Bucks &amp; Oxon

<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/3/2025/02/1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Horwood House hotel Romance &amp; Rejuvenate spa day" class="wp-image-182692" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



Spa pampering and Afternoon Tea at an elegant hotel? This <a href="https://horwoodhouse.onejourney.travel/spa/days/10669">Romance &amp; Rejuvenate half day mini spa day</a> at Horwood House in north Buckinghamshire (MK is a mere 15 mins) has Valentine&#8217;s treat written all over it. If you&#8217;re looking to inspire someone, win brownie points, planning a girly catch up or just looking to grab some &#8216;me time&#8217; this month, you&#8217;ll want to know about this.



The day starts from 8:30am until 2:30pm and includes use of the spa facilities, tea or coffee with fruit platter on arrival, 25 minute treatment of your choice, robe and slippers, chocolate covered strawberries, Afternoon Tea with glass of Prosecco, plus chocolates to take home. More on all that below. Also, as prices start at a competitive £115pp, you might just win Valentine&#8217;s Day with this one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">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/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T212416.564-1000x667.jpg" alt="Horwood House hotel" class="wp-image-182708" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T212416.564-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T212416.564-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T212416.564-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T212416.564.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Horwood House</figcaption></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, Buckingham and Leighton Buzzard. A £6m investment in 2022 has reinvigorated the hotel and the spa, you can read our review <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/spa-review-h-spa-at-horwood-house-milton-keynes/">here</a>. 



<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/3/2025/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Horwood House hotel H Spa" class="wp-image-182710" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/1680000019-ad703e93259b9688f2b76405a7b7b90e.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Part of the lounge at the H Spa, Horwood House</figcaption></figure>



Within the Hotel, H Spa is tucked discreetly away, yet just a short walk from the buzzy and glam Harry&#8217;s bar. It&#8217;s more boutique-sized, providing a more casual (and less squeaky priced) offering than 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="559" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Horwood_house_pool-copy-1000x559.jpg" alt="The pool at the H Spa" class="wp-image-182706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Horwood_house_pool-copy-1000x559.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Horwood_house_pool-copy-800x447.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Horwood_house_pool-copy-400x223.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Horwood_house_pool-copy.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The pool at the H Spa</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pampering">THE PAMPERING</h2>



Having changed into the robe and slippers, I entered the tranquil spa lounge and sunk into a chair to enjoy a coffee with a prettily plattered of fresh fruit featuring passion fruit, watermelon, pineapple, blackberries and edible flowers. So far, so &#8216;look how healthy I am&#8217;. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T205221.488.jpg" alt="The fruit platter decorated with edible violas" class="wp-image-182702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T205221.488.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T205221.488-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T205221.488-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T205221.488-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The fruit platter decorated with edible violas</figcaption></figure>



Following a consultation, I was off for a 25 minutes express facial. For the mini spa day package you can choose from a range of express facials, massages or manis and pedis. In attempt to plump up and lift my much-neglected skin, the therapist performed a lymphatic drainage massage (more relaxing than it sounds) using <a href="https://uk.caudalie.com/">Caudelíe</a> products. She also then smoothed away any remaining worries with a firm but relaxing back and shoulder massage. For extra cost you can add additional treatments to your visit so don&#8217;t feel you have to stop there.



<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/3/2025/02/6-1000x667.jpg" alt="One of the two couples treatment rooms at H Spa" class="wp-image-182698" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/6-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of the two couples treatment rooms</figcaption></figure>



For couples attending, there are also double rooms available so you can relax in tandem throughout your stay. And for he who is tricky to get away to a spa, it&#8217;s worth noting that use of the gym upstairs is included in your package (no need to miss &#8216;leg day&#8217;), plus there are power points tucked away next to loungers should emails need to be checked. 



