A very worthy winner of Condé Nast Johansens award for 'Most Relaxing Spa' in NATURAL HEALTH MAGAZINE 2011. As would be expected of a purpose built spa, Danesfield House has got it just right.
Forming part of Danesfield House Hotel and Spa, the Spa is sufficiently connected to the hotel via a glass walled "skywalk" for guests to be able to wander from their room in their gown, but separate enough for day guests and members to feel that they are in a Spa, not a hotel.
The layout differs from many spas, with a large, welcoming reception desk centred in an open plan area from which all other parts of the spa can be accessed. This layout works very well and has clearly been very well thought out.
- 20 metre Ozone cleansed pool
- Jacuzzi
- Steam Rooms and Saunas
- Male and Female Relaxation Rooms
- Fully Technogym equipped Gymnasium
- 8 luxury Treatment Rooms
- Hydrotherapy Bath
- Manicure and Pedicure Suite
- Luxury range of treatments including CARITA, Aromatherapy Associates and Jessica Nails
- Juice Bar offering healthy snacks, freshly prepared juices and smoothies
- Spa Shop
To ensure relaxation for all guests, children are only permitted at certain times of the day.
The Danesfield Spa experience starts as you walk through the glass doors into the spacious reception area to be met by one of Helena Cotton's team of cheery receptionists. There is a feeling that this is the very heart of the spa; therapists assisting behind the reception desk and advising guests in the retail area, lattes being prepared behind the bar, members coming out of a pilates class and day guests chatting on the sofas.
The changing rooms have everything you might need and are kept spotlessly clean. Towels, robes and slippers are provided in the changing rooms, rather than being handed to you like a ration pack by the receptionist.
Treatment rooms are peaceful, comfortable and well equipped. I tried an Aromatherapy Associates facial, already being a huge fan of their products, and I was not disappointed. For anyone not familiar with their bath and shower oils their "Deep Relax" oil is an absolute essential on the run up to a wedding for both bride and groom. The therapist was clearly very skilled and knowledgeable about the products she was using and the treatment included deeply relaxing head and hand massages.
The Manicure and Pedicure Suite has a lively chatty atmosphere, with complimentary refreshments while you enjoy your treatment.
The pool area is stunning with sun streaming through the full length windows all along the south side. There is plenty of space for big steamer loungers at each end and a real feeling of space and light.. The jacuzzi overlooks the pool and the steam rooms and sauna are just beside. Children are permitted in the pool at certain times, and this policy works very well; even with children present the atmosphere in the pool area is very peaceful.
Finally, the big comfy sofas in the main reception area, with coffee tables laden with magazines, provide the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and prepare to leave this haven.
It is unusual for us to visit a spa where there really is nothing that could be improved. Danesfield House Spa is one of those few excpetions.
Danesfield House Hotel and Spa
Henley Road, Marlow-On-Thames,
Buckinghamshire, SL7 2EY
T +44 1628 891010