Spa profile: calcot manor

IN POLE POSITION

Calcot Spa has been named as the UK's top hotel spa retreat by readers of Condé Nast Traveller. And with high service levels and a wide treatment menu, it's no surprise. Annette Hanford reports

Readers of Conde Naste Traveller magazine are clearly consistent in their opinion as, having voted Calcot Spa into the top slot in the UK Hotel Spa category of its 10th Annual Readers' Travel Awards last October, they have also just named it the UK's top spa retreat.

Last month's issue of the magazine's spa special reveals the world's 100 best spas, according to its reader awards, and not only does Calcot Spa top the list of UK spa retreats, but now ranks 9th in the supplement's world listings.

 

A WINNING FORMULA

Impressive accolades indeed, especially as the spa only opened five years ago as an accompaniment to the 35-bedroom Cotswold hotel.

With a background in the hotel industry, spa director Cathy Ball explains that even though the Michelin-star hotel already had an excellent reputation and a whole host of awards, they needed to ensure they kept up with the changing times.

Set in the Cotswolds and close to tourist attractions, their aim was to have enough going on to keep people on site. It was also decided to actively target the family market, offering parents windows of time to relax and unwind within a child-friendly environment.

"We recognised the need to invest to keep the spa up to scratch," she says. "We never want to have an area we feel ashamed of or embarrassed about."

Calcot Spa aims to provide a complete leisure experience with a 16-metre indoor pool, well-equipped gym, steam room, sauna, seven treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure area, and a dedicated area for make-up.

It was decided that converting an existing building would probably cost twice as much as building a new spa from scratch, so spa architecture and design company Corporate Edge was appointed and work began on the new-build.

The spa is built around an enclosed courtyard garden (leading to all-weather tennis courts), which boasts an eight-seater hot tub, set in a decked area in front of a blazing log fire. Here, guests can relax on loungers in the summer or take to the water and sip Champagne whatever the weather.  

COUNTRY ESCAPE

Built in Cotswold stone and having used the skills of local craftsmen, the look and feel of the Calcot Spa is sympathetic not just with the hotel's design style but with the surrounding countryside too. A separate building from the hotel, the spa occupies two floors and has clean and calm interiors.

READ ON...

Natural materials and a soft palette of colours have been adopted, with sea-greens and stonework reflecting the beauty of the outdoor landscape. Occupying one of the highest points of the Cotswolds, communal areas feature large windows to maximise natural light, while the views instil an even deeper sense of relaxation and well-being.

 

 

 

"We wanted to make a real statement, but be unpretentious and deliver classic treatments well.  We are not themed and you won't find any tinkling bells," Cathy jokes.

The spa is designed essentially for adults, yet children are also welcome in the small pool during specified times. In fact, the spa aims to appeal to all, offering specific maternity spa treatments for mums-to-be; treatments for the male market; and pamper packages for teenagers as well as the traditional spa-goer. Cathy worked closely with spa consultant Jean Oliver to develop the range of treatment offerings.

MEMBER BENEFITS

The spa is used by members, hotel residents and a limit of up to 12 day spa guests, so it never becomes too crowded.  There are 500 local members (with an ever-growing waiting list), which creates a buzzy, club feel - especially at lunchtime.  Not all members are active, but of those that are, Cathy and the staff are almost on first name terms.

Cathy says: "One point of difference we have is a real personal feel."

 

Calcot Spa offers very high service levels and is quick to respond to people's requests and requirements, so a wide range of yoga, dance and fitness classes are also offered.

 

"There is a real appetite for fitness and we needed to open the market to gain revenue," comments Cathy.

 

Cathy attributes some of the spa's success to launching on the back of an already well-established business with a good reputation.  "Success can be self-perpetuating," she adds.

It's easy to feel, but not as easy to describe exactly what makes Calcot a winner, according to Cathy. Condé Nast Traveller readers were invited by the magazine to complete a questionnaire, choosing the best that the spa world had to offer and to rate choices according to a particular criteria.

"Our highest scores came for accommodation and cuisine, so it really is wonderful that Calcot Manor gains recognition as a hotel within this award too," says Cathy, emphasising the importance of offering a good all-round package for guests.

 

However, she says it is her staff who make the real difference.  "They share in our pride and and deliver an excellent service to the business."  Cathy explains that new recruits undergo in-house training in the spa's own protocols and are encouraged to develop their skills with further training as opportunities arise.

STAFF INCENTIVES

And through their annual reviews, they are also encouraged to realise their aspirations and make suggestions that benefit themselves and the business. 

If Cathy believes they are acceptable, the research will be carried out for any new offerings and the correct training sourced.  Staff undergoing training are then bonded for 12 months, and are obliged to repay any training costs if they leave within the period.

Many of the staff have been at the spa since its inception. To reward and motivate them, Cathy recently provided the team with Twilight Spa vouchers (one of its spa packages), allowing them access to the facilities at their leisure. One of the staff commented on how wonderful it was to experience the business from the "other side". She said that being greeted at reception and changing into a robe and slippers to enjoy the spa as a client would, really made her see how important their roles are and why clients enjoy the experience so much. 

So, with continual development, how will Calcot retain its crown yet maintain its Cotswolds charm?  "We are changing all the time," explains Cathy, "but not just for the sake of change - only when it's required, as we would be in danger of losing the spa's unique feel."

FACT FILE

Calcot Spa, Calcot Manor Hotel, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire

COST: £2.5m investment

SIZE: 17,000sq ft

TREATMENT ROOMS: seven, including a dryfloat room, manicure and pedicure areas

THERAPISTS: 18

BRANDS: Aromatherapy Associates; Guinot (facial only); Thalgo (body only); Caci; Jessica; Mama Mio maternity treatments; and mineral make-up

KEY FEATURES: indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, complementary therapies