For weeks, we had looked forward to our day at the C-side. We were booked in for treatments and activities, and as we arrived at Cowley Manor Experimental at 9.30am, we felt it… we were in for the most incredible day.

The warmth of the greeting immediately set a tone of luxurious relaxation. The C-Side Spa, a haven for self-care, is truly a tonic for the soul, its design elegantly rooted in the bountiful Cotswold countryside. Cotswold stone and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bathe the space in natural light, offering stunning views of the surrounding woodlands.

Inspired by the natural springs

As we prepared for the day ahead in the beautiful changing rooms, we were excited in anticipation of the spectacular 15-meter outdoor pool and the 17-meter slate-lined indoor pool, both inspired by the natural springs and lake found at Cowley Manor. The spa’s commitment to holistic therapies, featuring advanced skincare by Biologique Recherche and Oskia, promised a day of complete rejuvenation.

Incredible garden and grounds

First, we set out on a fascinating Garden Tour with Head Gardener David. His passion and extensive knowledge of the grounds were infectious. We learned that the gardens, with their Italianate heart, date back to the 19th century and are home to incredible ancient trees, including ginkgo biloba, Atlas Blue cedar, and grand Sequoias. The tour was a true walk of discovery, with the sounds of woodpeckers, kinglets, and kingfishers accompanying us. David’s pride in his work was evident, and it was easy to see how one could spend hours getting lost in the beauty and tranquillity of the 55 acres of postcard-perfect landscape.

Results-driven luxury

After an hour in the garden, it was time for the first treatment of the day, a Biologique Recherche Facial with the lovely Kimberley. The 75-minute, tailor-made facial was a testament to the results-driven luxury the team at the spa are known for. Using nutrient-rich products and advanced technology, the treatment addressed my skin’s unique needs, targeting fine lines and restoring radiance. It was a treatment of pure, blissful relaxation that left my skin revitalised, balanced, and glowing.

The before, during, and after photos tell a compelling story. Before the Biologique Recherche facial, my skin had a slightly uneven tone and a touch of stress and sun damage. During… well, the photo speaks for itself. Finally, after my facial, a remarkable transformation with skin looking revitalised, balanced, and noticeably glowing, with a smoother texture and a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.

The setting, the atmosphere, and ambience in the treatment room set the scene for a calm experience… and Kimberley must have used at least 15 different Biologique Recherche products for my facial, it was fabulous.

An immersive experience

Having a facial is an immersive and deeply personal experience that begins the moment you settle onto the treatment bed. The ambiance is carefully set to soothe the senses, with calming music and soft lighting. As your skin is cleansed, exfoliated, and nourished, you feel a sense of pure relaxation. The experience is both therapeutic and results-driven, with each step meticulously tailored to your skin’s needs. You can feel the tension in your face melt away with every gentle massage and soothing mask. By the end, your skin doesn’t just look better—it feels completely revitalised and refreshed, leaving you with a radiant, healthy glow and a profound sense of well-being.

A lovely Spa Day lunch

Lunch was a complete delight. The restaurant, under the helm of celebrated British chef Jackson Boxer, is such an incredible space, inside and out. The magnificent dining room has a warm atmosphere inside and overlooks the lush gardens and tranquil lake outside.

Service was impeccable, and the food was as incredible as the setting. The soup and the super salad (best salad we’ve ever had!) starters we both incredible, and as they were followed by delicious vegan and vegetarian burgers, the meal was fantastic and the perfect midpoint in our day of indulgence.

Wim Hof in the Victorian Cascades

The afternoon held the most unique and unforgettable experience: a Wim Hof Session with Tribal Breath‘s Phil and Kathy at the Victorian Cascades. The session began in a tipi-style tent outside the spa, where we were taught a powerful breathing technique that was to accompany us into the cool of the water. The exercises, Phil’s soothing voice, the music, and the calming space of the tipi all transported us to what felt like another plane entirely; we have never felt so completely relaxed.

Afterwards, guided by the spiritual and beautiful human beings that are Phil and Kathy, we made our way to the pool with the stunning Victorian cascades in the hotel grounds. Surrounded by the ancient trees and the wonderful natural beauty, the cold exposure was fantastic, made all the more so by the reassuring and calming presence of our guides. We walked in, but floated out… feeling a profound sense of rejuvenation, aliveness, and peace.

The perfect finale

The day concluded with another wonderful spa treatment: a Deep Sleep Oskia Massage was a 60-minute signature treatment, and it was the perfect finale for our day, using warm oils and deeply nourishing massage techniques to calm the mind and release muscle tension. It was designed to promote natural, sound sleep, and it certainly delivered, ending our day in a state of utter serenity and bliss.

A masterclass in bespoke luxury

Our day at Cowley Manor Experimental was an absolute masterclass in bespoke luxury and natural tranquillity. More than just a hotel amenity, the C-Side Spa stands as a destination in itself – a Cotswold attraction that offers a holistic escape from the everyday. Its seamless blend of stunning natural beauty, expert-led activities, and world-class treatments creates a sanctuary that is both deeply relaxing and profoundly rejuvenating. We left feeling not only pampered but genuinely transformed, with a powerful sense of well-being that will linger long after our visit.