Learn the secrets to year-round wellness. Boost your strength with functional fitness, glow with tips from Madeleine Shaw, understand the enigmas of sleep and lots more in our 100-page wellness special. Whether it's a bespoke PoB Break — or one inspired by cycling, dining, or Gemma Merna's wellness escape — discover your ideal British hotel guide with world-class spas, picturesque gardens, and serene infinity pools inviting you to unwind
In this special edition, we invite you to embark on a journey that speaks to the heart of wellbeing. Wellness is a deeply personal pursuit, and here at PoB Hotels we believe in nurturing every aspect of the soul, from spiritual serenity and cognitive clarity to environmental harmony and physical vitality
Ours is a community of the most inspiring independent hotels, each one carefully selected, each one unique and each the Pride of Britain. As hoteliers, we are craftsmen in our own right- creating the theatre, drama and orchestra to ensure the perfect stay for our guests. We want to inspire you through every stay and experience at our hotels across the British Isles. From elegant tranquillity of an English country house to the rugged beauty of a loch-side estate in the Scottish Highlands, we can personally guarantee an exceptional stay in every single place. We have been matching guests with outstanding experiences for over 40 years. We look forward to helping you discover your new favourite escape.
Embrace holistic health with a wellness journey uniquely tailored to you
Our 2025 edition, Nurture Your Soul, reflects the variety of wellness experiences we offer. Whether you seek peace in meditation, refreshment through mindful cycling on our PoB Breaks, or the rejuvenation of a spa retreat, there is something for every traveller to discover and cherish. We are proud to present the essence of holistic wellbeing through each of our properties, where luxury meets nature, and balance is a way of life. In addition to our signature hotel introductions, we bring you a breadth of wellness offerings across the British
It all began in 1982, when a group of passionate hoteliers joined forces to create an iconic British hotel collection. Led by then industry titan Gerald Milsom, these hoteliers were driven by all things hospitality, quality and creating happy moments for guests. The beauty of the collection then and now remains the celebration of individuality and championing the independent spirit of our hotels. For over 40 years we have followed our inventive spirit and enthusiasm for authentic British adventures. Today, our collection includes distinct hotels across the UK and Channel Islands.
Our hand-picked hotels offer varied destinations for you to chose from. PoB Hotels vouchers make the perfect gift as they can be redeemed for an unforgettable stay, a delightful meal, or an inspiring experience at any of our hotels. You can peruse “The Handle”, our online magazine for inspiration on travel and much more. To discover our collection, the varied regional breaks, offers or buy a gift, visit our website, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social –open the door to inspiration!
Kalindi Juneja Chief Executive
Isles, from peaceful sanctuaries nestled in the countryside to invigorating coastal escapes. Our collection ensures that every moment of your stay is an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. At PoB Hotels, we take pride in crafting the perfect experiences for our guests – just as we have for over 40 years. We continue to match exceptional destinations with enriching journeys, where wellbeing becomes an art form. We look forward to inspiring your next escape, where nurturing your soul is at the heart of it all.
Kalindi Juneja | Chief Executive
LLANDUDNO
Hambleton Hall
EAST MIDLANDS BIRMINGHAM
Bodysgallen Hall
Palé Hall
Kilworth House
Hartwell House SopwellHouse
The Athenaeum WhatleyManor
HEATHROW
The Hari
Gravetye Manor
The Capital Homewood
Ockenden Manor
BRIGHTON
JERSEY The Relais Henley GATWICK The Elms EllenboroughPark The Painswick Calcot & Spa The RoyalCrescent
WALES
ABERYSTWYTH
The Angel
Grove of Narberth
The Vineyard CARDIFF BRISTOL
Bailiffscourt
SOUTHAMPTON
The Priory Park House
The Montagu Arms
EXETER
Bovey Castle
Boringdon Hall
The Headland
Thurlestone
GUERNSEY
The Atlantic Hotel
10 NATURE’S RETREAT
Reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your soul on a wellness journey through the stunning British countryside. Explore picturesque landscapes, luxury spa hotels, and outdoor adventures for the ultimate relaxation and renewal.
14 TIME TO GLOW WITH MADELEINE SHAW
Uncover the secrets to holistic wellness with expert advice from renowned nutritionist and yoga teacher. Learn how to nurture your mind and body, kickstart healthy habits, and maintain your inner glow.
18 SEASONAL WELLBEING
Learn about which foods are best to eat through the seasons, along with how to move and where to visit to feel energised and uplifted.
22 TO SLEEP PERCHANCE TO DREAM
Understand the enigmas of sleep and dreams with leading sleep psychologist Dr Maja Schaedel, as she discusses the importance of shuteye and her innovative Sussex sleep retreat.
28 HARVESTING HEALTH
Discover the hidden truths of coastal foraging and culinary delights with expert insights from forager Craig Evans. Seasonal ingredients and tantalising recipes are revealed, getting you ready for a wholesome connection with nature.
40 GEMMA MERNA'S WELLNESS
GETAWAY: REVIVING RETREATS
Join actress and life coach Gemma Merna as she indulges in stunning scenery, luxurious spas and exquisite dining on a rejuvenating PoB Wellness Break through the picturesque landscapes of northern England.
44 STUNNING SPACES TO RESET & RELAX
Unwind in our collection of the finest spas in the country. From coastal serenity to romantic retreats, dive into our top ten picture-perfect places for ultimate pampering.
52 HARNESSING MOTHER NATURE
Discover the secrets to year-round glowing skin with Gaia skincare founder Diane Nettleton. From seasonal tips to the power of essential oils, uncover the ultimate guide to radiant beauty.
56 STRONGER EVERY DAY
Unveil the secrets of functional fitness and its positive influence on your overall wellbeing. Learn about the keys to healthy ageing, the significance of workout variety, and the advantages of integrating sports into your regimen.
62 FOUR SPORTS TO TRY & WHERE
Gain valuable insights with recommended sports to try for a healthy lifestyle, suggested by our fitness experts from Bovey Castle, The Headland, Rockliffe Hall and The Relais Henley. →
Delve into the latest insights on gut health, with practical tips for nurturing a healthy gut, enhancing wellbeing and the fascinating gut-brain connection.
From scenic coastal paths to challenging mountain trails, explore the top cycle trails across the UK and find the perfect hotel to stay and unwind after your adventure.
Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Explore nature, prioritise your mental wellbeing, and embrace physical fitness with our unique selection of wellness tips, advice and hotel experiences.
Experience a warm welcome and explore new horizons as you open the door to PoB Hotels' collection of the most exquisite independent hotels across the British Isles.
Be inspired by our collections and treasured keepsakes. We trust you'll relish this book and continue to collect and cherish each volume.
Book online or buy a gift: pobhotels.com
Call: 0800 089 3929
Phone from outside the UK: +44 166 682 4666
Email: reservations@pobhotels.com
Travel Agents: sales@pobhotels.com
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Want to find a specific hotel? Turn to our Hotel Directory on page 130 or see our PoB Hotels at a glance on page 200
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Life President Paul Milsom
Chairman Ross Grieve
Chief Executive Kalindi Juneja
Published by Contista Media Ltd
Content Project Manager Jessica Way
Contributors Jane Anderson, Amy Bonifas, Sophie Farrah, Jane Knight, Natalie Millar-Partridge
Proofreader Karyn Noble
Illustration Karen Katon-Oprey
Print Manager Adrian Wilkinson
PoB Hotels, Cowage Farm, Foxley, Wiltshire, SN16 0JH
Website PoBHotels.com
We’ve worked hard to ensure the sustainability of our business collateral and this publication has been produced using vegetable oil-based inks, water-based coatings and carbon balanced paper from sustainable and responsibly managed forests. The print process has been tailored to minimise any environmental impact and aligned to the environmental standard of ISO 14001, as well as being FSC certified. As part of The Handle printing process, an additional donation is also made to the World Land Trust towards offsetting the impact of production and distribution.
Once you’ve enjoyed this edition, we encourage you to share it with a friend or keep it and build up on our annual collections that each feature a unique theme to inspire your own journey to responsible travel.
Soothe body and soul on a PoB break in the British Isles that takes in the wild highlights of the big outdoors and includes overnight stops in some amazing spa hotels
Words | Jane Knight
Imagine the perfect day, when you can switch off from the worries of the world and feel completely at one with yourself. Perhaps it might feature a bracing walk in some of Britain’s most picturesque countryside or coastal scenery. It’s no coincidence that studies repeatedly show that the sights, sounds and smells of nature reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve our mood. Or maybe switching off for you means time at the spa, a sanctuary of soft lighting, calming music and pleasant aromas with top-to-toe treatments designed to ease tense muscles and soothe the soul.
The relentless demands of work, digital distractions and an everaccelerating daily treadmill mean that we’re increasingly in need of time to help
us reconnect and restore, however we choose to do it. No wonder so many of us are looking to incorporate wellness as part of our travels – it gives us that vital opportunity to press pause and reset.
With this in mind, PoB Hotels has created a clutch of itineraries through Britain, combining a series of perfect days with idyllic nights, when you can replenish yourself on delicious food and fall into a deep slumber in the comfiest of rooms. You might want to follow one of these journeys in its entirety, or simply dip in and out according to your interests, whether that’s for body, mind or soul.
You can fuel them all by getting out and enjoying Britain’s wild beauty in the North of England. A few minutes gazing at the striking High Force waterfall after a hike in County Durham is enough to →
moorlands where you can clear your head with a hike, The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) also delivers a nighttime sense of awe. An International Dark Sky Reserve, this is a great place to see the Milky Way, major constellations and, if you’re lucky, meteor showers.
From here, head up the Cardigan Bay coastline, characterised by beautiful beaches such as Tenby, as well as dinky harbours sheltering between ragged cliffs; you can walk sections of both the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coastal paths or try something more adventurous, such as coasteering or rock hopping. There’s plenty of wildlife to admire along the way, from the puffins on Skomer Island, a
‘The Brecon Beacons... delivers a nighttime sense of awe... the Milky Way, major constellations and, if you’re lucky, meteor showers.’
give anyone a sense of awe. It really helps put things into perspective too – the River Tees plunges 70ft over a rocky sill that is more than 300 million years old. This county alone has everything you need for a wellness weekend, with cliffside walks to clear the cobwebs and the charming city of Durham itself, snuggled scenically into a meander of the River Wear, with a castle college and an impressive cathedral.
Now expand your horizons to incorporate the dramatic Yorkshire Moors, where hills tumble down to the coast; and the picturesque Lake District, with its peaks and troughs. And don’t forget Hadrian’s Wall; its 73-mile stretch from sea to sea crosses some of the most impressive terrain in England.
It’s not all about theatrical scenery, though – this region is also filled with world-class spa hotels, with two in County Durham alone. Rockliffe Hall in Darlington even has a spa garden with an infinity-edge pool and a glassfronted sauna, so you can enjoy the benefits of relaxing in nature. Meanwhile, Seaham Hall features an excellent hydrotherapy circuit and an outdoors Zen garden with hot tubs, where you can soak up the invigorating sea air; it’s just a five-minute stroll from the shore.
If you’re less about spending time in the spa and more about the thrill of the big outdoors, consider a 280-mile road trip through Wales, with its wide-open spaces, nibbled coastline and bejewelled night skies. A wonderland of
short boat trip from the mainland, to bottlenose dolphins and seals in the bay.
At the bay’s upper edge, you’ll find Snowdonia (Eryri), with its towering peaks and breathtaking valleys. Even if you don’t want to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), which at 3,560ft is Wales’ tallest mountain (there’s also a railway up the slopes), you can admire how it seemingly scrapes the heavens. Wales’ largest lake is here too – Llyn Tegid –where you can practise watersports or just enjoy the sense of calm this immense expanse of water instills in you.
For tamer countryside where the spa is more of the star, set off on a restorative journey around the South East, perhaps starting in London, with its world-class museums
‘It’s easy to see why this rural idyll proved so inspirational – strolling through it is truly soothing for the soul.’
to stimulate the mind. Little more than ten minutes from the M25, Sopwell House in historic St Albans is home to a spoiling spa. It’s no wonder that football teams regularly use The Club at Cottonmill, with its series of saunas and steam rooms, spa garden and massages to melt the muscles followed by a spell in the darkened deep relaxation room.
An hour and a half away and you’re in Constable country, and it feels like you’ve walked into a painting in Dedham Vale. It’s easy to see why this rural idyll proved so inspirational – strolling through it is truly soothing for the soul. The village holds both quaint and historic cottages, and is the perfect precursor to Lavenham in Suffolk, with its medieval streets, 15th-century hotel The Swan at Lavenham and Crooked House on the High Street (no wonder the village was the perfect backdrop for Godric’s
Both Dedham and Lavenham have hotels with boutique spas where you can unwind; Talbooth House in the former has a dreamy outdoors pool in a walled garden, where you can wash away the cares of the world. Then, after a sublime meal, retire to a room where windows frame one of the views that Constable made so famous. Talk about uplifting for the spirit.
Nutritionist and yoga teacher Madeleine Shaw shares her advice for feeling your best self all year-round
Words | Amy Bonifas
Ever heard of the phrase ‘get the glow’? We have wellness queen Madeleine Shaw to thank for it, and it’s all about nourishing yourself from the inside out.
The philosophy inspired her bestselling book Get the Glow, which has sold over 150,000 copies to date. Madeleine has been a key voice in the world of wellness for the last 10 years, first starting out as a nutritionist and home cook.
Since then, the wellness industry has evolved and, thankfully, we’ve swapped ‘clean eating’ and strict regimes for a more
relaxed, simple and empowering approach to our health. Madeleine also trained as a yoga and meditation teacher, with helping others to prioritise their wellbeing and inner glow still a huge part of her ethos.
