Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Five years in the making, the spa opening of Eynsham Baths at Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, has been as anticipated as when the house itself opened earlier this year—and it is absolutely worth the wait. A celebration of ancient rituals mixed in with a sprinkling of modern science, it’s a neoclassical Roman-bath-inspired villa that houses 3,000 square meters of sublime spa space.
What’s the vibe?
Once you’re checked in and escorted down the stairs through the changing rooms into the main tepidarium, it’s hard to not be bowled over by the sheer scale and design of the fully marbled bathing hall. But it’s the little touches that really propel this spa experience into another league. Ponchos replace robes as the attire of choice, the faint chanting played throughout the spa is almost imperceptible but subconsciously puts you in an immediately relaxed state of mind, the hay sauna—so called because it features bales of hay secured to the ceiling to maintain dry heat—also are infused with lavender, which makes you wonder why all saunas don’t have some sort of scented experience. The devil lies in the details here.
The history?
Eynsham Hall, as it was previously known and after which the spa is named, is a Grade II listed Jacobean manor house that was used as a maternity hospital during World War II and subsequently a police training center. It was bought in 2008 by hospitality magnate Sharan Pasricha of the Ennismore group, who renovated and refurbished the grand manor to the highest standard (thanks to the innate sense of style of his wife and artistic director, Eiesha Bharti Pasricha, who is responsible for the insanely wonderful interiors). Staying in the Jacobean manor house and its surrounding garden or stable cottages are as much of a treat as the spa itself.
What should you try?
Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese traditions feature throughout the treatment menu. Among the treatments offered are Chakra Healing or Indian potli massages, Tibetan stretching and acupressure techniques, and IV drips or Skin Design London facials. The in-house signature oil remedies also developed by Eiesha Bharti Pasricha, are worth noting: You will be offered all five ahead of your treatment to decide which suits you at that moment. The Calm That Slipped Away, a blend of jasmine, Indian sandalwood, and tuberose, needs to be bottled and available for public consumption immediately—it is that good. Also be sure to try the contrast therapy thermal journeys (going from hot to cold), which map out the order in which to experience the tepidarium (36°C), the caldarium (40°C), and two cold plunge pools in the frigidarium (6°C). Try their Scottish bucket cold plunge, if you dare. But what is especially impressive about this wellness concept is that, rather than it being a solitary experience, as many spas can be, its main point of difference is the social aspect of its offering. Take a dip in the main thermal pool and there are pockets of friends calibrated in corners catching up. There are communal Wim Hof breath work classes in the outdoor pool, or you can take part in a group sound bath session while breathing in the vapors of the expansive hammam.
What else do we need to know?
In the spa proper there is a ponchos-only tea lounge where you can relax before or after your treatment. They serve a vast array of teas and delicious light bites curated by the manor’s food team. But the true culinary delights are experienced in the main house (eat in the the Billiards Room for a decadent traditional Chinese culinary experience). And be sure to take a dip in the celebrated outdoor pool at the back of the house, which is heated and always busy in spite of the often inclement British weather.
Who can go?
Spa access, plus the guided thermal journey, is complimentary for Estelle members and £95 per person for hotel guests and guests of Estelle members.
Booking details for Eynsham Baths
Address: Estelle Manor, Eynsham, North Leigh, Park OX29 6PN, United Kingdom
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.