<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/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T221510.431-1000x667.jpg" alt="The gym at the H Spa" class="wp-image-182712" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T221510.431-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T221510.431-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T221510.431-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T221510.431.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gym included in the use of facilities which also features weights and machines</figcaption></figure>



Following my treatment, I relaxed back at the spa lounge and was swiftly brought over chocolate covered strawberries and rose-flavoured lemonade. Whether it&#8217;s a girly catch up or time with a loved one, the day allows for lots of indulgent moments such as this for &#8216;us time&#8217; or a good gossip.



<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/3/2025/02/8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Chocolate covered strawberries" class="wp-image-182700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chocolate covered strawberries to refuel following treatment</figcaption></figure>



Fuelled on chocolate, I headed to the poolside where there is a 15m pool, sauna, steam room and spa lounge with heated seats. I lounged about lazily, posed for a trying-to-be-glam selfie and enjoy the facilities before my afternoon tea booked for 2:30pm.



<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/3/2025/02/4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Poolside at the H Spa" class="wp-image-182696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Poolside at the H Spa</figcaption></figure>



Heading into Harry&#8217;s Bar for Afternoon Tea was the perfect way to re-energerise before reluctantly leaving for the outside world. The classic Afternoon Tea with Prosecco was a classic offering with a fancy contemporary coo, pretty cakes, scones and finger sandwiches I&#8217;ll be honest, I started with the top tier, baby and made my way methodically down. The fresh artisan cakes (including tart lemon meringue tart and creamy red velvet cake) beckoned me as soon as the tea landed, and in particular the dark chocolate &amp; passionfruit mousse cake was melt in the mouth good. Staff continually carried the tiered stands through the restaurant, one in each hand, clearly a popular choice year round. 



<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/3/2025/02/5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Harry's Bar restaurant at Horwood House" class="wp-image-182697" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harry&#8217;s Bar restaurant at Horwood House</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="833" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T204722.711-833x1000.jpg" alt="Afternoon Tea at Harry's restuarant" class="wp-image-182701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T204722.711-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T204722.711-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T204722.711-333x400.jpg 333w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-01T204722.711.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Missing you already, the three tiered Afternoon Tea</figcaption></figure>



There&#8217;s a really lovely chilled yet buzzy vibe in Harry&#8217;s Bar with natural light pouring through the skylight, contemporary décor and attentive staff. The gentleman who seated me told me he has plans for two special cocktails to be available around Valentine&#8217;s, so you might just find me back here propping up the bar. 



<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/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-02T213511.727-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-182750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-02T213511.727-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-02T213511.727-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-02T213511.727-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-02T213511.727.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Feeling very pampered and enjoying the huge chocolate covered strawberries</figcaption></figure>



With the end of my visit in sight, I suddenly wished I could stay on and continue the relaxing, which fyi if you book this as a &#8216;<a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/valentines-day-offers.html">Romance in the Country&#8217; stay</a> you absolutely can &#8211; enjoy all the pampering and then have romantic overnighter, rose petals and all.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/7-1000x667.jpg" alt="Chocolates made at Horwood House" class="wp-image-182699" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



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



This is lovely way to spoil your Valentine with a chance to spend some romantic getaway time together. The staff couldn&#8217;t have been more helpful and with touches like ample fresh towels around the spa, refreshments and intimate spaces to unwind, this small but considered spa offers a great escape from daily stress.



Good for: Those looking to escape their busy lives and crowded places to spend peaceful time together. Alternatively, take a mate or enjoy as a bit of a pick me up, I was so happy getting away alone to be pampered for the morning.



Not for: Those wanting to bring the kids with them (who are you?) or for those prioritising mega facilities rather than treatments this might not be your first choice.



The damage:&nbsp;Romance &amp; Rejuvenate Spa Day starts at £115. You can see all the <a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/valentines-day-offers.html">Valentine&#8217;s Day themed packages here</a>.



<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>.



WORDS: MIRANDA LUKE

Review: Romance & Rejuvenate spa day at Horwood House H Spa, Milton Keynes

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