STOKE PARK COUNTRY CLUB, SPA AND HOTEL, STOKE POGES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
FACILITIES
Considering Bridget Jones and Daniel Cleaver spent a romantic weekend here and James Bond challenged arch rival Goldfinger to a golfing dual, it’s no wonder Stoke Park has been described as the English countryside’s answer to Hollywood.
But the magic isn’t confined to the movies. This place brims with character and boasts more than 1,000 years of history.
As well as a championship golf course and world-class spa, including a newly landscaped outdoor area featuring a hot tub and Scandinavian sauna, there are 49 sumptuous bedrooms and suites, three restaurants, bars and lounges, 13 tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gym and an indoor swimming pool.
TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
Using products from Thalgo, Aromatherapy Associates and Caci International, treatments include body massages, scrubs, facials and wraps as well as luxurious tailor-made therapies. Pedicures and manicures are carried out at the nail bar.
TREATMENTS TESTED Thalgo Indoceane Spa Ritual, £145, 115 minutes
Consisting of an all-over body scrub, Ayurvedic massage and silky-smooth wrap, this was a really indulgent treatment. My therapist started by applying the scrub to exfoliate and improve circulation and although it felt abrasive, after showering I could feel how soft it made my skin.
Next she cocooned my body in an Indian oil, gently kneading away any knots in my back and shoulders before applying a body wrap and leaving it to nourish and moisturise for 30 minutes.
After the treatment I was so relaxed I felt as if I’d been on a week-long holiday.
Inner Strength Body Treatment, £120, 85 minutes
This particularly nurturing massage, which my husband experienced, is great for combating physical or emotional stress.
The therapist started by rubbing paraffin wax on to his feet, palms and shoulders to aid relaxation before gently applying Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength oil to his back and legs. While vetivert in the oil soothes the body, sandalwood and rose calm the mind and continue working even after the massage has finished.
A gentle face and scalp massage rounded off the treatment and my husband left feeling completely relaxed.
GOOD POINTS
Dinner in the award-winning restaurant Humphry’s was a delight. The modern British food was delicious, the service was faultless and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.
WHAT IT COSTS
Prices start at £270 per night for bed and breakfast. Spa days are available from £115 per person.
CONTACT
For more details visit stokepark. com or call 01753 717 171.