Her new digital programme – the Glow Space – launched in the wake of her becoming a new mum, and brings together a selection of healthy recipes, yoga and meditation sessions, designed to help people find their flow at home (easily and cost-effectively). Her partnership with PoB Hotels is an extension of this space, with special dishes and treatments to look out →
‘Moving daily, eating well, and prioritising sleep makes me feel good, which makes me want to keep doing them... build up gradually. Something is always better than nothing.’
for across the country, and exciting new wellness retreats coming soon.
Here, she shares her advice for nourishing your mind and body, kick-starting healthy habits and maintaining your glow through the changing seasons.
What prompted you to set up the Glow Space?
I was in a place where I wasn’t exercising much – I always wanted to go to yoga or Pilates classes, but being a busy working mum, I never had the time.
So, I wanted to create a space where you could move, meditate, and plan your meals at home. With the Glow Space programme, I wanted to make healthy living accessible, affordable and attainable.
How is it different to alternative fitness and wellbeing programmes?
The movement sessions are all under 30 minutes, so fitting them into your life is easy. We work hard together during that time, but the moves are also low-impact, so you won't be leaving with sore knees or any aches or pains. I have a weekly rotating schedule with daily movement and meditation, which gives you a target for the week ahead.
Why are yoga and meditation so beneficial –especially when we’re feeling stressed?
They’re both amazing tools for your body and mind. Yoga is excellent for strengthening and lengthening the body but is also great at helping you be more present and calm in your body.
Meditation can improve sleep, reduce stress and help you tune into your body more. I’ve been meditating and doing yoga for 15 years and have never looked back.
What are your strategies for feeling more relaxed and calm?
I love being in nature – going on a long walk or just taking myself off on my own and doing some deep breaths. Stress is part of our lives, we just need tools to manage it.
What’s your secret to helping healthy habits stick?
For me, it’s about how healthy habits make me feel. Moving daily, eating well, and prioritising sleep makes me feel good, which makes me want to keep doing them. It's best not to overwhelm yourself, though. If you want to start eating better, just start with breakfast. Start by adding in a little more protein – so if you have toast and jam, swap the jam for two to three eggs. If you want to move more, start with 10 minutes of exercise three times a week. Then, build up gradually. Something is always better than nothing!
What’s your advice for eating more healthily – when all the information out there is so overwhelming?
I hear you, and I feel that way also! We’re all different, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Try and listen to evidence-based information about health. Plenty of research tells us to eat as many whole foods as possible and, ideally, reduce or cut out highly processed foods.
What are your hero foods for glowing skin?
I'm a big fan of healthy fats found in foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, oily fish and eggs – amazing for the skin.
Why is community so important when it comes to developing healthy habits?
I think we all want to belong, whether to something online or in real life, we want to connect and be around other like-minded people. Being part of a community can also help you hold yourself accountable when you’re trying to stick to healthier habits.
Look out for these treatments and dishes, created and inspired by Madeleine to help you feel rejuvenated and radiant – inside and out
▸ Tuck into the Cauliflower Buddha Bowl at Rockliffe Hall’s Nu Sana Spa Restaurant
▸ Try the Berry Punch Smoothie at Whatley Manor’s Aquarias Spa
▸ Indulge in the Outer Glow Sugar Scrub Treatment at Bovey Castle’s Elan Spa
▸ Book the Vitamin C Radiance Facial at The Royal Crescent’s Spa & Bath House
▸ Relax into the De-Puffing Cryo Facial at Hartwell House’s Spa
In need of a little wellness inspiration across the year?
Here are Madeleine Shaw’s tips on what to eat, how to move and where to visit to feel energised and uplifted
Seasonal foods to reach for:
Asparagus, cauliflower and peas.
Movement inspiration: Nature walks, Pilates and boxing.
Favourite part of the UK to visit: Dorset, especially Studland Bay for its gorgeous sandy beaches and heathland nature reserve.
Seasonal foods to reach for:
Cherries, strawberries and courgettes.
Movement inspiration: Tennis, paddle boarding and beach yoga.
Favourite part of the UK to visit: The Isle of Wight is all rustic fishing villages and rolling hills. I love cycling the Red Squirrel Trail and rockpooling.
Seasonal foods to reach for:
Squash, blackberries and apples.
Movement inspiration: Running, cycling and Reformer Pilates.
Favourite part of the UK to visit: The Cotswolds are beautiful, and Westonbirt National Arboretum is the ideal place to see the leaves turn golden.
Seasonal foods to reach for:
Brussels sprouts, parsnips and clementines.
Movement inspiration: Hiking, cosy fireplace yin yoga and sauna visits.
Favourite part of the UK to visit:
As a Londoner, I love the city’s cosy pubs, the Christmas lights and being with my family.
Leading sleep psychologist, Dr Maja Schaedel, founder of The Good Sleep Clinic tells The Handle about the importance of shuteye, and her innovative Sussex sleep retreat
Words | Jane Anderson
Sleep has fascinated poets, thinkers and psychologists over time. As William Shakespeare’s Macbeth famously called it back in 1606, ‘Chief nourisher in life’s feast’. Sleep, and in particular dreams, formed the foundation of psychoanalysis by Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud. As he says in The Interpretation of Dreams published in 1900, ‘Dream is the dreamer’s own psychical act.” And as
contemporary singer–songwriter Billie Eilish asks on her 2019 album, “When we all fall asleep, where do we go?”
Waking up refreshed from a blissful night’s sleep is one of the best feelings, but in our pressurised, digital world, how many of us actually achieve this? If you’ve ever suffered from lack of sleep, or insomnia, you’ll know how devastating it can be. The inability to fall asleep, or waking up in the night unable to quieten your mind and replenish, seems more ubiquitous these days. →
Over the last few years, the hospitality sector has increasingly turned its attention to getting those zzzs in. It appears that sleep tourism is the wellness trend we’ve all been waiting for. PoB Hotels' Ockenden Manor in West Sussex has teamed up with one of the UK’s leading sleep psychologists, Dr Maja Schaedel, to offer guests The Good Sleep Retreat and discover how to break the cycle that can lead to disturbed sleep.
After her doctorate training in clinical psychology, Dr Maja worked in child and adolescent mental-health services, before treating trauma at the Queen Victoria Hospital in West Sussex, where there is a sleep disorder centre. “What I realised quite quickly was that people who suffered from trauma, depression, anxiety, anorexia – you name it – there were sleep problems,” she says.
“As a psychologist, there’s no specific training for sleep disorders. It’s seen as an issue that goes alongside all these other conditions. You might have a page of what we call ‘sleep hygiene’ – things like, make sure you have a darkened room and don’t drink much caffeine in the afternoon, but anyone who’s had significant sleep problems knows that doesn’t really touch the sides.”
One of the main areas Dr Maja worked in was cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia or CBTI.
“I was amazed that if I focused on the sleep problems with evidence-based treatment, I could actually make a tangible difference to someone’s mental health and wellbeing without too much intervention.”
“We need REM sleep to feel emotionally robust the next day. As Shakespeare’s Macbeth describes it, ‘Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care’.”
Sleep is one of the core pillars to our health and wellbeing. It’s absolutely essential for learning, for memory, for attention and mental health. If we don’t get enough sleep it contributes to putting on weight and depressed and anxious feelings, and it’s the strongest predictor of suicide and suicidal thoughts in teenagers.
Dr Maja explains that insomnia can be triggered by any change in your life, such as the perimenopause. “When this happens, we sometimes get stuck in loops of feeling
really worried about not sleeping, which then means you stay up half the night when there’s nothing wrong.”
To try and make a difference, Dr Maja set up The Good Sleep Clinic in 2019 with her colleague and sister Zoe, and is also the lead psychologist at the Guy’s & St Thomas’s Sleep Disorders Centre in London. She explains that sleep can be broken into two different types: the REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep.
“REM is the sleep we have that helps with dreaming and with memory, but it’s also where we do all our emotional recalibration.” We need REM sleep to feel emotionally robust the next day. As Shakespeare’s Macbeth describes it, ‘Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care’.”
“Dreaming serves a function for our wellbeing and mental health,” continues Dr Maja. “It helps to make sense of everything that’s happened during the day.”
Psychoanalyst Freud believed that dreams were what he →
called ‘wish fulfilments'. “I don’t think we want to fulfil our wishes through dreaming, but I do feel that it’s a way of us processing a lot of emotional angst through the night. We don’t allow ourselves time during the day to process difficult stuff. As humans we’re big avoiders. So, it has to come out at night.”
Non-REM sleep is broken into three different stages: one and two, which is the light sleep; and then stage three, which is the deep, slow-wave sleep. During the deepest stages of NREM sleep, the body releases growth hormone which enables the body to carry out tissue, muscle and bone repair. It also appears that deep sleep helps to regulate glucose metabolism, immune system functioning,
“Dreaming serves a function for our wellbeing and mental health... It helps to make sense of everything that’s happened during the day.”
hormone release and memory. It all needs to be rebuilt at night. As the Dalai Lama says,“Sleep is the best meditation.”
Ockenden Manor and Dr Maja were destined to be a sleep match made in heaven. As Dr Maja explains, “For a long time I had thought it would be brilliant to have a retreat for sleep, but there was no one that I thought could do a proper job – that wasn’t just a bit of lavender spray and a nice comfy pillow. Ockenden Manor genuinely focuses on wellbeing and were totally on board with my ideas. We wanted
something gimmick-free, where you could go home and still feel that you had some strategies for improved sleep.”
The two-night sleep retreat is a cross between a relaxation spa retreat and psychoeducation, accessing a treatment that you would usually get in a therapy room. “I think that one of the things people really want is to focus on their individual sleep difficulty and why they are struggling,” said Dr Maja. "Whether or not it’s the perimenopause, or they have fallen into a behaviour which is not so great, such as napping too much or having lots of lie-ins. I think it’s the perfect retreat in such a beautiful setting with a gorgeous spa. We got our heads together and created something that I think people can benefit from in a long-lasting way.”
One of the key elements of the retreat is a science of sleep session, where you’re able to understand the nitty-gritty of sleep – why we need it and what can we do to improve it. Participants also receive an individual consultation and bespoke assessment with Dr Maja. Other activities including an I-sopod floatation session, which creates a weightless experience, a yoga session and breathwork, a highenergy strength-based session, and a lovely countryside walk. “It's just a great combination of things but also a lot of time to decompress in the spa,” adds Dr Maja. We wonder what Freud would have made of this holistic approach, and if only Shakespeare’s Macbeth had had access to a sleep retreat, tragedy may have been avoided. As Eurythmics sang, ‘Sweet dreams are made of this’.
• By going and doing some exercise – a swim or a run, that’s a really good way of protecting your sleep. Exercise is one of my best hacks.
• You can do a progressive muscle relaxing exercise, where you tense your muscles and let them go systematically. Or do a deep breathing exercise like the 4, 7, 8 where you’re breathing in for four, holding for seven and breathing out for up to eight.
• If you don’t sleep you might be tempted to take your alarm off, but actually setting your alarm means that you still have a regular wake-up time, which is important. Sleeping in doesn’t protect your sleep in the long run. If you sleep badly one night, take a hit, write it off and wake up at a good time.
• People get into the habit of having herbal teas, and when they’re trying to be healthy they have a set amount of water they
try and drink in the day and it gets to 7pm or 8pm and you have to down several pints of fluid, which keeps you up. We don’t need to drink anything in the last two hours before going to bed. Have your last drink two hours before bed and just have little sips after that.
• It’s best to eat your main meal a couple of hours before bed. Sometimes people eat quite early but then they snack quite late on. The problem with a bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes before bed is that it can really spike your blood sugar. And then if you do this, that has an impact on falling asleep and your quality of sleep. If you do need to snack, choose something that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates and processed sugars. Something like Greek yogurt or almonds, which have amino acids that are required for making the hormone melatonin. Avoid Diet Coke and dark chocolate, which both contain high caffeine content.
Look to the hedgerows and coastlines for nourishing seasonal ingredients to boost, brighten and balance – from sea herbs and plants to mushrooms and berries, nature’s bounty is limitless if you know what you’re looking for...
Words | Natalie Millar-Partridge
The British coast and countryside can be a wonderful source of free food (and who doesn’t enjoy a free meal). Foraging allows us to find food that occurs in great quantities and variety, with both habitats plentiful in their offerings of seasonal ingredients, from herbs and plants to seeds, nuts and fruits – it is getting this variety of ingredients into our diet that has been proven to strengthen the gut microbiome, thus improving our overall wellbeing. Foraging is also a superb way to learn about seasonality, while connecting with nature and discovering wild, local ingredients to use in deliciously wholesome home-cooked recipes – the textures and flavour of wild food can be quite different from those
with which we are familiar, therefore an exciting addition to dishes. Many PoB Hotels now run foraging experiences and workshops, offering guests a chance to engage their natural instincts, while exploring the varied landscapes. As you are taken back to your roots (no pun intended), the insightful forays are designed to inform and inspire, providing a sense of discovery along the way. Read on, and prepare to be hooked on foraging for your own seasonal wellbeing suppers.
