Bamford Hay Barn

Sometimes a place can be so perfect it takes your breath away - and that is exactly the effect Bamford Hay Barn had on me.

If you want to find a peaceful world where you can be pampered, or regain serenity through meditation, then this sanctuary, seemingly far removed from the madding crowd, is a real find.

Now I'm not usually one to trill on about becoming at one' with nature, but in this beautiful building - a converted hay barn - you can.

The tranquil minimalist white interior is flooded with light from the huge windows, which look out onto the fields, trees and endless sky of the Cotswold countryside.

It seemed like a secret place (it was certainly my first visit there), but that couldn't be further from the truth. Bamford Hay Barn is on the site of the very smart Daylesford Organic Farmshop, in Gloucestershire, just outside Kingham, which is actually in Oxfordshire.

It may be off the beaten track, but it is a hit with both locals and 4x4-driving yummy mummies and ladies who lunch, who beat a path there to buy the organic produce and eat healthily in the stylish café.

Kingham is also blessed with its own train station, and at Daylesford there was even a sign for a helicopter pad - they certainly know their clientele, and cater accordingly.

That Bamford Hay Barn is doing all the right things was confirmed in February when it was named Favourite UK Day Spa in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers' Spa Awards.

It saw off stiff competition from some the country's most renowned spas including The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Agua at The Sanderson and Bliss London.

The Hay Barn certainly encompasses a different kind of spa concept, going much further than pure pampering (though there is plenty of that too).

The name of the game is restoring your natural balance through the peace and harmony of Daylesford and its surroundings.

The Hay Barn offers treatments, classes, workshops and weekends with masters of Thai massage, reflexology, ayurvedic medicine and yoga.

I was shown around by Dr Suraj Dubey, the Hay Barn's resident Ayurvedic doctor - Ayurvedic medicine has been practised in India for more than 5,000 years and the basic philosophy is that prevention is better than a cure. You can get a feel for what it is all about with the Hay Barn's 75-minute Ayurvedic ritual or one-hour massage.

The eco-friendly Hay Barn structure is, said Dr Suraj, as important as the treatments - promoting a feeling of peace and wellbeing. The spa is flooded with natural light from the walls' of glass, and naturally ventilated too, using low-energy lighting and heating.

On the first floor is a truly awe-inspiring yoga studio - huge and airy with breathtaking views - and the individual and group yoga classes here are very popular (£15 for a 90-minute group session). Pilates is also offered, again individually or in groups, and one-to-one meditation inspires you to clear your mind of all that day-to-day clutter . . .

My own particular treat was the 90-minute Bamford Signature Body Treatment (£100), a full body massage using Bamford's bespoke body products. The treatment begins and concludes with therapies that work specifically on the feet (a footbath to start and a blissful moisturising wrap to finish). This emphasises physical and mental grounding.

I was told that this signature treatment was ideal for those suffering fatigue, tension or stress - I think I ticked all three boxes! - and happily submitted to the firm rhythmical Thai massage, reflexology and Indian head massage, emerging feeling totally relaxed and very, very calm.

If life is getting all a bit too much, then a visit to Bamford Hay Barn is the perfect antidote - blissful treatments, peace and quiet, and stunning views too . . .

The Hay Barn, Daylesford Organic, Daylesford, near Kingham GL56 0YG, call 01608 731703 or visit the website: www.daylesfordorganic.com

2:38pm Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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