There are places in this world that offer a retreat. And then there are places that, from the moment you arrive, seem to breathe with you—exhaling calm, inhaling your stress, and holding you in a perfect state of wonder. Cowley Manor, nestled just outside Cheltenham in England’s picturesque Cotswolds, is undeniably the latter.
Our first morning began with a private yoga session with the luminous Stephanie in the Garden Room. Now, I’ve practiced yoga in many corners of the world—on rooftops in Rome, beaches in Bali—but there was something uniquely grounding about being in that space. Stephanie’s approach was gentle yet invigorating. Her flow was intuitively matched to our energy, and as we moved through each pose, the garden just beyond the glass seemed to echo our breath. It was a moment of pure stillness
that lingered long after the final namaste. After class, we slipped into the lounge where two frosted glasses of detox cocktails were waiting. Cowley doesn’t just serve drinks—they serve experiences. Ours was a mix of citrus, herbs, and something mysteriously effervescent that seemed to clear both palate and mind. Sipping slowly in the mid-morning light, the velvet sofas and curated art around us made it feel like we were in a friend’s sumptuous salon—if that friend had impeccable taste and a private chef.
But the highlight of our day—perhaps the entire trip—was the Sound Healing & Ice Bath workshop led by Phillip Campbell and Kathy. I’ll admit, the idea of plunging into icy waters wasn’t something I had enthusiastically anticipated. But as Phillip and Kathy gently introduced us to the philosophy of Tribal Breath, we were both intrigued. Their energy was magnetic, calming, and quietly powerful. The sound healing session began with deep vibrations that resonated through our cores, each note peeling back a layer of tension. Kathy’s voice, rhythmic and steady, guided us into a place of deep clarity.
The ice bath was—well—shocking. But in the best possible way. As I stepped into the bath, every cell in my body seemed to awaken. The cold wasn’t just cold; it was electric. David and I locked eyes, both gasping and laughing through the adrenaline. It was raw, invigorating, and honestly, wildly therapeutic. Emerging from the bath, I felt more alive than I had in months. Like a veil had been lifted. Every sensation felt crisper, every breath deeper.
Still buzzing from the experience, we spent the afternoon at the property’s renowned C-Side Spa, where a pair of Biologique Recherche facials awaited us. The spa is tucked into the landscape—part James Bond lair, part organic temple of calm. It’s sleek, chic, and entirely dedicated to the art of indulgence. The treatments? Transformative. My skin was given a new lease on life, and the level of personalization was unmatched. It wasn’t just about products—it was about understanding. The therapist read my skin like a well-worn novel and tailored every moment accordingly. David, ever the skeptic of spa treatments, emerged from his room blinking in disbelief: “That was…actually incredible,” he admitted. High praise, indeed.
Evenings at Cowley Manor are made for romance. Our dinner was intimate, seated near the windows with a soft golden glow cast over the table. The menu is a celebration of locally sourced ingredients elevated to something exceptional. Each course was a love letter to the region—from the delicate cod to the rich, herbaceous Hereford sirloin. The wine list, too, was a journey in itself, with the sommelier guiding us to a pairing that danced perfectly with every bite.
But it wasn’t just the meals or the rooms or the spa that made our stay unforgettable. It was the seamless, almost invisible service—the kind that never hovers but always appears when needed. Every member of the Cowley team treated us not as guests, but as welcome confidantes, privileged enough to share in their world.
Travel Stories
Surf’s Up at Kimpton Beachcomber
Swellegant Stays: The Welbeck, London
Swellegant Stays: Bawe Island, Zanzibar
In the Heart of the West End
Double the Bliss
On our second morning, we wandered the estate, hand in hand. The gardens, designed in the spirit of capability and care, were in full spring bloom—tulips nodding lazily in the breeze, birds weaving through ancient trees, and a sense of timelessness enveloping everything. We discovered quiet corners perfect for reading, hidden benches ideal for whispered secrets, and winding paths that encouraged slow walks and spontaneous detours.
Cowley Manor is not merely a hotel. It is a soulful destination. It invites you to disconnect not from the world, but from the noise. To reconnect with your body, your partner, your breath. Our time here was brief, but its imprint is indelible.
As we packed up to leave, neither of us spoke much. There was a reverent hush in the air—the kind that comes when you know you’ve experienced something rare; something swanky – something sacred.
To say Cowley Manor exceeded expectations would be an understatement. It recalibrated them. For anyone seeking a space where wellness is woven into every detail, where luxury is quiet and intentional, and where even the ice baths feel like a gift—this is your place.
Until next time, Cowley.
Keep whispering your magic.
Digital Version
Subscribe to Swanky Retreats Magazine’s DIGITAL version. Read the latest issue online or download it to your computer.
