I am a fan of the the whole Daylesford concept and think that while their London shops are very expensive, they look great and the quality of the food is amazing. It was on the back of this experience as well as the various press mentioned, that my wife and I decided to make a little day trip to Daylesford.

The visit didn't start off on the best foot. We had a really difficult time trying to find the place (its really not obvious) and when we called for directions the staff were completely unhelpful. The result was that we arrived late for our treatments. The staff was understanding and we were able to re-schedule our treatments and offered us green tea and coconut water which I thought was a nice gesture.

The location is beautiful and the conversion of the old barns into a great food shop, restaurant, garden shop and store is very well done. The design is contemporary and crisp but doesn't feel out of place in the middle of Gloucestershire. The spa is in the same style and has a great feeling. I guess my biggest disappointment was that the spa hadn't done more to integrate and incorporate the countryside. I really felt disconnected from the beautiful countryside that surrounded us and that seemed like such a shame.

The Spa features a yoga studio, a good yoga shop and an interesting selection of essential oils, creams and books. The treatment rooms themselves are attractive and and well appointed. They lack showers which can be an issue for those who want to wash off oils after a massage. However, my favourite thing was the heated massage tables. I think every spa should have this... what a treat!

The treatment itself was good -- the therapist was clearly very capable and well trained and did a good job of working through my various stress points. At the end, she put a hot towel on my back which felt great and also solved the lack of shower issue -- I think every massage therapist should do this.

Overall we had a good experience but it wasn't as great as I had built myself up to expect -- I had been looking forward to going here for some time and perhaps expectation got the better of me. Its beautifully designed and offers good quality treatments but I am not sure its worth the drive from London alone. With a little effort, it could easily become more of a destination but for the time being I think will be enjoyed by anyone who either lives in the area or who is visiting.