The Spa, Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford

A beautifully presented spa using luxury Decleor products, complete with thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool and a mini gym

USP

Amongst the stunning architecture of Oxford University college buildings and the renowned Ashmolean Museum stands the landmark Macdonald Randolph 5* Hotel complete with Morse Bar, the watering hole of Colin Dexter’s famous detective – Inspector Morse.

AMBIENCE

The hotel felt like Central Station as I passed through, busy to the point of chaos with reservations, a wedding party checking out and a new wedding party checking in, it was a welcome relief to leave the turbulence above to the tranquility and still of the spa. A warm welcome greeted me as I arrived in the Spa reception and I was sent swiftly down the lantern-lit corridor to the changing room to prepare for my treatment. A tidy space with Molton Brown and Decleor products, the change area felt warm and luxurious, with grey tiled floors and mahogany units. The relaxation room was warmer still, with four leather loungers together with quilts and pillows, reading lights and gentle low-level music. The feeling of relaxation was instant, even if there were two ladies sharing the room with me. The spa has four treatment rooms, a thermal suite that includes a rock and bio sauna, an aroma steam therapy room, an ice room, a sensation shower and a hydrotherapy pool for which there is a charge of £15 per person. Use of the mini gym is however complimentary.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE

My therapist Charlotte, was softly spoken and very descriptive, offering me a choice of 4 Decleor massage products (Relax, Detox, Flow or Tonic) for my Decleor Aroma Ultimate Body Massage (£70 for 60 mins). They all smelt delicious and I opted for ‘Flow’ that smelt warm and peppery, with ingredients of black pepper, cypruss, lemon and lavender. An invigorating and stimulating massage to boost blood circulation and get energy flowing. The massage worked effectively on the tension around my body, so calmed was I that I very nearly drifted off to sleep towards the end. The combination of the heated bed and the warmth and aroma of the product were enough to help me feel very relaxed, soothed and very indulged. The balmy texture applied to my skin felt wonderfully smooth and silky and indeed left my skin feeling just that for days afterwards. A mixture of techniques were used; massage; reflexology and shiatsu that pulped my skin really well and left me feeling energized.

IN-CROWD

The Spa is predominantly used by hotel residents, though local-workers and residents also come in to have spa treatments. The spa can treat eight people at a time and for that reason, Hen parties book the spa out exclusively for a day and get 10 hours of treatments including lunch (£130 per person).

FOOD AND DRINK

The hotel’s Drawing Room serves light lunches and traditional afternoon teas. Spa goers on a day package will enjoy their lunch in the drawing room. The Restaurant at the Randolph with 2 AA Rosettes serves the finest Scottish beef, lamb, pork and wild white fish. Both the food and the service is top notch.

WALLET WATCH

My Decleor Aroma Ultimate Body Massage was £70 for 60 minutes, which is very reasonably priced. Other treatments range from £12 for a bikini wax to £130 for an indulgence spa day, should you want to include a nights stay in the hotel and an evening of relaxation, prices start at £369. All prices stated here are Fri - Mon.

NEED TO KNOW

Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 (Tel: 0844 879 9132 website: www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Randolph)