Words: Amy Dowrick | Photograph: De Vere Cotswold Waterpark

Where to stay now

Less than an hour’s train ride from London, De Vere Cotswold Waterpark is a spa hotel with an expert eye for wellness, all while sitting right at the heart of the Cotswold’s 180 lakes. Tucked into the edge of the nature reserve, the hotel offers ultra-stylish rooms, fine dining with a view and state-of-the-art wellness treats at their signature spa, Spa6.

First impressions

I was put up in a one-bedroom apartment in the Watersmeet building where, as the name suggests, my balcony met with the edge of the water – and produced a scene that could have been straight out of Swan Lake. Fit with a living area and kitchenette, a separate bedroom and bathroom, and a view of the park’s swans swimming below your window, the space quickly sinks you into the ultimate wind-down – perfect if you’re only having a short stay.

The spa

It’s the hotel’s spa that provides guests with the real indulgent experience. If you’re after intense relaxation with a touch of luxury, Spa6 is just the retreat. With an exclusive package that goes beyond a quick spot of recovery, the spa hosts full day and overnight stays, group bookings and even expert-led pregnancy care.

From relaxing body massages to cleansing facials, it also hosts signature luxury treatments. But on top of their sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy element pool, the spa has also recently introduced its latest treatment – a Japanese Head Spa (yes, the one all over social media).

The treatment

Designed to calm your body, refresh your mind and stimulate your senses, Spa6’s Japanese Head Spa is all about deep relaxation. After being shown into the champagne bar waiting room, I was led along a candlelit corridor and into the treatment space, where Japanese music played overhead and a weighted jade face mask was placed over my eyes. Before the treatment began, my therapist also asked me about the condition of my hair and scalp, and if I had any areas of concern, which helped her in choosing the right products.

At £100, the experience includes a neck and shoulder massage, scalp cleansing and exfoliation, a hair mask with the infamous rainbow shower head, and a steam session for the hair and scalp.

It’s designed to support scalp and hair health by stimulating hair growth, as well as easing muscle tension and headaches by soothing neck, shoulder and temple stiffness. The treatment also aids lymphatic drainage for an extra skin boost.

After my 50 minutes were up and I was finishing off in the relaxation room with an ice-cold glass of lemon water, my mental fog felt cleared, my concentration enhanced and anxiety relieved – and I’ve never had a more relaxing, deep sleep after returning to the city.

Nature’s therapy

The De Vere Cotswold Waterpark is more than just a beautiful place. Surrounded by a wildlife park, gardens, a farm park and water sports hire, the hotel offers a short stay for those seeking a wellness break for all the senses.

And to ensure you don’t leave on an empty stomach, the hotel has two lakeside restaurants – the Old Boathouse Restaurant & Bar and The Brasserie Restaurant – offering Italian-inspired food and drinks, English and continental breakfast, and endless views of the lake (trust me – you won’t be able to resist).

Travel facts

The De Vere Cotswold Waterpark is perfect for couples looking for a laid-back retreat in the countryside. For more details, or to book a treatment at Spa6, visit devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel