Would you believe me if I told you that one of my best spas I’ve ever been to is in the British countryside? It’s true!
Last year while staying at a hip hotel in London’s Pimlico neighborhood, I discovered Daylesford for the first time, and it was love at first sight. But what I thought was simply a high-end neighborhood eatery and organic market, turned out to just be a glimpse of an empire run by Lady Carole Bamford.
To say that she basically owns The Cotswolds would not be far from the truth. To say that I am in awe of what she has built would be an understatement. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Daylesford. Over forty years ago, Lady Bamford began to turn her family’s farmland over to organic, sustainable farming. Today, it is a full fledged lifestyle + hospitality brand that includes The Wild Rabbit hotel, Daylesford Cottages at Daylesford Farm, Bamford Haybarn Spa, artisanal food products and organic skincare.
And so on this last trip to England, my friends and I decided to indulge in all things Daylesford, spending two nights at the Wild Rabbit (more on that soon), and an afternoon at the Bamford Haybarn Spa at Daylesford Farm, just a mile from our hotel. She’s managed to combine the charm of the countryside with a luxury experience befitting those with the most discerning taste.
We’ll never be royal, but I’ll keep living that fantasy.
The beautiful relaxation room—the start and end to your spa treatments.
While the Haybarn Spa doesn’t have full spa facilities (no hot tub, steam room, showers, etc), they have launched their Outdoor Spa for the summer season.
Daylesford Farm includes several incredible shops that sell home goods, produce, food and Bamford products.
The restaurants were extremely busy (it was a bank holiday weekend), but the food was very good.
A whole room for cheese!
After our incredible massages, after indulging in house made charcuterie, and after stocking up on Bamford facial oil, we walked across the street to the meadow to visit the Daylesford sheep, who are without a doubt living their best life. And to quote Queen Oprah, “that’s what I know for sure.”
[…] property is a Daylesford property, owned by Lady Bamford. Though there is no spa on property, the Bamford Haybarn Spa at Daylesford Farm is less than a mile away, which we indulged in one afternoon. Highly […]