Review – We Check in to Fairmont Windsor Park

The historic town of Windsor is synonymous with the British Royal Family and I certainly felt regal when I checked into the nearby Fairmont Windsor Park hotel and spa.

The majestic-looking building is nestled on the edge of Windsor Great Park, a 5,000 acre former Norman-era hunting ground stretching from Windsor Castle in the north to Ascot in the south.

A short scenic drive through woodland from the nearest train station in Egham, the hotel emerges at the end of a long tree-lined driveway that crosses a small bridge over a beautiful lake. Attentive staff welcome you in to the impressive glass domed lobby dressed with aromatic floral displays.
 

It turns out initial impressions can be deceiving. Though the Fairmont Windsor Park hotel looks like a grand old mansion, it was purpose built to replicate the exterior of the Jacobean manor house that previously occupied the spot and only opened in 2022 – so the interiors are immaculate in their modern splendour.  
 
Surrounded by 40 acres of lovingly tended grounds, the hotel has more than 200 rooms and suites, all exuding understated luxury. This is an exceptionally high-end affair – you can tell from the luxe cars in the driveway and the fact that the hotel website tells you how to get there by helicopter…

I stayed in a one-bedroom suite with delightful views overlooking the hotel gardens and parkland beyond. I felt instantly relaxed as soon as I stepped through the door. The soothing and elegant decor coupled neutral hues with lavish furnishings and the room featured the usual bells and whistles you’d expect from a five-star hotel, like a Nespresso machine and plush bathrobes. The huge white marbled ensuite was a knockout too and included an absolutely heavenly-looking bath.  
 
I didn’t have time for a soak though, as I had an appointment at the award-winning spa, which includes 18 treatment rooms and sprawls across some 2,500 square metres. 
 

The lift down to the spa opens straight into the stylish reception area, which is next to the colourful Greens Café, a wellbeing eatery that serves freshly pressed juices and light lunches.
 
The spa itself has a mind-boggling range of facilities, including a 20m indoor pool and a Japanese Ashiyu Foot Ritual Bath -featuring a stunning pink cherry blossom tree – where the mineral rich warm water soothes tired feet. Adjacent to this is the Thermal Suite with an experience shower, tepidarium bench, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and ice fountain, as well as a Himalayan Salt Room where the microclimate apparently promotes respiratory wellness, and the salt-infused air can alleviate allergies and clear your sinuses.

There’s also the outdoor heated Courtyard Vitality Pool, which is decorated with pretty garlands and plenty of hanging egg chairs to relax in. In addition the spa boasts a traditional marble Hammam, the Salutaris Suite, a Cryotherapy sauna and The FaceBible medi spa and aesthetics centre. 
 

It’s an exceptionally beautiful spa with the pink flower theme continuing throughout. The calming, tranquil atmosphere is boosted by the sound of birdsong and relaxing music.
 
The huge range of facilities are complemented by an extensive range of luxurious treatments. They include the Liquid Gold Facial, which yes, uses 23 carat gold, as well as argan oil, caviar and pearl. The Ultimate Diamond anti-aging facial includes LED therapy and a myofascial massage, while the Fairmont Signature Ritual is a half tailored facial and half bespoke massage. High-end skincare brands are used in all treatments – including Natura Bissé and La Sultane de Saba.

I experienced the Diamond Well Living massage that aims to relax, hydrate and restore. There are four options for the treatment: energising, de-stress, detox, and fitness. Each has its own oil for the experience, all rich in antioxidants. I chose the de-stress option, which was a lavender dry oil. My therapist Alayna took me through an in-depth consultation beforehand and she was the only therapist I’ve ever had who’s asked me if I wanted my stomach included as part of the full body massage (I said yes).  
 
The whole treatment was utter bliss. Lying on the soft, heated massage table under a weighted blanket made me feel comfortable and snug. From scalp to feet Alayna didn’t miss a single area with her expert touch and I could feel each and every muscle loosening as the massage went on. It was an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating experience that left me feeling like a new woman.

If you’re seeking other ways to look after body and soul the spa also features a gym with Reformer Pilates, a spin suite, plus hi-spec Technogym. Outside of the spa, there are tennis courts, padel courts and an open-air gym. Bikes are also available for hire to discover the rest of the Great Park.
 
After my treatment however, I was so zen and fit for nothing, so instead, I enjoyed a turmeric and rose herbal tea in the spa’s ‘Quiet Room’. In fact, I felt incredibly relaxed for the rest of the day and I was still floating on air as I headed off for dinner.
 

As well as Greens next to the spa, there are six other eateries and bars to choose from, including the wood-panelled Library Club which features fixtures from the previous mansion house, such as the ornate open fireplace, Schroders Botanicals for your gin fix and The Orchid Tea Room for some afternoon indulgence. 
 
The main venue for dinner is the 1215 fine dining restaurant, named after the year the Magna Carta was signed in nearby Runnymede. The restaurant offers wonderful views over its outdoor terrace onto the manicured gardens. The cuisine here is focused on local, seasonal produce, including from The Royal Farms, Windsor artisans and the hotel’s own herb and vegetable garden. The menu includes Windsor Estate venison tartare and duck breast glazed in the hotel’s own honey and served alongside carrots from their garden. 
 
It was also great to see a vegetarian menu served alongside the normal a la carte, including an incredible salt-baked celeriac with caramelised onion, spring leaves and black truffle. The creative mocktails they served were to die for. I tried the Sakura Sling with apricot, pineapple and lime juice, white peach and jasmine soda and Everleaf Mountain, and it was utterly delicious. Service was impeccable, in fact each and every member of staff I encountered during my stay were first rate – warm, welcoming and friendly, they are the hotel and spa’s crowning glory.
 

It’s fair to say that when it comes to grand country house-style luxury, Fairmont Windsor Park really does treat all its guests like royalty. I felt regally serene after my spa stay there at any rate…