Cliveden House hotel and spa
Cliveden House is the ultimate stately home in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. Opulent, charming and scandal-steeped, this Grade II listed Italianate mansion has a rich history dating back to 1666. Since this time, Cliveden has hosted royalty – every monarch since King George I apparently – plus, politicians and celebrities who have come to Cliveden to enjoy the fun and glamour of this storied riverside residence.
The lowdown
Today, Cliveden House is renowned not only for its historic charm and elegance, and impressive National Trust gardens, but also for its spa, including the famous ‘Profumo Pool’.
Housed next to the Stable Block, the Cliveden Spa offers a range of indulgent treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind, making it the perfect retreat for anyone seeking relaxation in a charming historic setting. In an area with more than its fair share of luxury hotels, Cliveden House stands out from the new breed of shiny contemporary-luxe hotels, with soul and old school luxury in its foundations.
Spavellous for
A special occasion, history buffs, Bridgerton style fans, Royal fanatics, luxury lovers, families, appreciators of authentic grandeur, a romantic getaway, anniversary celebration, wedding night, anyone who likes to mess around in boats.
Spa info
The Cliveden Spa is a calm space located near the main house, with a gilded clock tower overlooking the spa garden.
The hotel has two inviting pools, the 22m indoor pool and the infamous ‘Profumo Pool’ outside. Both are heated and surrounded by comfy loungers and there are two toasty outdoor hot tubs too. Back inside there’s a poolside steam room, sauna and large hydro pool.
The spa had one of our most valued features when we visited – being uncrowded – and, according to club members we spoke with, this is not unusual. There are plenty of loungers and a stylish relaxation area with urns filled with iced water infused with fresh fruit, rhubarb, apple and cinnamon when we visited. The spa’s a tech-free zone too so, happily, you won’t find anyone trying to loudly negotiate a business deal in the corner.
The outdoor pool area is particularly lovely, especially if you’re lucky enough to be there on a sunny day when the lavender’s in full bloom and the umbrella-shaded loungers are beckoning.
Back inside, the changing rooms have plenty of lockers, which are stocked with fluffy logoed bath robes and flip flops for use during your visit. There are private cubicles and a well-stocked vanity area, so all you really need to bring is your cozzy.
Children are allowed in the pool at family swim times – indoors between 9.15-10.45 am and 4-5.30 pm, and between 9am and 6pm in the outdoor pool. It’s probably worth noting – and avoiding – these slots if you’re after a peaceful swim.
The spa has seven treatment rooms, including one for couples with twin treatment beds. Their supersized massage tables are some of the comfiest we’ve experienced, with warm, water-filled toppers.
Fitness fans can enjoy working out in the good-sized light-filled gym with windows looking out to the garden and pool, and the studio which offers a variety of classes including yoga, Pilates and HIIT.
The spa has serves light lunches and drinks in the Spa Kitchen and there’s an al fresco champagne bar by the pool.
Cliveden Spa facilities are available to guests staying at the hotel and Cliveden Club Members only. No day spa packages are currently available.
Treatment highlights
Cliveden’s spa menu includes a good range of treatments by Luxury British Skincare brand Oskia, including: Warm Oil Massage, Body Recovery Treatments, Facials, including specialist treatments ones using gua sha and LED light therapy. The spa also offers Rituals including Monpure scalp treatments.
Oskia also worked with the spa to develop their Signature Treatments, and the hotel’s house fragrances, Nancy and Anna Maria, named after two important women in Cliveden’s history.
I was booked in for the Deep Sleep, a 60-minute treatment specially created for Cliveden and its sister properties. The treatment promotes sleep through soothing massage and Oskia’s Professional products which contain muscle-relaxing magnesium and melatonin along with frankincense and lavender essential oils.
I was met by my therapist, Tania, in the relaxation area, and led down a short corridor to one of the spa’s seven treatment rooms where a supersized massage bed awaited. The therapist invited me to place my feet in a bowl of warm water for a foot bath while she talked me through the treatment and checked my consultation form responses.
She explained how the treatment had been designed to calm both body and mind, and that warm oil, balms and a mist containing the sleep-promoting ingredients would be applied using massage to soothe my parasympathetic nervous system and aid circadian syncing.
As soon as I lay face down on the massage couch, I knew I was in for a treat. The large, padded bed had a warm, water-filled topper which felt cocooning and deeply comfortable.
To start the treatment, the therapist guided me through three slow, grounding breaths to set the calming tone and allow me to fill my lungs with the aroma from the inhalation bowl. I was already feeling more relaxed. She then cleansed my feet with warm towels and began the massage.
The treatment felt luxurious from the start as the therapist poured warm oil directly on to my back and shoulders, massaging the products in with methodical, gently stretching strokes.
The sensation was quite different from your average massage, feeling particularly soothing and decadent. The Therapist slowly worked the oil into my upper back, applying melatonin-containing Sleep Balm to my shoulders. She then continued to soothe and smooth the back of my arms and legs, applying more balm to be absorbed into my feet.
