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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?
A celebrity bolt-hole in the verdant Oxfordshire countryside, Soho Farmhouse is more than the sum of its rustic interiors and infamous cocktail menu parts. Visitors to The Farm, as it’s colloquially known, can experience relaxation from a 360-degree perspective. The great outdoors alone—and the charming turquoise bikes available to cycle outside every doorway—is enough to soothe city dwellers’ frazzled nerves, but the new Wellness Barn and Lazy Lake offer a next-level holistic-meets-scientific way to achieve good mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s Reformer Pilates in the antique glass-enclaved Wellness Studio, or 30 minutes in an ozone sauna pod to boost circulation and remove toxins and free radicals, it’s all-bases-covered calming set in a beautiful location.
What’s the vibe?
Whether you stay in a cabin, garden room, or “piglet,” expect a glamorous take on Britain’s great outdoors. Open fireplaces, outdoor tin bathtubs, freshly baked sourdough, and converted milk floats deliver fry-ups and/or evening beverages, and wellies are on offer for all guests—farmhouse, but make it fashion. A—highly Instagrammed—outdoor pool steams theatrically in winter, while in summer, the House’s signature striped towels permeate the lawn. The spa itself is panelled in distressed natural wood and has a chic but homely feel. Have a mani-pedi in a plush armchair or head to the Lazy Lake for a hot outdoor bath and cold immersion therapy.
The history?
The spa has had an upgrade in recent years. In fact, visitors now have three beauty and well-being destinations to choose from within the farm’s enclaves. As well as the Cowshed, where you can book the brand’s signature pampering treatments, including Soho Skin facials and massages, more recent additions include the Lazy Lake and Wellness Barn, the latter of which launched this year. While the Lazy Lake harnesses the powers of hot and cold therapy via its private onsen-style baths, cold plunge pools, infrared saunas, and steam rooms, the light-filled Wellness Barn is home to a 600-square-foot studio that’s ripe for yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes.
What should you try?
Given that it’s not easy to get a booking to stay at Soho Farmhouse in the first place, it makes sense to fully immerse yourself in the spa situation when you’re there. And it’s not hard—rather than a rigorous regime of treatments, the holistic menu doesn’t require too much of you. There is nothing more indulgent than taking a bath in the middle of the day—especially if it’s a hydrating seaweed soak at the Lazy Lake. A long soak in the private, stone-paved baths (complete with a canopy, for all-weather soaking) will detoxify, ease aching muscles and leave you floating. Possibly the most high-tech treatment on offer is the ozone sauna pod at the Wellness Barn, which “safely administers ozone (O3) to the body to improve blood circulation, support cellular metabolism and overall tissue function, and remove toxins,” explains Michaela Hurst, head of health and wellness at the group. Ensure you book in to release your inner Gwyneth.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Importantly, for a hotel set amidst 100 acres of rolling hills, the Soho House team have been working hard to rewild the land and ensure its natural biodiversity is thriving—they planted 3,000 plants in 2023, featuring 42 native species. You also won’t find single-use plastic—all the Cowshed products in the rooms are refilled.
What else do we need to know?
You might go for the spa and well-being treatments, but you’ll stay for the food, drink, and general cozy vibe. From the Main Barn to Pen Yen, you can eat like royalty while you’re there. Other outdoor excursions that might appeal include clay pigeon shooting and horse riding, plus it’s worth noting that children are more than welcome, with the Teeny Barn kids’ club offering activities for children over the age of two every day.
Who can go?
To stay, members can book bedrooms via the Soho House app or on Sohohouse.com, while nonmembers can opt in to a 12-month Soho Friends membership, which unlocks access to bedrooms worldwide for a special rate for a year. Either that, or score an invite with a friend who’s a member. Members and Soho Friends members can access the spa.
Booking details for Soho Farmhouse
Address: Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JS, United Kingdom
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.