Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built fromthe 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?
Aside from the obvious lure of the chocolate-box beauty of its Cotswolds setting, the spa at Calcot Manor is a great choice if you want a bit of everything. While the lobby and café area are bustling spots where you can imagine the great and the good of the local set gathering after the school run, there are plenty of hidden spots to chill out when the chatter has died down. There are also the usual sauna, steam room, pool, and treatment offerings, of course. Special mention should also go to the spa’s hot tub, which is worthy of an Instagram account all of its own. Not just any old Jacuzzi, but one which takes center stage in a lavender-filled courtyard, next to an artfully placed (and usually roaring) outdoor fire.
Photo: Courtesy of Calcot & Spa
What’s the vibe?
If you arrive at the spa before 9 a.m. (it opens at 7 a.m.), chances are you might find yourself alone with just a green juice and your thoughts for company. Fast-forward two hours when the Cotswolds’ kids are safely ensconced in school and their parents can chill, and it’s a different story. That said, the winding two-story layout means that it never really feels full and there are plenty of relaxation rooms to park yourself in, if you do want some solo serenity.
Photo: Courtesy of Calcot & Spa
The history?
While the spa building is relatively newly built and even more recently refurbished to include two brand-new and impeccably designed lounges, the main hotel dates back over 700 years. It’s also the flagship location of the Calcot Collection, a small nationwide group of luxury hotels and spas.
Photo: Courtesy of Calcot & Spa
What should you try?
Facials, massages, manis, and pedis all take place in one of the seven treatment rooms, and though the treatments are all excellent, it’s the whole spa experience that I think is worth going for. On my visit, I made the most of the early morning spring sunshine and arrived at 7 a.m. Blissful birdsong and the scent of woodsmoke soundtracked my solo dip in the hot tub before I retreated upstairs for a sauna and steam overlooking the main pool. What Calcot does really well is bring the outside in, which means there is plenty of pretty indoor flora and fauna dotted around as well as perfectly placed loungers next to huge windows to take in the views. After a firm and very welcome head, neck, and shoulder massage, it felt only right to take a moment and relax, which I did in the (extreme) comfort of one of the newly refurbished spa lounges.
Photo: Courtesy of Calcot & Spa
How environmentally friendly is it?
Sustainability comes as standard here in terms of minimal plastic usage and signposted reminders about mindful use of robes and towels, but the real standout feature is the hotel’s rewilding scheme, which is signposted all over the grounds. Originally started 25 years ago, in recent years, the program has really taken off with an abundance of wildflower planting and organic farming. In 2012, the estate planted over 21,000 native trees to help offset its carbon contribution, and a new initiative has seen the employment of a herd of Belted Galloway cows, which act like natural lawnmowers and aid with sustainable grazing.
What else do we need to know?
Not just content with providing spa facilities and a huge childcare crèche in The Playbarn (with four hours of free childcare offered to each overnight child guest), a recent addition to the estate is the Grain Store, a gym and fitness sanctuary that opened in February 2024. Inside, it looks like a state-of-the-art members club, and it performs like one too, with all the latest Technogym equipment, a spin shed, holistic studio, and a fully equipped exercise studio for classes. There’s also a six-piece outdoor gym and a dedicated postworkout stretch space courtesy of Proverb’s Assisted Stretch Pod. Good to know when planning a family visit: Kids aren’t allowed in the spa apart from two daily family splash times in the pool.
Who can go?
Day guests visiting the spa are welcome alongside hotel guests, but like many of its counterparts in this part of the country, it also operates a membership scheme. Consisting of four tiers, depending on what membership you choose, you’ll be allowed various privileges like full spa and Grain Store access as well as guest passes. A word of warning, though, if you are interested, you’ll have to sit tight; while Bronze- and Silver-tier memberships are still available, the books are currently closed for Gold and Platinum memberships.
Booking details for Calcot Manor & Spa
Address: Gloucestershire, Tetbury GL8 8YJ, United Kingdom
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