The coast is known as the ultimate ‘edge habitat’ – dynamic with constant change and opportunity for new plants and animals to gain a foothold. The great British coastline has escaped much of the development that blights
“I particularly like the old American proverb, ‘when the tide is out, the table is set’... Other than the nutritional benefits, coastal foraging is a great tool for mental wellbeing.”
the land – nobody ploughs the seashore, and even where development does occur, nature considers it to be an exciting new habitat. Craig Evans runs foraging experiences at Grove of Narberth, around the stunning coastline of Pembrokeshire, guiding groups through the pleasures and perils of seaside harvesting, offering
insight into the joys of what you can find on your everyday walks. Under Craig’s guidance, there is opportunity to identify and gather your edible crop, from shellfish and seaweeds to a variety of coastal plants.
Craig has been passionate about the coastal environment since childhood, evident through the →
wisdom he now shares on his professional forays that run from Pembrey, Camarthenshire to St Davids in Pembrokeshire –around 140 miles of coastline – combining coastal paths, headlands, hidden coves and inlets with rocky pools and muddy sand. Craig’s foraging experiences offered at Grove of Narberth, run for either six or eight hours, depending on the tides, which he emphasises is the most important factor to any coastal forage.
“The day begins with an introduction, before heading to a wooded area to harvest wild garlic, followed by a walk along the coastal path, where I talk about the local geography and history relating to the particular area. As we head down to the beach, we look out for an abundance of coastal plants, including sea beet, sea radish, rock samphire and sea purslane.
Once on the beach, we follow
the tide out to where it is lowest, maximising time until it turns –here I talk about the tides, which are the number one priority of foraging along the coast.”
Craig explains that the coastal environment is great for foraging all year-round, and that it’s the weather that makes the biggest difference; when the water gets colder, around late November, the crustations –prawns, crabs and lobsters, etc –move offshore, before returning to shallow waters in April.
“During the spring, you will be able to find coastal plants, including rock samphire, sea spinach and sea beet – a glossy evergreen packed with vitamin C ; it’s very easy to identify –the wild ancestor of common vegetables, such as beetroot, sugar beet and Swiss chard,” says Craig.
Summer brings marsh samphire and sea aster (a herbaceous flowering plant),
By the coast
▸ Rock samphire
▸ Sea spinach
▸ Sea beet
▸ Marsh samphire
▸ Sea aster
▸ Sea purslane
along with sea purslane and shrubby seablite, which has evolved unique adaptations to survive in harsh and salty environments.
Rock samphire is in abundance in autumn, along with laver seaweed and pepper dulse, which you can find until late spring.
“During the winter, you can still find coastal plants, such as rock samphire, and seaweeds are often at their best throughout the colder months.”
There are some tasty dishes, packed with vitamins and minerals to be created from coastal ingredients.
At the end of his forays, Craig will cook everything up on a Solva stove with cockleshells on the top – this burns for around 30 minutes and is a very effective way of cooking.
“I particularly like the old American proverb, ‘when the tide is out, the table is set’. During the spring and summer months, I like to stir-fry cockles, lobster, prawns and crab with some garlic butter and some of the seaweed, served up in an oyster →
By the
shell. For the perfect summer salad, try adding some sea herbs – including sea-radish stalks, which have a great crunch to them. Add the radish pods too for a great combo, along with some samphire and wild fennel.”
Autumn/winter calls for something hearty and warming. Craig stir-fries wild garlic into unsalted Camarthenshire butter, adding rock samphire to form the base of his broth, before adding razorclams, cockles, mussels, prawns, and some edible flowers; including wild rosehips "to make it look pretty". He then pops the lid on and steams for around 10 minutes, before serving in an oyster shell.
“Seafood, including cockles and mussels, is naturally very high in the good omega oils; and crabs,
lobsters and prawns are high in selenium. Edible seaweed, when raw, is packed with vitamins and minerals, especially iodine; with dulse containing the highest content of vitamin K (potassium) of any plant or food.”
Craig’s foraging section of the coast in South West Wales is particularly interesting in that it is the meeting point of two biodiverse microclimates – where cold-water species from the north and warm-water species from the south coexist in the same habitat.
“Other than the nutritional benefits, coastal foraging is a great tool for mental wellbeing, as it allows everyone to get out into the fresh air and be amongst nature, leaving with a knowledge to sustain yourself for life.” →
“During the spring and summer months, I like to stir-fry cockles, lobster, prawns and crab with some garlic butter and some of the seaweed, served up in an oyster shell.”
Foraging by the coast: Top tips by Craig Evans, coastal foraging expert in Pembrokeshire
“Make sure you’re aware of the tides: do some research around the tide times ahead of your planned foray. Bring some kit for the day, including a basket, net, cutters and magnifying glass.”
“It’s wise to avoid eating shellfish raw; I would always suggest to cook for an extra five minutes than you think necessary.”
“Dress for the weather, with quality waterproofs and good footwear.”
“Ensure you have a fully charged mobile, and try to find out if there will be signal.”
Foraging in the countryside is inspiring, adding purpose and a potential meal for the end of your day. The British countryside is brimming with nutritious edible finds, with the diverse landscapes providing a sense of discovery, never knowing what you may find. We are natural foragers and it is in our instinct to hunt and gather.
Lauren Lochrie of Herbal Homestead is a naturalist and foraging expert, offering seasonal foraging walks around Scotland’s flourishing Cromlix estate.
Lauren’s insightful experiences include plant and fungi identification, and the exploration of traditional and modern uses of native plants and mushrooms, along with the trialling of some foraged nibbles, followed up with identification recipes and guides. One- or two-hour foraging walks include in-season tasters and remedies along the way. The latter also features a hands-on component, with participants making items such as a wild tea, a herbal remedy, or a natural hand cream.
“So much grows here, it’s been wonderful to see every season play out on the estate over the past 12 months that I’ve been here,” says Lauren.
When it comes to knowing what to forage, Lauren explains that the seasons guide us directly with the rise and fall of the energy of the year, and the life force of plants or fungi. Essentially this means harvesting parts where the life force is concentrated at any given time.
“Focusing on what is in season is absolutely key. Not only is this what is available, but also exactly what you need at that time of year. For example, the vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits of autumn support the immune system leading up to
“So much grows here, it’s been wonderful to see every season play out on the estate over the past 12 months that I’ve been here.”
the colder months where flu is rife. And the nutrient-dense leaves of spring greens boost the blood's ability to carry oxygen; and bitter notes stimulate the digestion, giving us more energy and much-needed replenishment after a sluggish winter.”
Seasonality affects all countryside foraging, providing obvious rhythms to tune in to with cues of coming changes.
“The blossoming or wilting of a plant and the flush of a certain fungi species are a direct result of different seasons. The wild things have built their lifecycles around these changes for optimum growth and reproduction; and following this natural cycle – of which we are part of [sic]– you can simplify your harvesting
approach to obtain the most abundant, healthy, and in-season foods, medicines, and wildcrafting materials, without feeling overwhelmed.”
Cromlix hotel’s abundant setting in the midst of the Stirlingshire countryside offers a wealth of delights for foraging, featuring 34-acres of grounds and woodland for Lauren and her groups to explore.
“Key spring species of interest may include sap of the birch tree, bark of guelder rose, leaves of dandelion, sorrel, wild garlic; and early season fungi, like scarlet elf cup. And in the summer we forage for stems of nettle, flowers of wild rose, honeysuckle, elder, and midseason fungi like hen of the woods.”
Autumn is prime foraging time, with an abundance of nuts, seeds and berries, including crab apple; hazelnuts; nettle seeds; berries of hawthorn, elder, sloe; and peak-season fungi, such as ceps and chanterelles.
“During winter we look for roots of dandelion, burdock, evergreen needles of pine and end-of-season fungi, such as wood ear fungus.”
Foraged countryside ingredients will enhance any meal, adding harmony to a wholesome salad bowl, hearty soup or a vitamin-rich infusion. Wild food is naturally nutritionally dense and grows in living soil, unlike much of our food. Foraged ingredients are much healthier as they have usually not been grown in soil that has been over tilled, compacted, or sprayed with harmful pesticides.
“Foraged food almost always contains much more of
these essential compounds, simply by being of the wild. Foraged plants also tend to contain more phytochemicals and trace elements such as cobalt – compounds essential for healthy blood cells, nervous system, and DNA repair. For example, chickweed (Stellaria media), contains more iron than shop-bought spinach, and also contains more vitamin A, D, C, B, calcium, potassium and zinc per gram.”
Springtime is prime season for leafy greens, while in summertime, wildflowers come into focus. “I never miss making a spring greens pesto that includes leaves of a stinging nettle (pouring over boiled water removes the stings), wild garlic, dandelion, and ground elder, using early spring flowers such as primrose and violets for garnish. I also love to make a tasty pineapple weed cordial and meadowsweet cupcakes.”
In the countryside
▸ Sap of the birch tree
▸ Bark of guelder rose
▸ Stems of nettle
▸ Edible flowers, including wild rose, honeysuckle, and elder
▸ Leaves of dandelion
▸ Sorrel
▸ Wild garlic
▸ Early to mid-season fungi
▸ Scarlet elf cup
▸ Hen of the woods
During winter months, evergreen needles are in their prime. Lauren tells me that Cromlix executive chef Darin Campbell, creates an inspiring Douglas Fir ice cream in the restaurant, using the needles from a great old tree on site!
“I like to simply harvest fresh Scots pine and Douglas Fir needles and make a hot-water infusion to drink as a vitamin C-rich tea,” said Lauren. “Simply bash the fresh needles before pouring over boiled water, infuse for 15 minutes, strain and enjoy.”
Foraging can be a hugely satisfying way to spend time in nature – a symbiotic system whereby you gain something back for your efforts, but it is important to harvest mindfully and sustainably as you gradually build on your journey to find and enjoy foraged ingredients.
“To forage is to be in relationship with the land and its inhabitants,” says Lauren. “It is to know yourself as part of the local ecology, to slow down and take notice in a way that pierces the ‘green veil’, to understand the macro and the micro cues of a wider connectivity and resilience.” says Lauren.
▸ Fruits, nuts, seeds and berries, including crab apple, hazelnuts, nettle seeds, berries of hawthorn, elder and sloe.
▸ Peak-season and end-ofseason fungi, including ceps, chanterelles and wood ear fungus
▸ Roots of dandelion
▸ Burdock
▸ Evergreen needles of pine
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“I like to simply harvest fresh Scots pine and Douglas Fir needles and make a hotwater infusion to drink as a vitamin C-rich tea. ”
Foraging in the countryside: Top tips by Lauren Lochrie, naturalist and foraging expert at Cromlix
“Take only what you need, ie small amounts from several plants or places.”
“Know your area and its condition, be mindful of pollution and past industry, which will affect the soil life and its inhabitants.”
“Flowers turn to fruits - leave some flowers so the plant can complete its lifecycle, support biodiversity, and provide another harvest later in the year.”
“When harvesting seeds and berries, be sure to drop a few for the plant as you move through the landscape. Using a basket will help fungi spores drop and spread as you forage.”
The Hollyoaks and Coronation Street star Gemma Merna is also a wellness guru. Follow in her footsteps on an elevating PoB Hotels wellbeing break that takes in beautiful scenery and seriously spoiling spas
Words | Jane Knight @gemmamerna
Actress, hypnotherapist and life coach Gemma Merna is enjoying a long-awaited catchup with her friend Leah Hackett, whom she met on the set of soap opera
Hollyoaks. They’re en route to Farlam Hall in Cumbria, the first of three hotels they will visit on a wellness break in the North of England, combining getting out and about in nature with some pampering. It’s a welcome mini retreat for them both, taking them far away from day-to-day cares.
“When you unplug, even for just a day, it does wonders for your mental health. It makes you feel like a new person,” says Gemma, who is also a yoga and meditation teacher, and who founded the online community Mind and Wellness to help women prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing.
“Normally you have to choose just one place, but on this break, we get a breadth of different experiences.”
First up is the chance to explore the beautiful Cumbrian scenery surrounding Farlam Hall, 12 miles east of Carlisle. It’s near Hadrian’s Wall, adding an historic note to a hike as well as taking in the area’s natural beauty, which really comes into its own when the trees put on a spectacular autumnal show.
“I love being outside,” says Gemma. “If you can get out into nature every single day it just regulates your nervous system and takes you away from your busy life.”
By the time they return, they’ve worked up quite an appetite, so it’s a good thing that this country-house hotel comes with a Michelin-starred restaurant: the Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai. After trying some of the innovative cocktails – Farlam even makes →
its own gin – they head into the restaurant, named after the tree in the garden outside. The restaurant, which overlooks the grounds with an ornamental lake and kitchen garden, makes the perfect setting for the skilfully spiced Indian-influenced food they enjoy here.
“Indian is my favourite type of food,” says Gemma, who feels instantly relaxed in this former family home. She loves hearing the story about the children enjoying donkey rides round the billiards table on their birthdays.
After a comfortable night in the hotel’s contemporary rooms, it’s just a 90-minute drive to Seaham Hall in County Durham, which also has a storied past – it was where Lord Byron married Annabella Milbanke in 1815.
It’s not Gemma’s first visit; before she was an actress, she worked in the make-up department at Harvey Nichols in Manchester, and was ecstatic to be sent for training here as an 18-year-old. She returned a couple of years
ago, loving the hotel’s swish rooms “with a bath in front of the window” and “absolutely exceptional food”, along with a spectacular spa.“It’s an incredible place,” she says.
Walking along the underground passageway from the hotel to the spa, she breathes in the delicious lemongrass scent and feels like she’s embarking on a journey. “That’s what’s so good about a great spa; you feel like you’re somewhere else,” she says.
In Seaham Hall’s spoiling sanctuary, she and Leah flit between the 20-metre pool, the Eucalyptus steam room with amethyst crystal, and the herbal sanarium. Outside in the Zen garden, they breathe in the sea air as they wallow in the infinity hydrotherapy pool.
