Health and Beauty
A move to the country does not mean that you have to give up having your nails done. Whilst not as plentiful as in the City, nail salons do exist. There are many mobile beauty practitioners, including hairdressers, who are happy to come to your house. Get recommendations from friends or look in your local parish magazine for advertisements.
Retraining as a complementary therapist is a popular option for women seeking to combine professional work with family commitments. So there are plenty of places to go for aromatherapy massages or reflexology. In Cirencester, the Complete Health Centre is home to a number of self-employed therapists. They include homeopaths, osteopaths and counsellors.
For a more pampered option you could check into a day spa. The Cotswolds is fortunate in being home to several highly rated spas. Leader of the pack is Calcot Spa at Calcot Manor hotel near Tetbury. Voted ninth best in a Conde Nast Traveller magazine survey of the world’s best spas, it offers a comprehensive list of treatments for men and women. These include dry flotation, Thalgo body wraps and Caci non-surgical facelifts. Facilities include a gym, pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room. Children can be left in the Ofsted-registered crèche. Tennis coaching is available for children and adults and a range of fitness classes take place in the studio and swimming pool.
Aquarias at Whatley Manor is a nice place to spend a morning. It has one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the UK that extends outside with beautiful views of the valley below.In addition, the extensive facilities include five sequenced thermal cabins which draw on ancient European bathing culture to create a relaxing experience. There are underwater pool loungers, a Wave Dream Sensory Room, state-of-the-art gymnasium and Camomile Steam Grotto for treating skin and hair.
Beauty treatments are by the renowned Swiss La Prairie and include some treatments developed exclusively for Whatley Manor including a deluxe caviar facial and a four hands massage. If you fancy some extra special treatment a deux then there is a VIP suite with a dedicated therapist, unique treatments and aromatherapy spa pool. You could also book time in the Serail Mud Chamber.
Barnsley House has opened a contemporary spa in its own private garden designed by Stephen Woodhams which won an award at the Chelsea Flower Show. Away from the main hotel but built from Cotswold stone, the new spa has floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of wood and views over the surrounding countryside which all add to the calming atmosphere.
There are six treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, flaked ice machine, relaxation room and a hydrotherapy pool. REN products are used in the facials. The holistic treatments adapted to personal needs include aromatherapy massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, Indian head, shiatsu, or Thai massage and reiki. The Spa’s signature treatment is two hours of body exfoliation, hot stone therapy and massage, finished off with a REN facial.
In town, Le Spa at Stratton Place, Cirencester offers a range of luxury Thai-inspired treatments for relaxation. These include the signature treatment Lomi Lomi massage using specially blended Pattaya oils and a coconut and sea salt rub. It has a range of membership options and an adjoining small hotel housed in an attractive 19th century Victorian Manor House.Waxing and medical cosmetic treatments are available from the Aesthetic & Cosmetic Clinic in Cirencester. These include laser hair removal, Restylane, glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion.
In terms of mainstream health and fitness, there are few NHS dentists taking new adult patients.
The Cotswold leisure centre in Cirencester offers a wide and varied programme of exercise classes to suit all ages and levels of fitness. Classes include Powerstretch, Boxercise, Slim & Trim and Aqua Natal. In addition, Pilates, yoga courses and spinning classes are on offer. Even if time is short there is no excuse for not exercising. The ladies only gym Ladies Fitness Wellness (LFW) in Cirencester has developed a 30 minute circuit training programme which has impressive results in terms of toning.
Fans of David Lloyd Health and Leisure Clubs can find one in Swindon. Facilities on offer include four indoor and three outdoor tennis courts, four badminton courts, a state-of-the-art gym, large indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and spa pool, plus a bar, restaurant and crèche.