Submerged in nature

Victoria Evans escapes to C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor and finds the perfect antidote to city life

A feeling of being utterly submerged in nature was induced by the sunken location of C-Side Spa, which has literally been sculpted into the landscape within the Gloucestershire grounds of Cowley Manor.

The C-Side, reached by a winding woodland path, contains a large indoor pool with a vaulted ceiling and generous skylights, an outdoor pool (heated to a toasty 34 degrees), sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. Water is the theme throughout and the whole experience feels blissfully immersive.

Cowley Manor itself is a striking Grade II listed Victorian mansion set in 55 acres of parkland and formal gardens in the heart of the Cotswolds. Bedrooms and suites are contemporary and boldly decorated — a refreshing counterpoint to the region’s more traditional country house offerings.

The treatments use ESPA products throughout and are delivered with genuine skill. The overall experience is one of those rare combinations: a destination worth travelling to in its own right, with a spa that more than justifies the journey.