After several intense weeks, I found myself in serious need of a reset and for me, that could only mean one thing - a countryside spa. I chose The Langley Hotel and Spa in Buckinghamshire, drawn in by its reputation for luxurious tranquillity and refined indulgence but this wouldn't be just any treatment, I was booked in to try the Hammam Rassoul experience. The thought of lying on heated marble, wrapped in fragrant steam, as mineral-rich mud detoxified and exfoliated my skin, was the deep relaxation I craved.
What exactly is a Hammam Rassoul you ask? It's a traditional Arabian cleansing ritual designed to detoxify, rejuvenate, and leave your skin glowing. It starts with the steam of a hammam, think of this like a sauna, but way more luxurious. The steam opens up your pores, setting the stage for a serious cleansing experience. Next, you’re treated to a full-body scrub with black soap and a Kessa mitt (a rough glove). This isn’t your typical scrub; it’s intense but super effective, sloughing off dead skin cells and giving you that soft, refreshed feeling. Then, it’s time for the magic ingredient, Rassoul clay. This mineral-rich mud is applied to your skin, where it works to draw out impurities, detoxify, and moisturise, all while you just relax in the steam. Once the clay does its thing, it’s time for a thorough rinse, leaving your skin ridiculously smooth and radiant.
I had my first Hammam in the Middle East, so expectations were high, but the Langley delivered an authentic countryside spa experience that felt like I was in a centuries-old bathhouse. The Hammam room itself is a stunning recreation of traditional bathhouses, with marble tables, classic bath taps, and that unmistakable sound of flowing water that instantly relaxes you. The moment my treatment started, the feeling of the stone beneath me and the subtle scent of essential oils transported me to the Middle East. My treatment was a cocktail of natural ingredients; black soap for a deep cleanse, lava clay mud to detox, shea butter for intense hydration, and carrot facial oil to leave my skin glowing. As my therapist worked methodically, I felt layers of tension melt away. Between the setting, the expertise of my therapist, and the deep sense of renewal, my stress felt like a distant memory.
The Langley Spa, an impressive 1,600 sq metre wellness space is set inside a beautifully transformed former stable. It’s all sleek stone, soft lighting, and calming neutrals. I started with a thermal journey, hoping for a full-body reset. The vitality pool’s hydrotherapy jets melted away any tension, while the Himalayan salt sauna and aromatic steam room took relaxation to the next level. Jumping between the ice fountain and sauna was a total shock to the system, in the best way, leaving me refreshed and recharged. By the end, I felt brand new.
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A fun surprise? The ladies-only thermal area complete with a sauna and steam room, is a rose quartz-hued sanctuary perfect for a girls’ weekend, bridal party, or mother-daughter escape. If you want to indulge in a spa treatment, the massages are expertly tailored, whether you are after a deep tissue, bamboo, or something soothing with aromatic essential oils. However, if skincare is more your thing, bespoke facials using Sisley Paris products leave your skin glowing, while holistic treatments target everything from stress relief to circulation. For a more exclusive experience, there’s a private VIP Suite, because sometimes, you just need your own wellness bubble. For a full mind-body reset, The Langley doesn’t stop at the spa. Their state-of-the-art gym will delight gym bunnies, with top-tier Technogym equipment and personal trainers who make working out feel fun. Strength training, yoga, mobility, whatever your vibe, they’ve got you covered.
“We want you to feel like this is your country home and we've been looking after it for you,” one of the staff said whilst showing me to the Godolphin Suite at The Langley. From the moment I arrived at this intimate hotel, that sentiment rang true.
Hidden away in the rolling countryside of Buckinghamshire, at the end of an impressive driveway lined with meadows, this five-star retreat feels like stepping into a perfectly curated period drama (with all the modern luxuries, of course).
It’s the kind of place where history, nature, and indulgence collide effortlessly. Originally the hunting grounds of the third Duke of Marlborough, this sprawling 150-acre estate was shaped by the iconic landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the Master of English garden design. The Langley even pays homage to its deep-rooted history with a logo inspired by its most majestic resident, an ancient Lebanon Cedar tree that has stood watch over the grounds for centuries.
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The estate is split between two equally stunning buildings: the Main House, a grand Palladian-style manor straight out of a Regency novel, and the Grade II-listed Brew House, which once housed the estate’s stables, clocktower, and brewery. With just 20 rooms and suites, the Main House offers an air of exclusivity and old-world charm. Think plush velvet furnishings, romantic drapes, and soft carpets that whisper luxury with every step. The marble bathrooms? They’re the kind that makes you want to lounge in the tub for hours with heated floors and roll-top bathtubs included. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed by the renowned Dennis Irvine Studio, creating a perfect balance of historic elegance and modern indulgence.
Across the courtyard, the Brew House has a more intimate, rustic charm. Its 21 rooms and suites celebrate the building’s heritage, with exposed oak beams, bespoke furniture, and nods to its former life. It’s cosy yet sophisticated, the kind of place where you can curl up with a book by the window and feel completely at home. It creates the illusion of staying in a large country home rather than a grand, impersonal estate.
Cedar Restaurant has a European-inspired menu where flavours from Spain, France, and Italy come together in a celebration of good food. Under Head Chef Alfonso Alloca, you enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with a dash of Buckinghamshire pride, as the ingredients are all locally sourced. The restaurant setting? It’s just as dreamy as the food with plush petrol-blue Zanzibar mohair sofas, a restored white marble fireplace from 1775, and eight antique mirrored chandeliers. Dining here is fancy yet comforting, elegant yet familiar. The vibe is sophisticated but not too stuffy. In the warmer months, the terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back meal while soaking in views of the lush grounds and a serpentine lake.
If you’re after something a bit more relaxed but still fancy, The Drawing Room is your go-to spot for a classic afternoon tea. This place is pure elegance, with walls dressed in Fromental Travertine silk wallpaper, a stunning chandelier hanging overhead, and art pieces that make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the grandeur of the 18th century. The afternoon tea here is an event with freshly baked scones with homemade jams, classic finger sandwiches, and pastries all crafted by the talented Pastry Chef Francesco Martella.
For a more intimate, classic vibe, The Churchill Bar delivers with its rich wood tones, leather armchairs, and tartan-inspired carpets. The bar’s name honours Winston Churchill, and the atmosphere gives private club chic, where you can sip on an impressive selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and cocktails while relaxing by a crackling fireplace. If you’re a fan of old-world charm, the recreated Regency-era bookcases filled with ornamental books will have you feeling like you’re in an exclusive literary club.
The Langley isn’t just a place to relax, it’s also a playground for adventure. One morning, you could be learning the art of falconry, feeling the thrill as a majestic bird of prey lands gracefully on your gloved hand. The next, you’re horseback riding through the breathtaking trails of Windsor Great Park. If you’ve ever been curious about polo (because why not live out your inner royal for a day?), the Concierge team can set you up for an unforgettable experience.
As a nature lover, I was in luck. Langley Park, a wildlife haven full of history, is right next door, offering opportunities for scenic walks and exploration. Despite feeling like I was miles away from everything, The Langley is a short 10-minute drive from The Langley Station on the Elizabeth line with connections to London and Reading and a 15-minute drive from Windsor.
Whether I was wandering through the insanely scenic Capability Brown-designed gardens, getting the ultimate reset at the spa, or enjoying a meal at Cedar, every moment at The Langley felt like a main-character moment. It’s the kind of place that forced me (in the best way) to slow down, soak it all in, and just enjoy the little luxuries.
Rooms rates at The Langley range from £450 per night to £1,300 per night depending on category, location and season.
