Cliveden House's new Garden Spa ready for launch

The spa at the privately-owned Cliveden House boutique hotel in Taplow, UK, has reopened following an extensive redevelopment.

Housed within its own space, The Garden Spa will include seven treatment rooms, dedicated relaxation areas, an indoor pool and a large wet area with infrared sauna and infused steamroom.

The spa takes its name from the famous gardens, which are directly accessible from the spa and have been made available for guests.

Outdoor spa facilities include two hot tubs and a historic swimming pool – dubbed “The Profumo Pool,” due to its role in one of the most infamous scandals in UK politics (see below for more information).

As well as massages, facials and body therapies, the spa will offer a wide range of beauty treatments at a large manicure and pedicure salon.

Other wellness facilities include a new, healthy eating restaurant and lounge area overlooking a Spa Garden, where spa guests can opt for al fresco service.

As part of the relaunch, Cliveden House has introduced a number of Spa Day Retreats – day-long journeys offering a mixture of treatments and access to facilities.

These include the Essentially Cliveden package, comprising a facial using Oskia products, a 25-minute manicure or pedicure of the guest’s choice, full use of the spa facilities and lunch.

Body treatments and scrubs at the spa will use Cliveden’s own, in-house range of products, while facials will be supplied by Oskia and Sarah Chapman.

A spokesperson said: “Body experiences and treatments use Cliveden’s own range of products, providing guests with an exceptional personal experience to address the individual’s complete wellbeing. Each treatment is carried out on a water mattress and begins with a foot bathing ritual during which the therapist will conduct a full consultation to establish the guest’s specific needs and tailor each treatment accordingly, for an entirely bespoke experience.”

The spa’s opening will mark the final chapter of the property’s four-year, multi-million pound refurbishment.

Cliveden House was acquired by hotelier brothers Ian and Richard Livingstone in 2012, when the property came on the market as its previous owner, the von Essen group, went into administration.

It is part of the Relais & Châteaux group, a chain of independently-owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants.

• The Profumo Pool

Cliveden House’s outdoor pool takes its name from the “Profumo scandal.” It was at Cliveden House where then Conservative MP John Profumo first met model Christine Keeler – an encounter which rocked Cold War Britain and ultimately cost Profumo his job and his party a general election.

The current owners of the hotel have made no secret of the property’s role in history – and in fact actively highlight it in their marketing – with one of the spa retreats entitled “Profumo Affair Break.”

A page dedicated to the affair, on the hotel website, states: “With a history of unapologetic debauchery, our Grade I listed stately home's most heinous of scandals shook the British parliament and played out on these very grounds.

“The year was 1961. While the Cold War was slowly chilling British politics, Cliveden House was engulfed in a sultry summer of sweltering heat. Cooling off in the now famous outdoor pool, was Christine Keeler, a nineteen year old mistress of a suspected Russian spy.

“Attending a hot mid summer's party hosted by the then owner Lord Astor, the young woman was one of a few exclusive guests enjoying the luxurious celebrations held within Cliveden House's magnificent gardens. Also in attendance was John Profumo, an up-and-coming Conservative Secretary of State for War and husband of well-known actress, Valerie Hobson.

“Profumo and Keeler embarked on an illicit affair following their chance meeting at Cliveden House; an affair which was to force his resignation, irrevocably damage the Prime Minister's reputation, and impact on the course of British politics forever.

“Fifty years has passed since that fateful meeting which was to alter Britain's political landscape. Discover the scurrilous secrets of the time with our Profumo Affair Break and find out all about how the political establishment finally thawed out.”