soho farmhouse spa, soho farmhouse
OXFORDSHIRE, UK
A break from the city with fresh air, peace and a blissful rustic spa experience.
Overview
Soho Farmhouse – part of the Soho House group – is a 5-star hotel, members club and spa set in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. It’s a luxury oasis and country escape with top notch facilities and oodles of ways to pass the time and is surrounded by wildflower in full bloom and gloriously green British countryside.
Like the farmhouse itself, this is rustic English country charm in a spa setting. It’s delightfully traditional without every feeling shabby and the very opposite of a hi-tech, low lit city spa. When you’re inside it feels very unhurried and relaxed – we whiled away hours here reading magazines and drinking tea which was bliss.
SPA BRANDS
Soho Farmhouse uses its own brand Cowshed for its treatments. It’s inspired by the English countryside and is delicately scented, so it’s not as strong/soothing as some other aromatherapy brands, but you’ll still feel zen.
PRICES
Massages start at £50 for 30 minutes which is pretty reasonable for a luxury spa.
treatment booked
Cowshed Signature Massage, £80 for 60 mins.
What’s on offer at the spa
With a mix of male and female therapists, a carefully curated selection of massages and facials plus standard beauty treatments like manicures and waxing this is a pretty sweet place to chill. It’s mobile and child free although teenagers 16+ can arrange treatments via the spa with parental consent.
OUR TREATMENT
You’re advised to arrive 15 minutes before your treatment and there’s a small waiting area to fill in your forms and have a drink (tea, coffee or water) before you begin. You’re given a locker, a large dressing gown (they’re one size but around an 3xl-4xl we’d say) which is a cool touch and slippers to pad around in. The treatment rooms themselves are cosy and warm, with low lighting and a minimal amount of clutter. It’s all in keeping with the low-key farm vibes.
Our masseuse started by asking us to choose our oil blend taking the time to let us test each one, and we went for ‘Replenish’ also opting for a medium-firm pressure. She worked through knots deftly never inducing a wince or noise. It felt calm, effective and deeply restorative. As far as massages go it was brilliant and perfect for those who don’t want any kind of discomfort during a massage. There was no soreness at any point, even in the days to follow – just a deep state of relaxation.
Afterwards we were guided to the relaxation area, where we spent hours sipping tea, gazing through the glass windows into the outside greenery and relaxing. It’s calm without having spa music blasted at you – and probably one of our favourite post-treatment chill areas – it just feels remarkably zen without being staged.
Other facilities
You can pop to the outdoor heated swimming pool which is in another building and there’s also a gym, classes and plenty of outdoor activities, from boating and tennis to clay pigeon shooting.
Little extras
The changing rooms are individual so you can shower and get changed in peace and they all come fully loaded with Cowshed products, hairdryers and towels. They’ve thought of everything you might need.
Sleep over
TSL stayed for two nights in a one bed cabin priced from XXXX. Though you don’t need a Soho House membership to stay here it’s worth noting that the ways to book are different – members book via the website or app, non-members must email to book. The bonus of a cabin room was the kitchenette for teas and coffees and it also comes with fresh bread, butter, biscuits (they’re so good), granola (it’s legendary) and milk. It’s a micro country kitchen which you arguably don’t need but is delightful. You can actually have somebody come and make your eggs at your door should you wish. The outdoor metal bathtub is pretty special as are the big fluffy pillows and log fire – ideal to sit in front of after your relaxing treatment.
Food
The spa doesn’t serve food but it is metres away from the main restaurant which serves European cuisine. The morning breakfast buffet is spectacular (try the berry muffins) and starts at around £15 whilst general al la carte items average at around £15-20 for a main.
Best time to visit
Being Britain, well, you’ll want to pick summer months to enjoy the spa and facilities at their best. But because of the farm-like charm, even the cold wet days are cosy – you’re never far from steaming cup of tea and a log fire. The weekends do tend to busier, so go mid-week for the ultimate relax.
Packing list
Everything is pretty much provided at the spa from robes and slippers to amenities. Inside the rooms it’s the same too, you are fully looked after, like a cocooning hug. Definitely take some good books and comfy clothes to spend your time in blissful semi-isolation.
What wasn’t great
We’ve visited this spa multiple times since its opening and the vibe very much depends on when you go and how busy it is. In summer, it can feel overly full and a tad noisy which is fine for a birthday, less so for a chilled get away. The pool areas are swarming in summer, although there are child-free times at the pool which are a little quieter. The summer stays can feel a bit too child-friendly which can be loud when you’ve booked away for some respite. Our advice? Winter is more chill, summer tends to be pretty full on – for rest and relaxation go autumn-spring mid-week.
JUST FYI
No phones/pictures in communal areas here – as with any Soho House property. And no approaching the celebs either – just be cool ;) And book your restaurants in advance.
DETAILS
Address: Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JS, England
Phone: 01608 691000
Website: www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse
How to get there: Trains run from London Marylebone and Paddington to Chipping Norton regularly and a cab from there to Soho Farm House will cost you approx £20-25. The last time we visited there was no Uber available.
Kid friendly – The spa isn’t, but the property is. Do be mindful that this is a country escape though and keep noise to a minimum.
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