Northampton Chronicle & Echo, Saturday, February 25, 2012
www.northamptonchron.co.uk
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with Richard Edmondson richard.edmondson@northantsnews.co.uk
A spa-kling stay Factfile www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander Alexander House & Utopia Spa Hotel can be found in Turners Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex. Payat and Anna travelled by train to East Grinstead station, which is only a short taxi ride from the hotel. To book at the hotel, ring 01342 714914 or email reservations@alexanderhouse. co.uk There are many pricing structures and package deals on offer so it is worth exploring the website, www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander
headed to the main spa room which – as seems to be the trend in the spa world – boasted a Grecian inspired interior designed to create a calming atmosphere. I can see why they do it, though, as it definitely works. We made sure we used all the facilities, completing a few lengths in the pool, enjoying the bubbles in the hydrotherapy pool and even reading magazines in the relaxation room. Sadly, one feature we were unable to enjoy was the spa garden’s outdoor bubble tub, which overlooks some gorgeous countryside. Due to the beauty of this spot, it wasn’t surprising that it was always full of people so we were never quite quick enough to make it there. The spa is also blessed with 25 therapy rooms and I headed off to one of these to enjoy my aromatherapy facial, which was very relaxing and really left my skin feeling soft and glowing. The hotel itself is very elegant, with twinkling chandeliers and various art pieces dominating the corridors. And our room did not disappoint, with its gorgeous dark wood decor, deep red, velvet curtains, squashy sofa, soft bed and free standing bath. Finding a book of Percy Bysshe Shelley poetry in the room, I thought this was just an extra romantic touch, but I was interested to discover that the property now occupied by Alexander House Hotel was once owned by the poet’s family. Apparently Fen Place was once the seat of Roger Bysshe, whose daughter Helen married Timothy Shelley. Helen was Percy’s grandmother. Having changed for dinner, we
headed down to AG’s restaurant and, I have to say, our meal there was a real highlight of our stay. Although having been mentioned in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant does not – as far as I know – have a Michelin star . . .but it probably should. Eating at AG’s is really a whole evening affair, as you just don’t want to leave, and Payat and I sat down to a banquet which included celeriac mousse amuse bouche, little palate teasers such as Parmesan and pesto sticks and mackerel with caviar. Then came a slow cooked farm egg with butternut squash, artichoke and Parmesan crisps. As I’m not much of a meat-eater, I probably disgusted our waiter (although he didn’t let on) by requesting a vegetarian option and I was disappointed when the answer came: “we could offer you a plate of vegetables”. But what an amazing plate of vegetables, cooked in several different ways across a huge platter; the dish looked like an art work and tasted amazing. Meanwhile, Payat tucked into a dish of John Dory fish with pine nuts and caramelised onions. After this we were presented with handmade mint ice creams in tiny cones before our puddings arrived: pistachio souffle and malted milk chocolate ice cream for me and a terrine of basil infused citrus fruits for Payat. As if this was not enough . . . then there were yummy petit fours. Heading back to Northamptonshire early the next day, we certainly felt very relaxed and happy after a weekend of pampering. It was well worth the trip
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EING a slightly cynical-around-the-edges journalist, I always feel a bit sceptical when a place calls itself “romantic”, writes Anna Brosnan. But the Alexander House Hotel & Spa has good reason to apply this adjective as recently it scooped a top accolade from the worldwide Spa Finders Readers Choice Awards, which named it the Best Spa for Romance in the UK. With such a title to live up to, my husband Payat and I headed to this pretty oasis in the West Sussex countryside to find out if the claims were true. There are many reasons to visit Sussex, of course, not least – as I read excitedly on the internet – the actual existence of AA Milne’s real life Hundred Acre Wood, made famous in the Winnie The Pooh stories. In reality, the site is known as Ashdown Forest. But, with only one night to spend in the area, I had another mission on the agenda: the full and proper use of the many lovely spa facilities at Alexander House. On arrival, I was immediately impressed with the site. Going up the drive, towards this beautiful old property felt a little bit like being in a Sunday evening TV series. I expected Dame Maggie Smith to appear at any minute. We were greeted by a smart concierge and – having arrived before 3pm – we had a bit of time to kill before checking in so we took a walk in the hotel’s grounds. The hotel’s 170 acres of parkland are a major attraction offering plenty of rolling countryside to explore as well as deer to spot a trail is marked on a walking map close to the hotel). Finally it was time to head to the spa, the main point of our visit. And, yes, it does have a romantic atmosphere. I first managed to drag Payat off to one of the many exercise classes, a very relaxing stretching session, which seemed a combination of yoga and pilates. Payat was also relieved to see there were other men in there too (possibly also cajoled by their wives/ girlfriends). Then we had a quick change and
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BOBBY
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