There’s serious pampering, too, in the form of an Ishga five senses spa ritual: 90 minutes of bliss that incorporates several treatments, including a hot-stone massage and cold-stone eye therapy.
“The best bit... is their spa suite, where the bedroom seemingly floats over the pond and has views of the mountain peaks. Outside, a stone hot tub is placed by the lake so they can lie back and enjoy the panorama in peace.”
“The mixture of treatments is absolutely incredible, with a body and scalp massage after a foot scrub” , says Gemma. “I think it’s really important to start with the feet; as soon as you relax them, everything else relaxes.”
She and Leah stay in their robes while enjoying lunch at the Asian restaurant. “It’s great to be able to do this kind of thing with a girlfriend,” muses Gemma. “I’d much rather catch up that way than going out for drinks.”
There’s a going-out element to it, too, though, with them both showering after their treatments and getting dressed up for dinner in the evening.
The next day they’re full of anticipation for their third and final night, at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, a 2¼-hour drive away. “We’ve been wanting to go for so, so long,” says Gemma.
They’re not disappointed when they arrive to find a hotel with llamas and alpacas in the grounds, both a Michelin-stared restaurant and a casual Pan-Asian one, plus plenty of “nice places to sit with a cup of tea and chill out a bit” .
The best bit, though, is their spa suite, where the bedroom seemingly floats over the pond and has views of the mountain peaks. Outside, a stone hot tub is placed by the lake so they can lie back and enjoy the panorama in peace. “The place has such a lovely relaxed vibe,” says Gemma.
There’s a spa room with its own sauna, steam room, infrared lounge bed and massage chair, so they don’t have to stir from their suite when it comes to their treatments. While Leah has opted for an aromatherapy body massage, Gemma is instantly drawn to the Indian head massage, which she is thrilled to discover also includes a hair mask. “I get so much tension in my head,” she says. “I think my brain’s on all the time with my work, so I am very drawn to it.”
It does the trick; Gemma even falls asleep, it’s so relaxing. By the time they’re ready to leave, the two women feel completely replenished, even though they’ve only been away from home for three nights.
“I feel like I’ve filled my cup up again and am ready to tackle whatever life throws at me,” says Gemma. “It’s really important to take time out and to do these breaks. I want to do one every quarter. I’m already planning my next one.”
PoB Hotels are home to some of the very finest spas in the country. From coastal-inspired calm to sleep-inducing stays, idyllic spa gardens to romantic treatment rooms designed for two, we explore ten picture-perfect places to be pampered
Words | Sophie Farrah
Surrounded by beautiful Hertfordshire countryside near St Albans, Sopwell House is a luxury hotel that exudes Georgian splendour. Its impressively designed Cottonmill Spa is similarly luxurious, with two distinct areas where guests can relax and recharge in sumptuous, state-of-the-art style. There’s a spacious indoor swimming pool and chic poolside terrace, two vitality pools, sauna, starlit steam room and more. Hidden away within the spa itself lies a stunning inner sanctum called The Club at Cottonmill. Here, there are a number of additional spaces and facilities reserved exclusively for a select few (hotel guests staying in a Mews Suite or Corner Suite and spa members), including an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, an organic sauna, and botanical steam room, plus a beautiful spa garden dotted with contemporary cabanas, loungers, hot tubs and a flickering firepit. With treatments using ELEMIS and Aromatherapy Associates products and sleek interiors throughout, this world-class spa is as stylish as it is serene. →
A hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales, magnificent countryhouse hotel Grantley Hall has a rich history that is woven into every exquisite detail. Its Three Graces Spa is similarly elegant and designed to help guests rebalance both mind and body. There is a carefully curated range of treatments and
therapies on offer, as well as a stunning 18-metre swimming pool surrounded by leafy palms, plants, up-lit stone columns and a beautifully curvaceous ceiling. Outside, there’s a spacious hydrotherapy pool and a brandnew Nordic Spa Garden, which features two ice baths and an outdoor sauna; here, guests are encouraged to switch between
hot and cold in what is known as contrast therapy, in order to achieve a glorious feeling of both mental and physical equilibrium.
Set within a beautiful 365acre estate just outside Darlington, Rockliffe Hall is home to one of the largest spas in the country. Featuring over 50,000 sq ft of pure indulgence, the staggering array of facilities include a 20m swimming pool illuminated by stained glass, a traditional Roman sauna, cutting-edge infrared room, tepidarium with warm ergonomic beds, and much more. Thanks to retractable doors and a sleek glassfronted sauna, this splendid
spa has been cleverly designed to seamlessly blend both indoors and out; it’s wonderfully light and airy in summer, but warm and cosy in winter. Outside, the spa garden is a haven of calm –take in panoramic views of the estate from the infinity-edgeexperience pool, sumptuous loungers, or relaxing daybeds, all while enjoying beautiful sounds of nature. With a wide choice of top notch treatments designed to nourish mind, body and soul, this sensational spa truly offers something for everyone.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Devon countryside, Boringdon Hall is a place to truly switch off. Its beautiful adult-only Gaia Spa is a serene sanctuary inspired by nature in a contemporary way. The calming indoor swimming pool is heated to a soothing 30°C, while the large hydrotherapy pool has an outdoor swim-through with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and wildflower meadow. Elsewhere, there’s a choice of experiences that harness the healing power of nature’s elements, including a crystal-salt steam room, laconicum herbal sauna, shower experiences, as well as outdoor hot tubs, which can be booked privately. For even deeper relaxation, consider the Hypnos Spa Break; created with restorative rest in mind, this sleepcentric stay includes two nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner, plus spa access, a Gaia Skincare sleep gift set, and two exclusive spa treatments designed to encourage restful and restorative sleep. →
Thanks to the Romans and their fondness for bathing, the beautiful city of Bath has long been a destination for wellbeing and relaxation. Continuing this tradition is the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel, which offers the epitome of English elegance in the centre of Bath’s worldfamous crescent-shaped street. Meader through the hotel’s quintessential country garden and you’ll quickly find The Bath House – a deeply tranquil, woodand stone-lined spa with six treatment rooms, including one for couples. Housed in a cosy, converted coach house, the cocoonlike spa’s stunning 12-metre relaxation pool is sunken into a dramatic stonewalled space with vaulted cathedral-like windows. A spacious vitality pool with several carefully positioned massage jets bubbles alongside. Having spent some time in the Himalayan salt-infused sauna and inhaling in the health-boosting eucalyptus and menthol aromas in the herbal steam room, guests are encouraged to head outside and enjoy a glass of chilled Champagne in the pretty spa garden.
Nestled in the spectacular scenery of the world-famous Lake District, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a stunning place of escape. Designed with couples in mind, the spa offering here is deeply romantic. From the scents of the oils and the warm, rich woods in the apothecary-inspired spa receptionto the duo of cedarwood hot tubs on their private spa terrace, this sensory-rich space provides the perfect setting to spend time together. Treatments take place in either their scandi-inspired Spa Space at Gilpin Hotel or in the cosy Jetty Spa at Gilpin Lake House with panoramic windows overlooking the private lake. In-room treatments can even be enjoyed in their luxe Spa Suites. For an extra dose of romantic indulgence, book one of the hotel’s five ultra-luxurious Spa Lodges, each with a king-size bed, beautiful bathroom and its very own private en-suite spa, featuring a steam room, a rainmaker shower, freestanding oval stone bath, outdoor sauna and hydrotherapy hot tub surrounded by a walled garden and wonderful views.
Set in a stunning clifftop location with sweeping views over Durham's heritage coastline, Seaham Hall Hotel’s luxurious Serenity Spa is inspired by the sea. With an instantly tranquil atmosphere, guests can sink into a soothing waterbed, unwind with a thermal experience and float away in the sleek 20-metre pool, complete with powerful massage jets, before escaping to the spa’s beautiful Zen
Garden where they can soak up the nourishing sea air and a take a dip in the stunning infinity-edged hydrotherapy pool. Further holistic highs include a eucalyptus steam room with amethyst crystal, a serene salt sauna, invigorating plunge pools, and steaming outdoor hot tubs. There’s also a variety of deeply restorative treatments on offer, some of which use ishga’s acclaimed organic seaweed-based products. →
The incredible architectural spa at The Headland Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, takes water seriously. The impressive Aqua Club took three years and a cool £10 million to create, and you can tell. Not only does it overlook the sea, but there are six pools to choose from. Sleek, smooth curves soothe the senses while contemporary Cornish stonework provides a pleasing local influence. Take a thermal journey through the spa’s hydrotherapy pool with bubble seats and swan-neck jets, refresh in the Cornish-salt steam room, destress in the Swedish sauna, and finish off with a fragrant aromatherapy shower and a relaxing treatment using VOYA’s organic seaweed products. At the end of the day, make your way
outside to the vast terrace and sink into the heated Sunset Spa Pool, which overlooks the wildness of the Atlantic but is cleverly shielded from the wind by high glass walls. For the ultimate luxury, why not have your favourite cocktail brought to you as the sun goes down and the stars come out…
A stone’s throw from the pretty coastline at Climping in West Sussex, Bailiffscourt is a picture-perfect country escape known for its stunning gardens. Set withing 30 acres of private parkland, the hotel’s spa makes the most of the idyllic setting. Nestled among rows of fragrant lavender and a beautiful rose garden, it takes inspiration from the nature that surrounds it.
Built in the style of a Sussex barn with an impressive exposed timber frame, the interiors seamlessly combine contemporary design with striking original features. Huge windows invite the beauty of the outdoors into the swimmingpool area, which is also home to a steam room and sauna. There are six lovely treatment rooms, complete with luxurious heated waterbeds; and outside a heated infinity swimming pool, sumptuous sunloungers, bubbling hot tub, and glorious garden views await.
Tucked away in the glorious green folds of Somerset, just a short drive from the historic city of Bath, sits Homewood – a secluded country house hotel with a truly sensational spa. Recently extended and designed to be a haven for relaxation, the spa has bespoke treatments by Gaia
on offer alongside an array of fabulous facilities both indoor and out. If you’ve ever been tempted by cold therapy, the spa’s specialised ice-bath retreats are popular for a reason. Those keen to face the cold are guided through this exhilarating and empowering process by one of Homewood’s in-house experts;
the experience includes a night in a stunning Spa Suite (complete with a private hot tub, barrel sauna and plunge pool), a breathwork-andplunge workshop, dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, and a guthealth and protein breakfast feast the following morning to kick-start your day the best way possible.
Words | Natalie Millar-Partridge
Seasonal skincare plays a huge part in not only how we look on the outside, but also how we feel on the inside. By focusing on how your skin’s needs change throughout the seasons is key to identifying what products to switch up. Gaia products are 95% natural and 5% organic. They are made and filled by hand, using traditional artisan production methods in the beautiful English countryside.
“It is important that our products contain the highest quality ingredients with full traceability, made in the most natural way,” says Diane Nettleton, founder of Gaia Skincare.
Diane’s journey with skincare began in 2013, when Gaia were planning to build their first
destination spa at Boringdon Hall – a new addition to PoB Hotels.
The award-winning Gaia spa sits at the heart of Boringdon Hall. “I see the Gaia spa as an extension to nurturing and caring for our guests,” explains Diane. “It took three years, working alongside an aromatherapist to create blends that worked both physiologically and physically. These would then go into the products to deliver the treatment protocols we designed.”
The spa at Boringdon Hall reflects these qualities, offering exceptional holistic treatments and an extensive range of Gaia products. “Gaia communicates its identity effectively through the exceptional products and the five-star spa,” Diane says. When Diane and her team chose the name Gaia – Mother Nature – it was important for the brand to encompass all the qualities a mother figure would have.
“We commissioned the Gaia illustration which became integral to the design of Gaia Spa and can be found at Boringdon Hall in the spa interiors, across the marketing material, even embossed in the cups in the Spatisserie. We used moss panels and installed artwork with a wire figure of Mother Gaia hanging above the stairwell. We have since built 12 wellness rooms, two suites and beautiful relaxation areas. The integration between Boringdon Hall, the spa and the Gaia treatments and products is a true representation of the values of Gaia.”
The Gaia range includes three key blends – Awakening, Balancing and Calming. The products are intended ‘to do what they say on the bottle’ – either uplift, →
“With more unpredictable and extreme weather, seasonality is an important factor to our overall wellbeing and skincare.”
ground or soothe. “The Awakening blend is our signature blend, with key ingredients of peppermint, rosemary, grapefruit and Ravensara,” says Diane. “The inspiration comes from Mother Earth herself, using natural ingredients so that you know what you are applying to your skin – nature in a bottle.”
The Gaia range is a fusion of organic and natural ingredients, considering the environment, quality of ingredient and the user within all of the choices involved.
“Gaia products are unique, with each containing two or three drops of an elixir – a blend of macerated and infused oil combined with the vibrational and healing benefits of the Citrine crystal. This adds another element to our products and we also include crystals in some of our rituals.”
“With more unpredictable and extreme weather, seasonality is an important factor to our overall wellbeing and skincare,” says Diane. Temperature changes, wind, heat and cold all play a part in how we should look after our skin. A great skincare routine throughout the year can give us a welcome boost, in terms of general mood, positive mindset and energy levels.
“A glow in the summer, nourished skin in the winter and good sleep in the autumn will benefit your mood as well as your skin. The spring-clean we have in our homes is a great philosophy to
apply to your skincare products and routine; having regular clear outs, checking use-by dates and changing something will be sure to give you an uplift,” says Diane.
