculptures, glistening crystals and fresh flowers. It oozes peace and tranquillity.
I am there to experience their glorious Wellness package, which begins with a session of yoga and is followed by the Bamford signature treatment. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a green juice, detox teas and a questionnaire; a personal touch that ensures your treatment is tailored to your body type and needs. The waiting room, if you can call it that, is aptly named The Lavender room, and is a fragrant haven. The room is lined with day beds that nestle up to giant windows, allowing you to peer out over miles of beautiful countryside. Feeling chilly? One of the attentive staff will provide you with cashmere blankets so that you have the chance to get cosy and drift into peaceful relaxation.
The yoga class is held in one of their recently built studios, and the decor is in theme with the spa – sophisticated and calming white washed walls, large pane windows and delicate detailing. On this floor is also a fully equipped Pilates studio, another yoga studio and a tranquil manicure and pedicure area.
The hour long yoga classes begins with a focus on breathing techniques, in order to calm the mind and dedicate the practise. The session then moves on into a peaceful yet challenging flow. The class I partake in is traditional yoga, however they offer specialised yoga practises including pranayama and hatha for those yogis who like to refine their practise. Me and my other yogi classmates end the session with some deliciously deep meditation, and when I am brought back to the present I am peaceful but also ravenous!
The Daylesford Café is a one-minute walk from the spa and is again in keeping with the Daylesford neutrals and white washed walls. On your stroll over you will pass through their farm shop which will prepare the taste buds and have you salivating. This is a foodie haven, and no sane person can leave without purchasing some of their delicious products that radiate in aroma and appearance. The place is buzzing for a Friday lunch time, but I manage to nab a charming table overlooking the pristine and flowered courtyards. The main menu is seasonal and there are choices between small plates, large plates, daily specials and their fabulous Eat to Be Healthy menu. Bee pollen and flax cracker breads, served alongside a gorgeous and exquisite combination of their nutritious salads, leaves me feeling virtuous and satisfied. A sticky and aromatic ginger cake is the perfect finishing, and if it’s from Daylesford it must be guilt-free, right?
The final part of my elegant, wellness filled day is the Bamford’s renowned Body Signature Treatment, a full 90 minutes of complete and utter ecstasy. Each of the therapists at the Bamford spa are handpicked by Lady Bamford herself, so you are guaranteed to have ultra-capable hands attend to you. The signature treatment begins with a warm foot bath and a traditional Indian foot scrub, which is cleansing and soothing. Personalisation is key at the Bamford spa, and this can be seen in every element on offer. The therapist offers for me to choose my preferred essential oil from a group of three distinct and subtly powerful scents. I choose a blend of rosemary and chamomile, which has me at first sniff.
The following part of the treatment is a full body Swedish massage. The therapists are impeccably trained and not only work out the knots and aches, melt the hands and feet, but also manage to turn off my over active brain – something that can rarely be achieved! What sets this treatment apart from traditional massages, is the inclusion of holistic touches. My therapist firstly focuses on breathing techniques to help me unwind, wraps my feet in warm towels to keep me snug and ends with a hot stone treatment on the heart area, which I am told is to ease the body and mind. My favourite part? The massage ends with a strong, pressured Indian head massage, that stimulates the senses and eliminates any lingering tightness in my neck and jaw. After all of this, I am completely and utterly loose, rested and serene. I float back down the corridor, wishing that my home was a Bamford spa. With that in mind, I head to the reception to ponder at some beautiful three wick candles and room sprays. Every little touch helps.
I made sure to leave some time to explore the Daylesford hamlet and do a little window shopping… okay more than window shopping. The Bamford shop on site is irresistible to anyone with a mild shopping addiction. Cashmere cardigans, wool slippers, snug loungewear, delicate scarves and divine ponchos are on show alongside Bamford candles, skincare and the most adorable baby couture.
The Bamford Haybarn Spa is the perfect spot for those wanting to escape city commotion, retreat from the world, and experience a luxe haven of wellness and deliciousness. I would recommend it for anyone who is in need of a short escape, some me-time or a stay-cation. Cottages are available to rent from Daylesford, and there are also a number of quaint and cosy hotels in the area if you wish to extend your trip and take advantage of the Daylesford Organic set up.
The spa has several different packages and specials so it is worth checking out their website for the latest updates, as well as retreats. The Wellness Package is priced at £125, not including lunch, which is paid for separately at the café. For more information and to book, please check out their website www.bamford.co.uk.