Once the back of my body had been thoroughly soothed, the therapist softly asked me to turn over, and I became aware of how zoned-out I was feeling – in a kind of no-mans-land between wakefulness and sleep. It felt great and I was keen to stay in my semi-dream-like state, but also not to actually fall asleep as I didn’t want to miss the enjoyment of the treatment.
Once on my back, the therapist put a mask over my eyes so as not to burst my dreamy bubble and placed a bolster under my knees for comfort. She then started to massage the front of my body, beginning with my décolletage and stomach, then gradually moving on to my arms and legs. The massage was deliberate but very gentle and it certainly seemed to be delivering on its sleep-inducing promise.
Before I knew it the 60 minutes was up, and it was time to slowly return to reality. I felt blissed-out and content, though rather regretting I hadn’t booked the 90-minute version of this delight of a treatment, which includes a head massage and the application of a nourishing hair mask.
Guests staying at the hotel can opt to have the Deep Sleep treatment in their bedroom so they can enjoy the treatment then roll straight into bed and drift off to sleep between the high thread count sheets.
I loved the warm waterbed, the spa-scented products and that the treatment includes elements scientifically proved to promote sleep, like the inclusion of magnesium and melatonin. I also felt I could have confidence in the product quality, being from a trusted brand and I felt like I was in safe, expert hands with the clearly-experienced therapist who delivered a particularly slick and relaxing treatment.
The Deep Sleep reminded me just how soothing a gentle spa massage can be for both body and mind. As someone who spends a lot of time hunched over a computer, I tend to gravitate towards firmer, remedial deep tissue massages, rather than ones geared solely to relaxation. But I know that soothing massages are proven to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and rest, and potentially reducing stress and anxiety too.
The Deep Sleep definitely transformed my demeanour from energised to relaxed and I slept like a baby following my treatment. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a supremely relaxing spa experience. It’s also a great choice for anyone who’s recently landed at nearby Heathrow and is looking to unwind and regain control of their body clock.
Rooms
There are just 39 bedrooms at Cliveden House, which gives the hotel a boutique feel. Rooms have a classic décor in keeping with the hotel’s history and style. Some rooms have their own hot tub too, if you want to continue the spa fun. And Deluxe Rooms have access to the Butler’s Pantry, well stocked with complimentary wine, beer, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Wining and Dining
Cliveden House has two restaurants and a characterful bar, each offering a different dining experience, with something to suit every penchant and palate.
The Cliveden Dining Room – the swankier and more formal of Cliveden’s two restaurants – a place where one ‘dresses for dinner.’ Located in Cliveden’s former drawing room, it overlooks the gardens and offers à la carte dining and a ‘carefully curated’ tasting menu. It’s also the setting for a particularly civilised afternoon tea. If ever there was a perfect place for a classic British afternoon tea, Cliveden’s Dining Room is it. And no problem if you’re vegan, the restaurant menu is 30% plant-based.
Astor Grill – located next to the spa in the in the old stables, the Astor Grill has a more relaxed, informal vibe with additional outside seating and an al fresco bar. Specialising in Anglo-American favourites, this equestrian-themed restaurant serves a popular Beef Wellington, if meat’s your thing. If not, veggie options include Meze plates, flavourful salads and vegetarian pasta options. Whatever you choose, make sure you save room for the Apple Cheesecake.
Finally, there’s the Library Bar, bar housed in the classic, wood-panelled old library where you can enjoy a cheeky cocktail or lite bite while taking in views of the gardens.
why so spavellous?
Cliveden is the ultimate stately home, a timeless classic with a strong sense of history that offers a flavour of aristocratic life. It’s one of those places that makes you feel special from the second you turn into the driveway – in this case a wide carriage-catering one with a huge fountain at the end. You feel like you’re living you’re your best Bridgerton life. Staff are friendly, surroundings opulent and the gardens are huge and magical, with the bonus of having direct access to the Thames. It doesn’t get more quintessential than this.
The excellence extends to the spa too. Again, classic in style, but not stuffy. The hot tubs are properly hot, pools are perfect, and the treatments are top-notch. Plus, the fact that it’s designated a ‘device-free’ area adds to the sense of calming escapism.
If you really want to push the boat out, you can do so literally by hiring one of Cliveden’s Vintage Launches. Head down to the river for your own boating Brief Encounter and enjoy a lazy picnic lunch or an indulgent Champagne cruise to Henley.
spavellous tips
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider booking a room with a hot tub.
As Cliveden’s gardens are open to the National Trust, the estate can get busy during holidays and at weekends so it’s worth avoiding these times if you’re looking for a quieter stay.
Windsor Castle is just a short drive away, and you can continue to indulge any Downton Abbey fantasies with a visit to Highclere Castle where much of the series was filmed.
If you’re coming by train you can take the Elizabeth Line to nearby Taplow or Burnham.
Spa Goers say...
‘Watch out for the kids’ swimming times as the pool and changing rooms can get quite busy.’
‘You can’t beat lounging by the outdoor pool in summer’
‘We stayed here on our wedding night like Meghan Markle and come back from time to time as a special treat without the kids.’