The Oxfordshire Hotel – Review

Set within the Oxfordshire countryside and only a forty-five minute drive from Heathrow (that’s closer than most London hotels to be fair!), The Oxfordshire Hotel and Spa is perfect for any traveller looking for a luxury experience a short distance out of London. After a very warm welcome from the hotel staff we were given a brief tour, the main building which includes the hotel, spa and club house is impressive. The executive standard rooms are a fantastic size (I have stayed equally rated hotels whose King size rooms were smaller), elegantly decorated with handmade furnishings and equipped with all usual facilities. If you require more space then I would recommend one of the suites. The suites are the jewels in the crown of the accommodation available at The Oxfordshire, each (there are four) is uniquely designed and comprises of a sleeping area and lounge both which are equipped with flat screen TV`s and access to the large private balcony.

The hotel and rooms are exquisite but for any golfer the main attraction is the golf course. Designed by the famous American golf course architect Rees Jones the course is stunning. An amazing view can be had from the balcony and lounge bar where you could spend all day watching people tackle the challenging course. Since it opened in 1993 it has hosted a variety of pro events and has two holes, 8th & 17th, which both feature in the top 500 holes in the world. Unfortunately my golf did not compare to the high standards of the course and the less said about my attempt at the 8th the better!

Whilst I was making my way around the Championship Golf Course my wife had the opportunity to relax in The Oxfordshire’s “Tempus” Spa. The spa area is set away from the reception and golf shop and feels a world away from the congregating groups of golfers. The Spa boasts 3 treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym and studio, a 15m indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. My wife was lucky enough to try everything apart from the gym, through choice, this looked well stocked of equipment and quiet, so for anyone that doesn’t quite like to be that relaxed, and you will be well catered for!

The treatment list is as varied as you would expect from a luxury spa, with a few great unique treatments, such as Lava Shells. For those that don’t know, me included until now, Lava Shell massage uses heated seashells for a super-relaxing massage experience. My wife was treated to a massage, which wound out all the stresses in a calm and beautifully appointed room. Other treatments included facials, geleration manicures and makeup services. The pool area including an amazing skylight was the perfect way to spend an hour or two after the relaxing massage. With a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi alongside the 20m pool there’s plenty of variety and this area is just perfect for chilling out using the sun loungers under the skylight.

There are a range of spa days and breaks on offer at a wide range of prices. The `his and hers` break sounds like the perfect opportunity to keep both husband and wife happy on a weekend away, with full use of the gym and poolside facilities plus a treatment for 1 and a round of golf for the other! A wide range of other spa days and breaks are available also for different group dynamics. For the keener golfer there is a wide range of golfing breaks available from one night, one round to two nights, three rounds.

If you regularly stay at luxury hotels or occasionally treat yourself to a weekend of opulence you will not be disappointed and any overseas traveller will be hard pushed to find a luxury hotel so close to Heathrow that has a championship golf course. Just make sure to pack enough golf balls and not the sort that are attracted to water!