Bucks &amp; Oxon

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="855" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_ext-with-pond.jpeg" alt="Horwood House stately home hotel red brick with ornamental garden area with pond " class="wp-image-155963" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_ext-with-pond.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_ext-with-pond-800x456.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_ext-with-pond-1000x570.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_ext-with-pond-400x228.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



We&#8217;re still tickling the end of Wellbeing Month on Muddy, so where better to revive the spirits and get in touch with your fluffy-gowned, chilled self than with a spa review?



I visited Horwood House&#8217;s <a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/h-spa.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H Spa</a> a few weeks back, having decided, like every other exhausted working mother in Britain, to be kind to myself this year. That means listening to my body, taking time out for myself and growing as a person (though hopefully not literally &#8211; I&#8217;ve done quite enough of that recently). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="838" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_house_pool.peg_.jpeg" alt="marble tiling and indoor swimming pool at spa " class="wp-image-155964" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_house_pool.peg_.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_house_pool.peg_-800x447.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_house_pool.peg_-1000x559.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_house_pool.peg_-400x223.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



This stunning 1911 Grade II listed manor house has quite the entrance, down an elegant lime avenue  in the rural village of Little Horwood – close to Milton Keynes to the north and Buckingham to the west. A change of ownership and £6m investment in 2022 has reinvigorated the hotel and the spa is a massive calling card for the hotel, with a 15m pool, sauna, steam room and spa lounge with heated seats, six treatment rooms, a gym with integrated TVs and access onto a courtyard for drinks and afternoon tea. Guests staying overnight have access to the pool facilities and gym during their stay, with under 16 children’s swim times tailored to 9am – 10am and 4pm – 7pm, Mon – Sun. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-1000x667.jpeg" alt="relaxation area in spa with beige loungers and curtains " class="wp-image-155969" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



H Spa is tucked discreetly away, and feels both part of and separate from the hotel, so if you&#8217;re just coming for the day like me, you still feel comfortable. It&#8217;s elegantly put together, without reaching the heights (or squeaky price points) of the closest five star spas such as Sopwell House, Luton Hoo or Soho Farmhouse.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="523" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-spa-blue-door-1000x523.jpeg" alt="spa loungers with blue door for steamroom and showers" class="wp-image-155974" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-spa-blue-door-1000x523.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-spa-blue-door-800x419.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-spa-blue-door-400x209.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-spa-blue-door.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Aesthetically, you&#8217;ll love the relaxation area with its private booths with wafty curtains, and the lounge area for afternoon tea. The pool, spa and sauna spaces are attractive too, with natural light and a sense of calm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="891" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_Spa_Pool_and-sauna.jpeg" alt="spa pool with sauna next door " class="wp-image-155973" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_Spa_Pool_and-sauna.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_Spa_Pool_and-sauna-800x475.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_Spa_Pool_and-sauna-1000x594.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_Spa_Pool_and-sauna-400x238.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The spa focuses on the main crowd-pleasing treatments using Caudelíe products including a full range of massages (including one for pregnancy), facials, manis, pedis, and also express treatments. A big calling card for me was that H Spa allowed me to bring my 16-year-old daughter as she was able to have two short treatments here. Most spas won&#8217;t allow under 18s, so this made the day really special. It was Iris&#8217;s first ever spa day and the first thing she said after her treatment was, &#8220;Now I know why you have so many massages!&#8221;



First up for the spa day, tough, was prettily presented brunch, the first part of our Peaceful Escape package (£159 midweek, £179 on weekends which also includes a 50 min treatment and two course lunch). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-area.jpeg" alt="eating area with wicker chairs " class="wp-image-155965" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-area.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-area-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-area-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-area-400x300.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The brunch zone</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1375" height="1031" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-edited.jpeg" alt="continental breakfast of toast, melon, pastries against wood " class="wp-image-155971" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-edited.jpeg 1375w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-edited-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-edited-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-breakfast-edited-400x300.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1375px) 100vw, 1375px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our brunch for two</figcaption></figure>



Forms signed, and fluffy towelling robes on, we then moved onto our treatment. 



