The reviewer had never visited a spa until a recent hotel stay in Oxfordshire, marking a new experience during an ongoing series exploring locations throughout Oxford and the surrounding area.
The series has covered various establishments, from rustic rural inns to grand historic properties, including Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Minster Mill. However, until Sunday, March 22, the writer had never sampled spa facilities at any of these venues or anywhere else over 26 years.
The Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa is located off the A40 London Road between Wheatley and Thame. Situated approximately eight miles from Oxford’s city center, the property originally opened around 100 years ago featuring a Tudor-style cloister design. It subsequently transitioned into a hotel and now features landscaped courtyards and gardens, with 154 guest rooms and suites distributed across three floors.
Operating under The GHotels Collection, the four-star property underwent its most recent renovation in 2018. The hotel promotes itself as a convenient base for visiting both Oxford and the Cotswolds, with Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village and central Oxford all within short driving distance.
On-site facilities include a comprehensive leisure club with a gym, 17-metre indoor pool, treatment rooms, tennis courts and a croquet lawn, plus dining options overlooking the grounds. Oxfordshire County Council has also approved the venue for weddings and civil ceremonies, complementing its leisure and conference business.
The reviewer and Jordyn occupied a junior suite on the top floor, which proved extremely spacious comprising a bedroom area, desk, private bathroom and distinct sitting area. Two televisions were installed, alongside a well-stocked mini-bar containing white wine, Pepsi and Coors, plus savory pretzels. The usual tea and coffee selection came with complimentary biscuits.
Additional suite features included wardrobe space, a safe, a large mirror and reading material including Theme Out magazine. The welcoming staff left a bottle of red wine with a handwritten note. Windows offered scenic views of surrounding nature, and the comfortable bed ensured a restful night.
Before retiring, they had a dinner booking at the hotel’s restaurant. The dining space blended classic and contemporary styling with grey-panelled walls and accommodated numerous tables. After receiving carafe water, they were offered various beverages including Staropramen, Aspall and Pravha.
For appetizers, both selected sticky BBQ pork belly, then chose different main courses – the reviewer chose beef burger with skin-on fries and coleslaw, while Jordyn opted for salmon linguine. Desserts consisted of Biscoff cheesecake topped with banana and dark chocolate torte served with ice cream, which they shared. The evening meal proved satisfying, with the fries standing out particularly.
The following morning, the reviewer tested the generously-sized shower, almost matching the room’s dimensions and featuring a large rainforest showerhead, which proved ideal preparation for the scheduled massage.
Breakfast featured a cooked buffet offering full English options, complemented by cereals, fruits, yoghurts, plus tea, coffee, juices, pastries and muffins.
The spa experience proved successful – the 50-minute massage employed hot stones, with the skilled therapist targeting tensions in the back, legs and arms. Post-treatment advice recommended avoiding stressful activities, fortunately coinciding with the reviewer’s journey to the Wembley Stadium train for the Carabao Cup final. Their team Manchester City secured victory against Arsenal, enhancing the relaxed post-massage mood.
Overall, the stay proved extremely relaxing. The Oxford Belfry Hotel & Suit serves as an ideal choice for visitors preferring outer-location accommodation with city access, or locals seeking nearby weekend escape and rejuvenation without extensive travel. The establishment offers polite service, comfortable dining and premium spa facilities, though navigating the walk-in shower requires caution.