Your skin will also benefit from your focus on a positive attitude, avoiding stress (where possible), getting plenty of sleep, eating well, keeping hydrated and taking a walk each day. These are all basics that will be reflected in your appearance throughout the seasons.
“The power of essential oils, the power of smell and the power of touch are without doubt mood boosters. And energy to me isn’t about how much food you need, but about your heart, and if your heart is happy, you will be filled with energy and increased overall wellbeing, whatever your physical, mental or social state.”
Spring
▸ GAIA body scrub, GAIA Salt and Oil Scrub, Naturally Face Exfoliator, GAIA body brush, Awakening Body Oil and Lotion
Summer
▸ SPF Daily Moisturiser, Naturally Face Wash, Naturally Toner, Balancing Body Oil, GAIA Fitness Gel, Balancing Bath Oil, Balancing Bath Salts
Autumn
▸ GAIA candle, Calming Bath Oil, Sleep Body Butter, Sleep Balm, Calming Bath Salts, Crystal Purifying Mask, Crystal Nourishing Cream
Winter
▸ Naturally Face Serum, Naturally Eye Serum, Awakening Body Cream and Body Butter, Naturally Face Mask, GAIA Lip Balm
TIPS FROM THE TOP Diane shares her nonnegotiables when it comes to skincare
▸ Apply an SPF sunscreen every morning, even on days that aren’t sunny, and especially when driving or spending time outside.
▸ Dry body brushing is a great way to get your lymphatic system moving, followed up with a body oil – my favourite is GAIA Awakening, which nourishes and scents skin beautifully.
▸ Exfoliate – I keep my Naturally Gaia exfoliator in the shower, so that two or three times a week
when I’m washing my hair I remember to use it as well.
▸ Don’t overuse products – Gaia cleansing balm is my go-to in the evening to remove my makeup and clean my face before bed. I find no need to use a moisturiser afterward. Remember, sometimes less is more with products that have high-quality ingredients.
▸ Respect the seasons – follow your intuition and use nature as inspiration for your self-care routine.
▸ Routines and rituals are therapeutic, and consistency is key to great skincare
People are turning to functional fitness to help them live stronger for longer. We spoke to three fitness coaches to find out why it’s a workout game-changer, the benefits for your physical and mental health, and how to take your routine to the next level
Words | Amy Bonifas
The most common reasons for exercising used to be purely related to weight loss or muscle building. But times are changing.
Now, more of us are motivated to train for a whole host of different reasons – we’re moving to boost our mood and confidence, to challenge ourselves and learn new skills, and more of us than ever are training for our future selves.
This is where functional fitness comes in. “I’ve seen functional training surge in popularity,” says Matt Craggs, ELITE Head Coach at Grantley Hall. “This is
likely because functional fitness is about improving the overall function of your body and your ability to perform everyday activities like lifting, bending and twisting.”
Not to be confused with traditional strength training, which is about using heavy weights and isolated movements to build power and muscle size, functional training is a more holistic approach. It focuses on building your physical performance overall – practising movements like squats and lunges to help you reach lower for those groceries or tackle that longer hike while on holiday. →
“You often hear that variety is the spice of life, this can also be true when it comes to exercise... Variety is important because it teaches your body how to move around or perform through different planes of movement.”
“Functional training engages multiple muscles and joints, so it can help improve everything from your coordination to your balance and core stability, and it can even help to prevent injuries and help with rehabilitation,” says Matt. “One of the best things about it is that it doesn’t require lots of equipment and you can adapt it to your skills and passions.” Sign us up.
Not only can this type of training be fun, contain lots of variety and help you build strength, it’s also great for improving your mobility, balance, endurance, flexibility and strength.
“More of us are thinking about our bodies and ageing healthier – living a more mobile, active life for longer,” says Connor Winkworth, personal trainer at The Elms. “A lot of my clients who are slightly older don’t have the traditional goal of losing weight. A lot of what drives them is longevity, and functional fitness falls into this category. It’s about setting yourself up for the long-term with your fitness, mobility and joints.
“People sometimes have this notion that if you do too much in the gym or you lift too heavy that you’re going to worsen or put undue pressure on your joints. But it can actually have the opposite effect. By doing some regular functional training – even just twice a week – you’ll create strength, which allows your body to adapt and become more resilient.”
“You often hear that variety is the spice of life, this can also be true when it comes to exercise,” says Luke Daniels, Head of Fitness at The Grain Store, at Calcot & Spa. “Variety is important because it teaches your body how to move around or perform through different planes of movement. Our bodies are incredible and have evolved to be able to take on nearly any physical challenge.”
Luke recommends adding a combination of strength and cardiovascular training into your routine. “Functional strength training will increase your body’s ability to gain muscle mass and overall strength, as well as increasing bone, ligament and tendon strength,
which all have a huge say in longevity. “Cardio activities like running, swimming and cycling will then help to take care of your heart and lungs. And a big metric to track here is your VO2 max, which is your body’s ability to replenish oxygenated blood to keep your body performing better for longer.”
“A varied workout routine reduces boredom, keeps you mentally stimulated and helps you maintain motivation,” says Matt. “Plus, it can have big stress-relieving and mood-boosting powers.”
Whether it’s being part of a team or harnessing your skills, it’s no surprise that sport can do wonders for your physical and mental health. It’s also a genius way of adding more functional fitness training to your routine. And the best thing is, it’s never too late to take up a new sport or join a local club.
Sports can enhance your overall fitness, without it feeling like you’re ‘working out’ when you’re tearing across the pitch or serving the ball. “Most sports are great for increasing your cardiovascular fitness,” says Luke. “But it can also help with mental sharpness and proprioception.” This is often referred to as your hidden sixth sense and is all about how aware you are of your body’s movement and positioning, linked to coordination and balance.
But perhaps the biggest gains are the mental health ones. “Engagement in any sport will keep your workouts engaging and fosters consistent exercise habits,” says Matt. “Plus, joining a sports team or club can expand your social circles and create that sense of community and belonging.” →
Functional moves to add to your workout
Here are three hero exercises that Matt encourages new members at ELITE to add to their routine:
Bodyweight plank to push-up
▸ Why: This exercise strengthens your core, chest, shoulders, and triceps, while also improving stability and coordination.
▸ How: Start in a forearm plank position with your body in a straight line. Transition to a push-up position by placing one hand on the ground, followed by the other, and then lower back down to the forearm plank position. Alternate leading arms with each repetition.
Dumbbell or kettlebell deadlift
▸ Why: Deadlifts are fundamental for building strength in your posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. They also enhance core stability and improve functional strength for lifting and bending movements.
▸ How: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a
dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand in front of your thighs. Hinge at your hips and bend your knees slightly to lower the weights towards the ground while keeping your back flat. Engage your glutes and hamstrings to return to the start.
TRX rows
▸ Why: TRX rows develop upper-body strength, particularly in the back, shoulders, and arms, while also engaging the core for stability.
▸ How: Set the TRX straps to a mid-length position. Stand facing the anchor point and lean back, holding the handles with your palms facing each other. Keep your body in a straight line and pull your chest towards the handles, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Lower yourself back to the starting position with control.
Add simple and trackable modifications
▸ “No matter where you are on your journey, you ought to be aiming to improve,” says Luke. “This could be gradually increasing intensity, volume or density of training. Intensity can be about adding more weight or resistance, while volume could be about increasing sets or repetitions, and density is how often you’re training. This can provide endless variety and progression.”
Hold yourself accountable
▸ Working with a personal trainer is one way to take your workout to the next level. They can create a personalised progression plan, but they can also help you with accountability. “This is one of the biggest pros,” says Connor. “You ideally need to training consistently for about three to six months to see some progress. But, a lot of people get to the three-week mark and their motivation starts dwindling.
If you have sessions with a trainer booked, they’re relying on you to get to your session, and you usually need to pay for blocks upfront, so there’s the extra financial motivation, too.
Knowing that someone literally has got your back, will help you power through.”
Try habit-linking to stay motivated
▸ Linking two habits together or ‘habit stacking’ can also help you stay on track. “Building a new habit is difficult, and a lot of people fail after two–three weeks,” says Connor. “But linking a new habit to something you already do or a place that you want to go – like the lovely spa at The Elms – can help. Head to the gym first, then reward yourself with some time in the sauna or getting a massage. Your linked habits could also be small, like always doing your workout after your morning tea or coffee.”
Don’t bully yourself
▸ “If you miss a session and start beating yourself up, you’re more likely to write off the whole week,” says Connor. “Give yourself a break and just focus on getting back on it the next day. Try treating yourself like you would a good friend. This will make all the difference when it comes to shaping a positive mindset.”
“Building a new habit is difficult, and a lot of people fail after twothree weeks... linking a new habit to something you already do or a place that you want to go... can help.”
Start with body-weight exercises
▸ This will help you build a solid foundation,” says Luke. He recommends exercises like body-weight squats, lunges, push-ups and planks to help you feel stable and confident. “Then progress to light-to-moderate weights, such as 2.5–7.5kg dumbbells or light resistance bands,” says Matt. “At home, you could invest in adjustable dumbbells, bands and a stability ball. While in the gym, try using free weights, kettlebells, medicine balls and cable machines.”
Figure out your goals
▸ “Functional training has a broad spectrum of movements,” says Connor. “So, it’s good to have a specific idea of what you want to focus on or improve –whether that’s building up your lower body, improving your balance or training for a mountain hike. Then, you can start incorporating specific exercises that help you achieve that goal, rather than feeling overwhelmed.”
Get familiar with the ‘big lifts’
▸ “Common functional exercises usually originate from the five compound lifts – or the ‘big lifts,’” says Luke. Compound moves mean they work on multiple muscles at the same time. These include: squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, loaded carries and bench presses. Download an app to help you with your form at first or ask a personal trainer to guide you through the moves.
Listen to your body
▸ “Always start with a warmup and a cooldown to prevent injuries,” says Luke. “And avoid overtraining by giving your muscles time to recover.” This is why scheduling rest days and getting enough sleep is so important. “When lifting weights, remember to increase your protein intake; this will help your muscles recover and grow, and help you avoid soreness.”
Physical activities to explore for a healthy lifestyle, suggested by our fitness experts and sports professionals
Words | Amy Bonifas
“Fly-fishing is a relaxing, mindful activity”
▸ “You rotate your body when you cast your line during fly-fishing, which is good for mobility and helps to open your hips and chest,” says Hannah Bathard, Activities Manager at Bovey Castle.
“Once you get the hang of it, it should be relaxing – from the rhythmic motion of casting out a fly line to the sounds of all the surrounding nature.”
Try fly-fishing at Bovey Castle – the hotel offers introduction lessons on the stocked castle lake
“Surfers have very healthy hearts”
▸ “Surfing is one of the best cardiovascular conditioning workouts available,” says Dom Moore, owner of the Surf Sanctuary at The Headland. “Because you're working to a heart rate of around 135 bpm, you get the optimal training effect on your heart. Surfing also puts a local muscular endurance demand on your upper body, while paddling targets your shoulders and oblique muscles.”
Try surfing at The Headland – the Surf Sanctuary offer a suite of surfing experiences from fun family sessions to ocean-confidence training for big-wave surfers
“Swinging a golf club engages multiple muscle groups”
▸ “Golf is an effective workout because it combines cardio exercise with strength and flexibility training,” says Tom West, PGA Professional and Head of Golf at Rockliffe Hall.
▸ “Walking an 18-hole course covering 4–5 miles –while carrying your golf bag (weighing around 12kg) – can help you burn up to 1,000 calories per round. The act of swinging also enhances core stability.”
Try golf at Rockcliffe Hall –the Championship 18-hole course offers five different tee positions, and the hotel partners with PMG Academies to offer a range of tuition packages.
“Rowing is an all-body workout with no impact on your joints”
▸ “For those who want to burn lots of calories and get maximum bang for your buck, rowing is a fantastic sport,” says Toby Garbett, double
World Champion and Olympic rower. “When out on the water or in the gym on the rower, you create a lot of power by pushing through your legs.”
▸ “Try short, sharp intervals (with 30 seconds max effort and 60 seconds of light rowing), or go slow and steady for 20–30 minutes.”
Try rowing at The Relais Henley – the Rowing Experience with Toby Garrett includes a twohour rowing session with Toby, dinner at Restaurant Dominic Chapman and an overnight stay by the river.
From the gut-brain connection to the foods your gut loves, clinical nutritionist Stephanie Moore shares the latest science and her tips for taking good care of your gut
Words | Amy Bonifas
If you’ve ever felt your stomach in knots before a big meeting or event, you’ll know there’s a connection between your brain and your gut. With exciting new research emerging all the time, we now understand just how integral our gut is to our overall health.
As a result, more of us are adding fermented foods to our shopping baskets, trying probiotic supplements and opting for ‘gut-healing’ diets and programmes. But how many of us know what a healthy gut really feels like? Or what ‘good gut health’ actually means? Let’s go back to basics.
“The human gut is around nine metres long,” explains clinical nutritionist Stephanie Moore. “It includes the mouth, stomach, gallbladder, the small intestine and the large intestine (or colon).” So, there’s already more to your gut than you might think. Each of these parts has a different job to do, and as a result, there are a lot of different issues that can happen in the gut – or other parts of the body as a result of a poorly functioning gut.
“A simple way to think about a healthy gut is a digestive system that you don’t notice! If you’re not struggling with bloating, burping, smelly wind, →
abdominal cramping, churning and gurgling, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea, you’ll likely have a healthy gut.
“Healthy bowel movements are a good indicator of a healthy gut. Ideally, most people should do a healthy and easy-to-pass poo at least once a day.” Though it’s important to note that everyone is different when it comes to habits like these!
