The Spa Review: Bamford Wellness Spa, Daylesford
Welcome to the Bazaar spa review, where the beauty team delve into the sanctuaries really worth spending your downtime in. Whether you’re in need of a transformative facial, a tension-melting massage, or simply an afternoon soaking in the pool, we know just the spot. This week, a look inside the Bamford Wellness Spa at Daylesford – a Cotswolds hotspot which provides the perfect backdrop for an enriching escape.
The setting
Nestled within the epitome of picturesque Cotswolds countryside, Daylesford Farm offers an idyllic retreat that seamlessly blends luxury with rustic charm, whether for a spot of shopping, a spa day, or a complete staycation.
Not your typical spa hotel, the enchanting destination comprises exquisitely restored properties, including 32 charming cottages, the serene Bamford Wellness Spa and members’-only The Club by Bamford, four characterful gastro pubs, and the renowned Daylesford Organic café-deli-farm shop. Each are meticulously designed to reflect Daylesford’s core values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and harmony with nature.
The spa treatments
A highlight of the Daylesford experience is undoubtedly the Bamford Wellness Spa. Set amidst 3,500 acres of organic farmland, the spa offers a sanctuary for holistic wellbeing, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty in its facilities. This can be seen in the design, too: flooded with light, interior touches reference the natural elements of fire, water, earth and air alongside panels of bright white wood that lend a clean, calming atmosphere.
Features include wet facilities comprising an immersive hydro pool, herbal sauna and steam room; mind and movement based studio classes (from reformer Pilates to Qi Gong); and the Bamford brand’s signature face and body therapies.
While medically inspired treatments are offered (such as those LED and SkinPen-powered), I chose to completely immerse myself in the Bamford philosophy of holistic wellbeing, first opting for a Signature Facial. Deeply pampering, while visibly effective, it combines the use of their organic products alongside steaming, exfoliation, drainage massage and hot and cold stone therapy to refine and firm the skin and facial contours. I then enjoyed a peaceful Pregnancy Massage–given that I’m currently expecting. A full body experience using gentle unscented oils, the restorative massage mitigated my lower backache and ‘heavy legs’, making light work of soothing away stress, too.
Meanwhile, next door at The Club by Bamford (which can be access by members and Daylesford Stays guests via exclusive passes), treatments centre on cutting-edge wellness practices, from cryotherapy and red light therapy to intravenous infusions and intramuscular boosters. With a focus on bespoke wellbeing, experiences are intended to be tailored to enhance physical and mental health – although the club's core facilities do a pretty good job of doing that anyway. With its striking 25-metre swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, indoor-and-out functional fitness and therapeutic amenities, the elite proposition promises to enhance all aspects of visitors’ strength, stamina, sleep and recovery. Even if just for a moment in time.
The stay
When opting to stay over – which I’d highly recommend – the charm of Daylesford is best experienced by spending a night in one of the beautifully restored cottages. Each property offers a unique blend of comfort and style, dressed to celebrate local craftsmanship and natural materials.
After a day of rejuvenation, a meal at The Fox at Oddington proved the icing on the cake (in the form of artisanal pizza). The pub, one of Daylesford’s four welcoming establishments, provides a lively atmosphere and a menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast in the cottage is another feast, thanks to the hearty hamper laid out on arrival. Strolls around Daylesford Village – framed by well-manicured flora and soundtracked by happily bleating sheep – were another memorable affair during my 24 hours there.
The special touches
What sets Daylesford apart are the signature touches that make every visit special. Whether seeking relaxation or exploration, guests at Daylesford Stays have access to an array of activities and amenities beyond the Bamford Wellness Spa and Club, including floristry workshops, cookery classes at the Daylesford Cookery School, and VIP farm tours. Dining options abound, too, with everything from the Michelin-starred Trough restaurant to the relaxed Orchard Bar at the spa. And, crucially, the company’s dedication to conservation is evident in every aspect, from the organic groceries lining the deluxe farm shop to the renewable energy that powers the cottages and pubs.
A visit to Daylesford is more than just a getaway; it’s an immersion into a lifestyle that values wellness, sustainability, and the therapeutic pleasures of country living.
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