There&#8217;s a large, attractive double treatment room here (below) for romantics or gal pals who want to experience the day together but frankly the Muddy mother/daughter combo are made of more selfish stuff – neither of us wanted FOMO on the other&#8217;s treatment – so we headed off to individual treatment rooms. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/horwood_spa_double-room-treatment-.jpeg" alt="double beuaty treatment room with towels and robes " class="wp-image-155976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/horwood_spa_double-room-treatment-.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/horwood_spa_double-room-treatment--800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/horwood_spa_double-room-treatment--1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/horwood_spa_double-room-treatment--400x267.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The double treatment room</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-treatments">THE TREATMENTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="776" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-caudelie.jpeg" alt="sink with beauty potions and a carafe or water " class="wp-image-155977" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-caudelie.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-caudelie-800x414.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-caudelie-1000x517.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-caudelie-400x207.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



I&#8217;d chosen a full body massage, and it was just what my poor January body needed, with credit to the therapist who delivered it firmly as requested (like, literally, I&#8217;m the &#8216;use your elbows&#8217; type client). I enjoyed it so much I booked an extra treatment on the day, a facial that came in at a punchy £95, though you can see me here post-treatment and I think it ironed me out pretty well! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-Hero-in-robe.jpeg" alt="woman looking relaxed in fluffy robe at spa " class="wp-image-155967" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-Hero-in-robe.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-Hero-in-robe-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-Hero-in-robe-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-Hero-in-robe-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood-House-Buckinghamshire-Muddy-Stilettos-Hero-in-robe-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Next time I&#8217;d choose a package with two treatments prior to arrival, as it&#8217;s obviously much better value – maybe the <a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/the-horwood-day.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horwood Day</a> (£205, available Mon-Fri). 



We floated between pool, sauna and wet room for a while, and it all went swimmingly. While I had my second treatment, Iris eyed the fitness suite before deciding, like any self-respecting Snapchatting teen, to exercise her thumbs instead.



For our late lunch we decided on a change of scene, so we swapped robes for our clothes and headed to <a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/harrys-bar.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harry’s Bar &amp; Kitchen</a>, the hotel&#8217;s relaxed, contemporary restaurant. It&#8217;s a stylish but relaxed space with zoned tiling, banquette seating and striking central foliage display that runs across the ceiling. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Harrys-Bar-and-Restaurant-Horwood-House.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-155975" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Harrys-Bar-and-Restaurant-Horwood-House.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Harrys-Bar-and-Restaurant-Horwood-House-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Harrys-Bar-and-Restaurant-Horwood-House-1000x666.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Harrys-Bar-and-Restaurant-Horwood-House-400x266.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harry&#8217;s Bar &amp; Kitchen</figcaption></figure>



I&#8217;ve eaten here twice before in the last year, so I knew to expect good food and service, and it delivered again. It&#8217;s well worth checking out independently of staying at the hotel. 



After a glass of bubbly and two courses by 3.30pm, we decided not to return to the spa (though it&#8217;s open until 5pm), instead opting for a gentle wander around the formal grounds, before our zen drive back home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="903" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_spa_lounge.jpeg" alt="mirrored sitting area with green plant in background in wicker holder " class="wp-image-155981" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_spa_lounge.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_spa_lounge-800x482.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_spa_lounge-1000x602.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Horwood_House_spa_lounge-400x241.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for: Relaxed girly get togethers, mother-and-daughter teen days (from 16 years if you want them to enjoy treatments). Those on a budget – spa days here are less expensive than those in nearby Northants or across in the Cotswolds. 



Not for:  The spa area of pool/ sauna/ steam room is relatively small so if you&#8217;re looking to maximise on mega facilities, rather than the treatments, this might not be your first choice.



The damage:&nbsp;Spa Days that include treatments start at £105, going up to £220. You can <a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/spa-days-and-stays.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see all packages here</a>. Express treatments from £55, facials from £80. massages from £95. 



<a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horwood House</a>, Mursley Rd, Little Horwood, Milton Keynes MK17 0PH. Tel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=horwood+house+lime+trees&amp;oq=horwood+house+lime+trees&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160.2917j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">01296 722100</a>.

Review: H Spa at Horwood House, Milton Keynes

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