“However, there’s a lot more nuance and individuality to a healthy gut,” says Stephanie. “Some people don’t have obvious localised issues, so they don’t associate their headaches, eczema, bad breath, brain fog or fatigue to the condition of their gut. But these are all symptoms associated with different aspects of poor gut health.”
“Eating when rushing around, having lunch while looking at a screen or being under too much stress can inhibit the on-switch. ”
The stomach is commonly where problems might start. “Stomach acid is like the master on-switch for many of the other elements of digestion to take place,” says Stephanie. “Too little of it and your digestion will be under-functioning.”
“Eating when rushing around, having lunch while looking at a screen or being under too much stress can inhibit the on-switch. This results in poorly digested food particles passing into the intestine – and it can’t handle this well, causing bloating, burping, heartburn or that heavy, sleepy feeling after meals.”
Food then leaves the stomach and passes into the small intestine. “Your food should be a smooth pulp at this point – allowing nutrients to be absorbed across the gut wall into your bloodstream as it slowly passes through,” says Stephanie. “Low stomach acid, therefore, greatly decreases the absorption of nutrients you need.”
The mucus lining of your intestine is also very important. “There’s a layer of mucus and just a single-cell wall that separates the inside of the digestive tract to the rest of your body. Your immune cells work with your gut microbes – the bacteria and other organisms living in your gut. Together, they discern what’s a friend and foe –what can safely go into your body and what needs to be eliminated.”
But your mucus lining is delicate. If you’re dehydrated, catch a stomach bug or even if you don’t chew your food enough, the mucus lining can be compromised. “It’s a crucial
“Polyphenols are nutrients with healthy antioxidant properties and they’re often found in colourful and bitter-tasting plant foods.”
protective barrier that stops harmful and unwanted particles damaging the even more delicate wall of your digestive tract,” explains Stephanie. If it becomes worn down, this can lead to issues like leaky gut and it can also affect your immune system.
Once food has moved through the small intestine, it’s onto the large intestine, or colon. “Here is where the majority of your gut microbes live. They feed on any remaining undigested food like fibre and other bioactive compounds like polyphenols.
Polyphenols are nutrients with healthy antioxidant properties and they’re often found in colourful and bitter-tasting plant foods,” says Stephanie. The more healthy fibre and compounds left at this stage, the more fuel for your gut microbes and the better your gut health overall.
This refers to the highly complex system of communication going on between your gut microbes and your brain. “Current thinking suggests there is four times more information passing from your gut up to the brain than from the brain to your gut,” explains Stephanie.
“The information is mostly via an incredibly long nerve – the vagus nerve. This is like a superhighway for passing biochemicals or neurotransmitters mainly from your gut to your brain, helping it to function properly. The brain can’t function without the vagus nerve sending these compounds up to the brain from the gut.”
Stephanie explains that over 70% of your immune cells are in your intestine, where constant communication between gut microbes and immune cells occurs. This presence makes sense, as the gut wall serves as a barrier between the outside world and your body. The communication between gut microbes and the immune system manages your inflammatory response and helps your immune system control infections and injuries. The well-fed and diverse gut microbes greatly influence your immune system, while an unbalanced gut microbiome can impair immune and inflammatory responses. →
“Hydration
is essential for all aspects of health, including digestion... frontload your fluids by having water first thing in the morning, ideally around a pint...”
How to take care of your gut
“It’s important to do more that heals and less that harms your gut,” says Stephanie. Here are some of her tips for doing just that:
• Eat more colourful and bitter foods
Your gut will thank you for eating a wide range of plant foods, including vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils. But, according to Stephanie, bitter and colourful foods are the best sources of gut-loving fibre and those handy polyphenols. “Add chicory, romaine lettuce, rocket and radicchio to your salads. Green tea, good-quality coffee, raw cacao and peppery olive oil are also great. Eating a rainbow of plant foods is helpful too – think berries, peppers, turmeric, red onions, pomegranate, apples and kiwi.”
• Have a break from eating
Sometimes, it’s a good idea to hold off on the snacks. “Your gut lining, gut microbes and digestive system need a break from all
the hard digestive work from time to time. When you have your main meal, eat plenty and slowly, but then try not to have anything for 3–4 hours. You might also want to stop eating in good time before bed to give your digestive system at least 12 hours to reset each night.”
• Drink water first thing
“Hydration is essential for all aspects of health, including digestion, but I wouldn’t recommend drinking lots of fluids at the same time as eating, especially if you’re prone to bloating or reflux. You also don’t want a stomach full of fluid when you’re eating solids, as it can dilute and impair your stomach acid. Instead, front-load your fluids by having water first thing in the morning, ideally around a pint, and then sip water or other fluids throughout the day and with food. Try not to glug large volumes of fluid at least 30 minutes before and two hours after eating.”
• Try not to eat too late
“Your digestive processes tend to be weaker at the end of the day, plus your digestive system benefits from gravity to help the food move through. If you have a stomach full of food and lie down, you won’t digest well.”
According to Stephanie, eating too close to bedtime can also affect sleep quality. Without deep restorative sleep, you might wake up feeling sluggish and wanting a sugary breakfast, as your body craves a quick energy fix.
• Dial up the fibre
As many as 90% of us don't eat enough fibre, but it’s also about the
variety of fibre. “Fibre fuels your good gut microbes. Because everyone has a unique gut microbiome, the thousands of different species living within us need different fibres to feed on.”
“Soluble fibre, which dissolves in water, helps to keep the bowels moving, so if you’re prone to constipation, higher amounts of fibre from foods like beans, broccoli and flaxseeds can help.
“Cooking and cooling starchy vegetables like potatoes and legumes also creates a special kind of gut-healthy fibre called resistant starch. This ‘resistance’ means that it doesn’t get digested until it reaches the colon, where gut microbes can feast on it.”
•Think about pro- and prebiotics Natural probiotics are good or helpful bacteria that keep your gut healthy, and you can find them in fermented foods. “Try adding small, regular amounts of these foods to your diet,” suggests Stephanie. Live yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and raw apple-cider vinegar are great.
“Natural prebiotics are the food that fuels your probiotic microbes, and they’re mainly found in fibre and polyphenolrich foods. Try sprinkling cinnamon on your yoghurt, have a couple of squares of dark chocolate after a meal, or add some pumpkin seeds or walnuts to your salad. Freshly ground pepper or grated turmeric or ginger root are good too.” →
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• Ease up on ultra-processed foods
If you’re clued-up on the dangers of ultra-processed foods (or UPFs) then you’ll know about the harmful effects of things like human-made emulsifiers and preservatives.
“They’re often used in packaged and processed foods to extend their shelf-life and give better mouthfeel. But, more and more experts suggest these are toxic and damaging to your gut microbes,” says Stephanie.
“Look out for long, chemicalsounding names you don’t recognise or ingredients you wouldn’t usually have in your kitchen. Too much sugar can also negatively impact your gut microbiome. Undesirable, harmful microbes tend to thrive on sugar –they can grow fast and outcompete the good stuff.
“A highly processed diet, lots of sugar and a lack of fibre can throw off the healthy balance – helping more harmful microbes to thrive, causing many body-wide symptoms.” Opting for a variety of foods, being more mindful when you eat and talking to a doctor when you notice any recurring issues are some of the best things you can do for you and your gut. And your brain and immune system will thank you, too.
▸ Gut issues are common, but the more we talk about embarrassing or minor symptoms like runny poo and smelly wind, the easier it is to get to the bottom (ahem) of the issue. “We all have some dodgy microbes in our gut,” says Stephanie. But, doing as much as possible to feed and help diversify the good ones is the route to better gut health.
From an easy pedal along a former railway line to the ultimate mountain-biking adventure, we’ve found the best cycle trails –and the perfect hotels to relax in afterwards
Words | Jane Knight
It’s a 23-mile loop around one of Europe’s largest human-made lakes, mostly on a path that skirts the water’s edge and passes through villages and farmland, with just a small section on a quiet road. It’s hillier than you might think; consider an e-bike if you’re less fit. The Horse and Jockey pub in Manton is a great place to break the journey.
Where to stay: Hambleton Hall sits on the promontory that juts into the reservoir, where the cycling is at its most scenic. You can start the trail from its door and on your return, tuck into its Michelinstarred food guilt free as you gaze over the beautiful waterside views. Bedrooms are the epitome of elegance.
A railway cyclepath following the lower reaches of the Camel River, this 18-mile route is particularly beautiful along the five-mile stretch between Wadebridge and Padstow. Here, the tidal salt marshland, which is home to hundreds of species of birds, widens to become an estuary leading into the Atlantic. Both towns have cycle-hire shops; Padstow also has great pasties and Rick Stein restaurants. Where to stay: Soothe aching limbs in any of the six pools at The Headland Hotel, which stands majestically over Fistral Beach in Newquay, a 40-minute drive from Padstow. Once refreshed, replenish on the restaurant’s fresh seafood. If you want more activity, there’s surfing down on the beach. →
There are more than 100 miles of car-free cycle trails in the New Forest as well as some incorporating road routes, such as this 16-mile circuit. It links the pretty village of Beaulieu, which grew up around a 13th-century Cistercian abbey with Brockenhurst, the largest village in the New Forest. Ponies and donkeys roam freely in both. Where to stay: Book a room at The Montagu Arms and you couldn’t be closer to the start of the cycle trail. On your return, you’ll be greeted by the cheery pub atmosphere of Monty’s Inn, fine dining in the restaurant, and one of 33 country-style rooms.
Running alongside the Welsh Highland Railway with spectacular views of Snowdonia, this 12.5mile route is traffic free and paved. Start in the historical town of Caernarfon near the castle, climbing 500 feet over the first 10 miles. Once you reach the radio mast south of Penygroes, it’s downhill all the way to the village of Bryncir. Where to stay: You can also enjoy views of Snowdonia from Bodysgallen Hall, 40 minutes from Caernarfon near Llandudno. This Elizabethan mansion is owned by the National Trust and comes with everything you’d expect from a historic hotel. There are outdoor treasures in the 200 acres of parkland too, including a 17thcentury parterre of box hedges.
The ultimate mountain-biking adventure, this 28mile loop is for hardcore cyclists who can handle tough climbs, many of which involve carrying your bike. It’s a full-day slog, but there are plenty of easier routes in the vicinity, including the 6-mile Balgy Trail through woodland by the edge of Upper Loch Torridon. Where to stay: You can do both routes with a guide from the doors of The Torridon, an idyllic lochside retreat that can arrange activities from gorge scrambling to sea kayaking. After a day in the big outdoors, you’ll be ready for a meal featuring the best local produce in the restaurant. Toast your sport prowess in the Whisky Bar before retiring to one of beautifully styled hotel rooms.
It’s not the shortest route between these two cities, but this 16-mile treelined cycleway along a former railway track is one of the nicest. There’s a cafe in the old waiting room at Warmley and another at Bitton station, where the cyclepath runs alongside three miles of restored Avon Valley Railway track. Where to stay: After so much pedal power, you’ve earnt the elegance of The Royal Crescent Hotel, with its relaxing spa, oasis garden, delicious food and rooms that have a touch of Versailles about them. And for utter bliss, it's just a 15-minute walk from Thermae Bath Spa, where you can wallow in the famous waters.
Explore this unspoilt area on two wheels, and take in its interesting history at stops such as the Ribchester Roman Museum. The route passes through plenty of pretty villages, including Downham, used as the backdrop to several films and TV series, and home of Lord Clitheroe. There are pubs and tearooms to stop at along the way. The 29-mile trail is on the road and mostly flat.
Where to stay: You can tuck into Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s fivecourse Michelin-starred dinner guilt free after cycling around the Ribble Valley from the door of Northcote, on the edge of the Forest of Bowland. The hotel’s 26 rooms channel a contemporary, sophisticated vibe.
Mountain bikers are well catered for in the Dales, notably with the picturesque Nidderdale Loop. Road cyclists, too, can appreciate this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by taking quiet country lanes along the 40-mile north loop. It passes by Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks natural park on the way.
Where to stay: Grantley Hall has bikes to hire, a number of cycle routes from its doors and is minutes from the Northern Loop. On your return, you can choose from the hotel’s five restaurants, including the Michelinstarred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. There’s also a spoiling spa to relax in and elegant bedrooms for a well-earned rest.
It would take you about three days to cycle the coastto-coast Hadrian’s Cycleway, which runs alongside Hadrian’s Wall, with stops at Roman forts and museums along the way. But you can take in shorter sections from the market town of Brampton; if you head east to Haltwhistle, 14 miles away, you pass by Birdoswald Roman Fort.
Where to stay: Just five minutes’ drive from Brampton, Farlam Hall is a lovely country-house hotel where you can reward yourself with Michelin-starred cuisine that has an Indian influence, or more casual fare at the bistro, before retiring to the comfortable, wellequipped bedrooms.
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It's fair to say a little me-time is needed once in a while. And how better to unwind than with a restful British escape? Here's a glimpse of just some of the ways to rest and recharge at our hotels
Embrace nature for a healthier and balanced life, making time for foraging, natural remedies, and organic recipes.
Elevate your wellbeing and immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled tranquillity at our handpicked hotels.
Whether you choose to while away the hours poolside with a book in hand, indulge in a sumptuous treatment designed to soothe those aches and pains, or join a revitalising group-yoga session
to find your Zen, you'll discover a myriad ways to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. Take a leisurely stroll through idyllic gardens, delight in nutritious and delicious cuisine, or simply bask in the serenity of luxurious surroundings. Our hotels offer a haven for those seeking to revitalise and restore their overall wellbeing, providing a blissful escape for every guest. →
Prioritise a healthy mind with a digital detox and time spent outdoors. Disconnect to reconnect and find peace in nature. Pay attention to the present and stay in the here and now.
