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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
Cliveden’s spa, refurbished in 2016, is the place to go if you like your massage with a side of awe-inspiring architecture and political intrigue (more on that later). While these days, the closest you’ll get to a scandal is a missing lemon slice in your water, areas of note include the infamous outdoor swimming pool (the last remaining listed outdoor pool in England) and hot tub area, which is nestled amongst beautifully manicured gardens. There’s also the majestic indoor pool, which manages to feel still and serene even if you’re unlucky enough to have to share it with another guest. In addition to the usual sauna and steam room, there are indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a spa kitchen, and facials built from OSKIA skincare.
What’s the vibe?
Although only a short train ride from London, when you pass through the gates of Cliveden, not only does it feel like you’re going back in time, but also like you’ve arrived in the quintessential English countryside. The spa itself is an oasis within, with calm, light-filled corridors overlooking the outdoor pool, and cozy treatment rooms tucked around the indoor pool area. Although children are allowed to swim at certain times, it’s the kind of place where you wouldn’t want to raise your voice above a whisper, and rightly so, as Cliveden really encourages switching off. If you do want to be a bit more sociable, the spa kitchen is a lovely place to eat or indulge in a healthy juice, while the relaxation areas dotted around make for perfect places to doze, read, or rest, whether solo or not. While the spa is undoubtedly a big pull, there’s much more to enjoy outside its walls, including the showstopping Fountain of Love on the driveway of the Grade I-listed House, and the formal parterre garden created by John Fleming in 1855. If that’s not enough, there are 376 acres of National Trust gardens to explore after your massage.
The history?
There aren’t many five-star spas in the world that can boast both serenity and scandal, but the spa at Cliveden House legitimately can. Luckily, said scandal (the Profumo Affair rocked the British government in the 1960s) took place decades ago, when the hotel was a private residence belonging to Lord Astor, but the air of intrigue still remains. These days the hotel is operated by Iconic Luxury Hotels, a member of Relais Châteaux group, which means discreet service and luxury credentials come as standard.
What should you try?
Treatments run the gamut, and are well-thought through to complement the surroundings. Think treatments that utilize raspberry seed oil and rosehip, and house-made fragrances named for two of the most famous guests (the first mistress of Clivenden and Nancy Astor). A whole range of scalp treatments utilize products from London-based scalp experts Monpure.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Although sustainability is part of the story, and the spa has a sustainability pledge that matches the rest of the hotel—encouraging guests to reuse towels where possible and recycling, amongst other initiatives—it’s not necessarily something that feels hugely obvious or top of the agenda. That said, the careful stewardship of the grounds is noticeable, and it feels like plenty of effort has gone into restoring and maintaining the heritage of the spa and surrounding House and gardens.
What else do we need to know?
While there are nods to high-tech beauty, the rest of the spa experience is a traditional affair: excellent treatments, welcoming staff, and your own fluffy-towel-topped pool lounger on which to while away the afternoon—perfect.
Who can go?
The spa is open to day guests as well as hotel guests, but it also runs a membership scheme: the Cliveden Club. As part of your privileges, you can make full use of all spa facilities anytime you like as well as being privy to speciality fitness classes and 12 complimentary guest passes for friends and family. There are also additional benefits, like early access to House events and even a mooring spot for your boat, if you plan on arriving by water.
Booking details for Cliveden House Spa
Address: Cliveden House Spa, Bourne End Rd, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JF, United Kingdom
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.