Experience the rejuvenating power of physical wellbeing with a variety of activities, from wild hikes and gym work to yoga and paddleboarding.
Engage in mindful activities such as meditation, sound therapy, and relaxing spa treatments. Taking time for yourself is essential for nurturing spiritual wellbeing and fostering inner peace.
Embracing the healing power of nature, wild edibles, and tranquil retreats for mindfulness, relaxation, and overall wellbeing in serene and picturesque settings
Head Gardener at The Montagu Arms, Matt Orme, shares his expertise on gardening and the advantages of connecting with nature
What advice would you give someone trying to create a better garden at home?
Stay away from pesticides and allow all of nature in. Diversity is key. Have a variety of flowers, shrubs, trees, grasses and even weeds. Create piles of branches, logs and leaves; eventually you’ll find that everything will balance itself out naturally. We use zero pesticides here and our plants go untouched by ‘pests’.
What are some of the ways you help the environment?
I try my best to continually add flowers into the garden. My goal is to have flowers
blooming from January to December, thereby supporting pollinators throughout the year, particularly bumblebees. I achieve this by planting a mix of bulbs, annuals, vegetables, and shrubs. I create areas for creatures to hibernate during the cold winter months by accumulating leaves, grass cuttings, and branches. Animals such as hedgehogs are facing alarming threats of extinction and providing such spaces is crucial for their survival. We really need them in our gardens. This is a really simple way to help them out, and what’s great is just about anyone can do this.
What are some of your favourite plants?
Lily, Fatsia Japonica, laburnum, passionflower, poppies, sweet peas, banana plant, jade vine, acer echium pininana... Plants are all so fascinating in their own individual ways.
What benefits can spending time in a garden offer for your overall wellbeing?
‘Relaxing in the garden allows you to connect with the natural world, which has been shown to have numerous benefits for our emotional wellbeing, increasing feelings of awe, gratitude and mindfulness.’
Some time to decompress: The soothing environment, fresh air, and connection with nature can all contribute to a sense of calm and relaxation.
Physical exercise: Just a light stroll or a game of croquet on the lawn can increase mental alertness, energy and positive mood.
A healthy mind: Simply being in the garden, reading a good book, chatting with friends, and feeling the sun on your skin has been linked to improved mental health.
Connection with nature: Relaxing in the garden allows you to connect with the natural world, which has been shown to have numerous benefits for our emotional wellbeing, increasing feelings of awe, gratitude and mindfulness.
Therapeutic value: Watching plants grow, seeing butterflies flutter around, and inhaling the sweet scents of flowers that perfume the air can be deeply rewarding. It can improve cognitive function, reduce levels of anxiety, increase energy levels and improve self-esteem.
Foraging made easy with naturalist
Lauren Lochrie
How can you forage effectively?
To forage is to be in relationship with the land and its inhabitants. It is to understand your part in the local ecology, taking notice of what is around you. To harvest with grace, and to give back with thanks.
What are some of the most commonly foraged items by guests at Cromlix?
Foraging depends on factors like season, local abundance, personal preference, and time. Seasons guide us in harvesting, with different items available at different times of the year. Following this natural cycle simplifies the harvesting approach, allowing for the obtainment of abundant, in-season, and healthful foods, medicines, and wild-crafting materials without feeling overwhelmed.
Tell us more about finding seasonal wellness. The available foraged items are exactly what you need at different times of the year. For instance, vitamin and antioxidant-rich autumn fruits support the immune system before the colder months, while nutrient-dense spring greens aid in oxygen transport and digestion, providing much-needed energy and replenishment after winter.
Is there anything you pick to aid immunity?
I enjoy gathering elder and rowanberries, to bolster my immune system, since they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's important to cook both types of berries before consuming them. The tartness of the orange-red rowanberries, rich in vitamin C and dietary fibre, aids in stimulating gastric juices and eliminating waste from the body. Vitamin C, an effective antioxidant, supports the immune system by neutralising free radicals and preventing cellular damage. Surprisingly, a single rowanberry contains more vitamin C than a whole orange.
� 185g (around 2 small bowlfuls) of freshly picked crab apples
� 335g (around 6 ripe bunches) of freshly picked rowanberries
� 1 cup of apple juice
� 3 heaped tbsp of honey
� 4 pinches of mixed spice
� 4-5 tbsp of caster sugar
EQUIPMENT
� Large pot or deep frying pan
� Sieve and spoon
� Large mixing bowl
� Baking tray with a lip and baking paper
� Sealable jar (1L capacity)
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a magical and medicinal tree - often overlooked due to its sharp tartness. In this recipe, we make a fruit leather sweetie to appreciate its seasonal abundance, beauty and healthful properties. These sweets will support you when you feel a cold corning on and will help soothe a sore throat.
1. Wash and chop the apples into quarters, cutting out the seeds and tough centres. Wash and comb the rowanberries from the stalks with your fingers. Pop all in a large pot or deep frying pan.
2. Pour over the apple juice and add some water: just enough to cover all the fruits.
3. Simmer on a medium heat for 15–20 minutes. Gently squash the fruits with a spoon. Stir and leave to cool.
4. Place the sieve over the mixing bowl a put a few spoonfuls of the fruit mix into the sieve. Mash against the sides until the skins are left – discard skins in a bowl and scrape the pulp off from under sieve into the mixing bowl. Repeat until done.
5. Clean the pan and compost the discarded skins. Gently reheat the sieved fruit mixture in the pan. Add honey and spices – mix well until evenly distributed; it should have a tomato-soup-like consistency.
6. Cover the baking tray with baking paper and pour on the warm spiced-fruit mixture, tilting the tray side to side to get an even level.
7. Preheat oven to 80°C. Pop in the baking tray and leave door slightly ajar for 8 hours. Or leave overnight in a dehydrator (if you have one; follow settings).
8. Dust the fruit leather with caster sugar, peel from baking paper and cut into bite-size sweets.
9. Pop in a sealable jar – enjoy the sweet-and-sour kick.
THE PEMBROKESHIRE NATIONAL COAST
Pembrokeshire is home to Britain's only truly coastal National Park and has more Blue Flag beaches or Seaside Awards than anywhere in the British Isles. Here are a few of our favourite ones to visit:
• Barafundle Bay has swathes of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This pristine and isolated beach backed by dunes and pine trees is only accessible by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, which ensures that it’s always pleasant to visit.
• Saundersfoot is small but with all the facilities you might need. It’s a wide, flat, and sandy beach at low tide, but there’s still plenty of space at high tide. Enjoy a stroll along the pretty harbour, or take in the stunning views from the top of the hill.
• West Angle Bay at the mouth of the Milford Haven Estuary is a horseshoe-shaped sandy cove. The beach is quite narrow at high tide but at low tide it’s revealed: a huge stretch of golden sand. The north end of the beach has rocks perfect for climbing and, if you can find it, a cut through the cliffs leads to a secret beach.
When you stay at the Grove of Narberth you'll have the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. You can dive into wild-swimming spots for an exhilarating experience, enjoy fresh sea air and connect to nature, or try cold-water therapy to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Uncover a Remarkable
With Ness Walk
Explore the beautiful Ness Islands, nestled on the leafy riverside of Inverness
Accessible only by foot, Ness Islands is a special spot for trees, plants, wildlife and birds. This peaceful hidden treasure is a 10-minute walk from Ness Walk in the city centre. Linked by a series of picturesque Victorian bridges, these remarkable islands are rich in wildlife and offer an immersive sensory experience. Stepping over to the islands, the 'shooglie suspension bridges', as they are affectionately known, date back to 1853. Many guests find Ness Islands to be the perfect space for meditation, journalling, and simply being present. There are spectacular viewpoints across the river, and the winding paths lead to the central island, where there is an open-air theatre. As the day turns to dusk, twinkling festoon lights illuminate the leafy parkland, guiding guests back to the comforts of the hotel.
With Bovey Castle Hotel & Spa
The fusion of learning and leisure in a place where beauty nurtures your wellbeing
In Dartmoor National Park you can discover a new educational pastime to soothe the spirit, set against the serene backdrop of Bovey Castle’s enchanting wildflower meadows, planted with tens of thousands of seeds. Stroll through the vibrant sanctuary of diverse sights, sounds, and scents, unwind and be present. Walk amid the colourful blossoms and feel your mood lift with every step. These meadows are complemented by a range of medicinal plants across the estate and kitchen garden, including wild garlic, echinacea, St John’s Wort, lavender, and mint. In the pollinator beds, you’ll find healing herbs, such as Korean mint, yarrow, borage, marigold, and dill, each with their own therapeutic properties.
With Bodysgallen Hall & Spa
How to enhance your mood while in the serene, natural surroundings of a beautiful garden
• Be present. The fragrance of blossoms, the sight of lush greenery, and the symphony of rustling leaves and birdsong can create a soothing and calming atmosphere, reducing stress and promoting a sense of wellbeing.
• Gently stroll: the act of meandering through a garden, exploring different areas, and appreciating the beauty of nature can be a form of active meditation, helping to clear the mind and improve mental clarity.
• Incorporate a kitchen garden. Within a larger garden space, a kitchen garden can also have wellness benefits, promoting a connection to food and where it comes from. The availability of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs can encourage healthy eating habits and provide a source of fresh, organic produce for nutritious meals.
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Pydew, with panoramic views of Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Castle, and the coastline of Llandudno, Bodysgallen Hall offers a truly exceptional location for finding environmental harmony. With its serene and natural gardens, from the formal rose garden to the fragrant herbs in the parterre, there's simply no better place to savour the beauty of the surroundings.
With Northcote
Embrace the beauty of Northcote in the awe-inspiring Ribble Valley, where the possibilities for exploration are endless
Northcote serves as the perfect base to enjoy gentle riverside rambles in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and surrounding Ribble Valley. Guests can enjoy the beauty and history of the remote fells and hidden waterfalls, fascinating wildlife and dramatic moorlands from Northcote's doorstep. Indulge in the serenity of this walker’s and cyclist’s paradise. Northcote offers specially curated walking guides with breathtaking routes and unparalleled views. Partnering with Bowland By Bike, Northcote offers five extraordinary cycling routes for guests of all levels to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at their own pace. Within this magnificent landscape, expect to uncover hidden gems around every corner.
Studies have indicated that flowers have a profound effect on our emotional health. Fresh flower scents and visuals have the power to uplift our spirits, ease tension, and foster happiness. Being surrounded by flowers evokes feelings of contentment, providing a connection to nature and giving a sense of calm.
While the blooms themselves create a serene environment and sense of positivity, their colour also plays a part. This is linked to many studies on flowers and chromotherapy (sometimes known as colour therapy). These studies suggest that as flowers radiate both light and aroma, their colour gives them the power to heal. Think red flowers for romance and passion, yellow flowers for happiness and positivity, and blue flowers for peace and tranquillity.
The Power of Flowers in Supporting Your Wellness
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, flowers have been found to improve emotional wellbeing by uplifting moods, reducing stress, and promoting feelings of happiness and contentment. Some studies suggest that the fragrance of fresh flowers can have a calming effect and help alleviate anxiety. Some flowers also have unique properties that may help with specific health concerns; certain flowers, for example, contain compounds that have been shown to have antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Rose petals are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. They may help alleviate headaches, constipation, indigestion and even arthritis.
• Lavender is known to calm the nervous system and is commonly used to relieve stress and help improve sleep.
• Fennel can reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in your digestive system. Fennel is also high in fibre, which supports overall gut health.
• Echinacea, also known as coneflower, can boost your immune system and help ward off ailments like the common colds and flu.
Embrace Nature on a Rewilding and Beekeeping Adventure
With Calcot & Spa
Martin Knight started keeping bees after reading that local honey could help his daughter’s bad hay fever. More than a decade later, what started with a single hive in his garden became a full-time occupation.
Why are bees so important?
As pollinators, bees enable our plants and flowers to reproduce and grow. This means they’re absolutely vital to our ecosystem, and without these clever little creatures we wouldn’t have the beautiful, natural environment we enjoy around us.
What can we do to help them?
Buy a beehive and become part of a nationwide community working together to regenerate our country’s biodiversity. Our mission is to protect and restore honey bee populations, creating a network of flourishing apiaries across the country to pollinate the whole of the UK.
Tell us more about the potential impact of collective pollination efforts?
A single honey bee can pollinate up to 1,500 flowers in a single day. Multiply this by the 60,000 bees that make up a typical active hive in the UK. Now consider that your hive is just one of many in that apiary alone, with many more spread across the country, and you’ll start to see the kind of impact you’ll be making.
Rewilding at Calcot & Spa includes an early morning wildlife walk and talk with expert Ed Drewitt, a beekeeper talk with Martin from Knight's Beekeeping, full access to Calcot Spa and bikes, a full Cotswold breakfast each morning and a jar of Calcot honey on departure.
• Let things grow a little wild. If you have a lawn, give some of it back to local wildlife by letting a small section of it grow. Encouraging a diversity of longer grasses is great for insects like butterflies and grasshoppers, and the perfect excuse to spend a little less time mowing.
• Plant native wildflowers. We tend to plant a lot of non-native plants in our gardens, so dedicate some space to some local wildflowers like cornflowers, poppies and yellow rattle. Wildflower.co.uk offers British seed mixes that bees and birds love. Or opt for plug plants (rooted seedlings that have started to grow) to save time.
• Feed the birds. Nearly 30% of birds in the UK are declining, so providing a little extra food could help your local birds flourish, especially during dry or colder spells. Put out a variety of bird food like sunflower seeds, flaked maize and millet, and you’ll draw a whole variety of birds to your garden. Win-win.
• Create a woodpile and leave some fallen leaves. Animals like wasps, slowworms and frogs use piles of wood to hide and shelter through the colder months. Try piling a few large logs with the bark still attached in a quiet area of your garden. Fallen leaves are also a great spot for hedgehogs to hibernate, and when the leaves start to decay, the mulch can protect against frost in winter.
Enjoy a Riverside Location and Tranquil Setting to Promote Relaxation and Sleep,
With The Priory
Time spent near water can foster a sense of connection and wellbeing
Spending time near water can be a powerful tool for wellness and lead to a greater sense of happiness and fulfilment. For guests staying at The Priory, located on the banks of the River Frome, being near the water enhances both mental and physical health, boosting cognitive clarity and energy levels. While the gentle motion of water, and the serene environment contributes to lower levels of cortisol, helping to calm the mind, reduce brain clutter and enhance focus. Studies have shown that people often experience heightened creativity when surrounded by natural elements too. Plus, being near the water can create a calming ambiance conducive to restful sleep, offering the ideal environment for a peaceful night.
Positioned at the midpoint of the Cotswold Way, The Painswick is perfectly situated for an exhilarating cycling adventure, where the undiscovered charm of the countryside beckons you to uncover its hidden gems. As you embark on the Cotswold Way with Tim Porter from Cotswold Mountain Biking, you'll be immersed in the untamed beauty of ancient woodlands and the stunning scenery of the Stroud Valleys. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned rider, there are miles of local trails and quaint rural hamlets waiting to be explored, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and biking aficionados alike.
Long-distance riders might choose to experience the new Cotswold Riders Way, a stunning 300km circular trail around this nationally significant landscape, created by tour guide Tim Porter, in partnership with Cotswold Mountain Biking, Cotswold National Landscape, and volunteers from the British Horse Society. Feel the wellness benefits from being in the great outdoors, breathing in the freshest Cotswold air, and experiencing the sheer joy of exploring this gorgeous part of the countryside.
After an invigorating day of mountain biking, return to the hotel for the most decadent afternoon tea, indulging in well-deserved relaxation and luxury. At The Painswick, it's not just about the cycling; it's about achieving a sense of harmony with nature and getting a good night’s sleep after an enriching day outdoors.
Explore the Breathtaking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on an Unforgettable Bike Ride
With The Painswick
Eat your way to wellness with delicious Scottish salmon
Scottish salmon is renowned for its numerous wellness benefits. Packed with high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, it is a nutritious addition to any diet. The omega-3 fatty acids in Scottish salmon are known for their heart-healthy properties, and they may also contribute to reducing inflammation in the body. The protein content in Scottish salmon supports muscle development and overall bodily functions. Consuming Scottish salmon can be a great way to support your overall wellness and nutrition.
INGREDIENTS
Vinaigrette:
� ½ garlic clove
� 1 anchovy fillet
� pinch of salt
� 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
� 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
� 4 tbsp olive oil
Remaining ingredients:
� 8 x new potatoes
� 50g green beans
� 6 x quail eggs
� 2 x little gem lettuce
� 50g black olives
� 10g dill
� 6 x cherry tomatoes
� 145g Scottish salmon
1. To make the dressing, crush the garlic and anchovy with a small pinch of salt on a board using the blade of a large knife. Combine the paste with the mustard and vinegar, then slowly stir in the olive oil. Set this vinaigrette aside.
2. Tip the new potatoes into a large pan of cold salted water, ensuring they are well covered. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until tender. Once cooked remove from the water and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, halve or quarter them, and toss in a large bowl with 1 tbsp of the vinaigrette. Leave to cool completely.
3. Cook the beans for 5 minutes in boiling water, then remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into a bowl of iced water to cool.
4. Cook the quail eggs in simmering water for 2 minutes 15 seconds, then transfer to a bowl of iced water to cool. Drain the beans and eggs, then peel the eggs.
5. Tip the lettuce quarters, cooked beans, olives and dill into the bowl with the potatoes. Add most of the remaining vinaigrette and gently toss.
6. Divide the salad between two bowls, and top with the tomatoes and quail eggs.
7. Preheat your grill to 180°C then grill the salmon for 5 minutes.
8. Flake the salmon over the salad, then drizzle with the rest of the vinaigrette and season, to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
With The Torridon
The Torridon co-owner and designer Rohaise Rose-Bristow shares insights about finding wellness in her remote idyllic retreat nestled in the natural playground of the Scottish Highlands
What makes your Highland home so special?
The Torridon is a truly exceptional Highland home because it offers a secluded destination that allows you to leave the world behind. It's so different from the daily routine that you forget all about it, and it's incredibly inspiring, giving you the freedom to truly enjoy your free time.
Tell us what makes you happiest when you get back to Torridon?
When I see the lights of The Torridon and drive up to the front gate, coming home for me means I can walk in the woods with my dogs and breathe fresh air in peace and quiet. I may even get a chance for a quick swim, which reminds me that there is no better place to live for me. My view is the best in the world.
What are your top tips for finding wellness on a Torridon break?
The stunning beauty of The Torridon truly has an otherworldly quality that allows time to slow down. It can feel like every hour spent here is as rich and fulfilling as a whole week anywhere else. The peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings are soothing for your soul. My advice is to simply slow down and take it all in.
Is there anything else that you would recommend to upcoming guests of The Torridon? Switch off your phone and enter ready to escape in whichever way you prefer; whether that is a walk in the kitchen garden, a 10-minute yoga session in your room, or an adrenalinefuelled kayaking session. It's all about making time for yourself, you don't have to do anything specific; simply being mindful is more than enough to feel true wellness here.
With The Voyage Spa at Thurlestone Hotel
Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Seaweed fights aging skin, with firming and hydration properties.
• Seaweed is believed to help the body fight off oxidative stress and reduce DNA damage caused by UVA radiation.
• Compounds in seaweed promote collagen production and elastin synthesis, firming the skin and maintaining plumpness.
• Seaweed contains hydrating polysaccharides that lock in moisture and improve skin hydration.
• Enjoy a facial, shoulder massage, and a sleepenhancing treatment using the beneficial properties of seaweed at The Voyage Spa.
Enhance your mental clarity with life-affirming adventures, yoga, mindfulness, forest bathing, thalassotherapy and self-care strategies to enhance relaxation and restful sleep
With Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa
Improve your sleep quality with a little self-care
• An age-old but timeless tip for improving your sleep is to create an evening routine. This could involve adding a few drops of relaxing essential oils to your bath, placing a soothing candle or using a sleep diffuser in your space, or doing some gentle yoga to unwind gradually. Whatever your preference, remember to avoid screens, caffeine, and alcohol, all of which can stimulate the brain.
• Bring the spa experience to you, wherever you may be, including in our shower or bath by using soothing essential oils
such as lavender, patchouli, and chamomile. Start by spraying a sleep mist while running a bath or warming up the shower. Inhale the relaxing essential-oil blend and feel your stress fade away. If you're in the bath, add some relaxing bathing and massage oil to bring the spa aroma to your bathroom. After a shower, seal in moisture and treat yourself to a deep massage with the oil.
• A wind-down routine can greatly help with sleeplessness by engaging your other senses. It's best to plan your routine at the same time each evening to help your body establish a sleep pattern. Simple additions to your winddown routine can include switching off your phone an hour before you sleep,
as the light emitted from your device can keep your brain actively awake, along with the endless scrolling of news and content.
• When it comes to our sense of hearing, relaxation music with calming tempos and soothing mixes can be incredibly effective for addressing sleep issues. Unlike the upbeat and fastpaced music you might listen to before starting your day, hitting the gym, or tackling a difficult task, evening music should aim to calm and relax the senses.
• Identify the root cause of any concerns and put it in writing. Sometimes, insomnia is linked to underlying worries or preoccupations, so we recommend engaging in free-form journalling. Expressing your concerns can promote restful sleep by preventing your mind from being preoccupied with thoughts, plans, and to-do lists, which can keep you awake and hinder better sleep. Jotting down any concerns before bed can help you clear your mind and achieve a good night's sleep.
The Atlantic Hotel has partnered with wellness experts Spa Suites to offer a unique pop-up summer spa experience to hotel guests
The serene surroundings of Jersey’s Atlantic Hotel offer a perfect escape from the everyday, revitalising the mind and rebalancing the body. Deepen your connection with nature during an outdoor yoga experience guided by an experienced guide overlooking St Ouen’s Bay. Indulge in luxurious treatments, including muscle-melting massages, reflexology, and rejuvenating facials. Listen to the sound of birdsong and feel the soothing ocean breeze on your face while wandering through the ten acres of stunning hotel gardens, and feast your senses with the sweeping views of Jersey’s dramatic west coast.
The importance of solo travel
• Solo travel is a brilliant way to gain independence, and build confidence.
• It provides the opportunity to explore the world on your own terms, immerse yourself in new experiences, and meet new people.
• Solo travel encourages personal growth, self-discovery, and the ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations.
• It can be a liberating and empowering experience that allows you to learn more about yourself and the landscape around you.
• Experiencing the charm of Constable country and being surrounded by natural beauty allows you to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and find a sense of calm and clarity.
• The serene and picturesque surroundings improve your overall wellbeing, and by engaging in physical activity, your fitness too.
• Being surrounded by nature is great for mental relaxation and Talbooth House is ideally located for guests to enjoy a tranquil stroll by the River Stour to the charming village of Dedham.
Immerse yourself in a two-night wellness break at Talbooth House with breathtaking views across Dedham Vale, indulgent spa treatments, a private yoga session, and delectable dining at Talbooth Restaurant. Refresh your senses and leave feeling renewed.
How to integrate mindfulness into your daily life
• Start your day with meditation or mindfulness exercises. Take a moment to focus on your breath and set positive intentions for the day ahead.
• Check in with yourself by taking mindful breaks throughout the day. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
• Engage in mindful movement, whether it's yoga, walking, or simply stretching, incorporate mindful movement into your routine.
• Practise mindful eating by paying attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations of each bite of food.
• Practise gratitude by taking time to reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, writing them down or mentally acknowledging things you are grateful for.
Glenapp Castle's digital detox is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and nature in the stunning Scottish countryside, to leave your phone behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of the grounds. Holistic guides direct you to embrace mindfulness and the importance of meditating through outdoor activities, nature games, and bushcraft skills.
Judit Toomey Kovacs, Restaurant Manager of Fingal and self-confessed tea expert, shares her presleep ritual advice
• Drink a cup of caffeine-free chamomile tea before bed. It will prepare you for a restful night's sleep while also aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
• For a high-quality fresher taste, choose an ethically made, locally blended tea. Our tea of choice is pekoe tea, handcrafted and curated in Scotland.
• Drink one cup 45 minutes before going to sleep and brew the tea for three to five minutes.
• Make it part of your presleep ritual each night. This soothing ritual can also create a moment of mindfulness, allowing you to unwind and de-stress after a long day.
Immerse Yourself in the
With Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa
Find peace in nature at Armathwaite Hall while exploring the art of Shinrin-yoku
Discover the healing practice of forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku at Armathwaite Hall. This unique experience includes a leisurely guided walk through an archway of trees, group meditation sessions where there is no hierarchy or judgement, and engaging guided sensory explorations to connect more deeply with the outdoor world. By immersing yourself in the forest, you can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, boost your immune system, and improve your mood, creativity, and mental clarity. Forest bathing offers a valuable opportunity to disconnect from daily worries and renew your connection with nature, leaving each person open to new thoughts and prospects, while promoting a profound sense of calm and rejuvenation.
With The Headland, The AquaClub & Surf Sanctuary
The benefits of thalassotherapy by Dom Moore, founder of Surf Sanctuary, Newquay
What is thalassotherapy?
Thalassotherapy is a type of therapy that utilises seawater and sea products for various health and wellness treatments. It is based on the belief that the minerals and trace elements found in seawater can have beneficial effects on the body.
What does thalassotherapy involve?
There is more to thalassotherapy than simply slipping into the sea and letting the water do all the work. Take time to learn how the rhythm of the tides, the shifting patterns of weather, and the roll of the seasons affect the sea.
How else can you experience thalassotherapy and what are the wellness benefits?
You can enjoy sea-inspired relaxation out of the water with thalassotherapy treatments. Seawater wraps, massages, and inhalation of sea mist are used for relaxation, detoxification, and to improve skin and muscle tone.
Which spa treatment would you recommend for relaxation and thalasso healing?
The Ocean Essence Ritual is the The Headland Spa's unique signature treatment. The experience includes a back, neck and shoulder massage to sweep away muscle tension, aches, and pains, and a self-discovery facial to leave skin soft, supple, and glowing with health; concluding with a divine scalp massage. You will leave feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated, ready to embrace a renewed sense of vitality.
Rediscover your inner peace and leave feeling refreshed and inspired
There's perhaps no better way to discover the healing powers of water than to dive in the ocean during a two-night Water & Wellness break at The Headland. This special stay includes a spa treatment, a complimentary yoga session, full use of the award-winning Spa and AquaClub, and credits towards dinner at two of the hotel's restaurants.
Discover therapeutic techniques and restorative practices to enhance your mental resilience, including the benefits of cryotherapy, post-workout treatments and hydrotherapy
With the Three Graces Spa & ELITE Gym at Grantley Hall
The benefits of cryotherapy
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is an immersive cold-air experience lasting three minutes in a temperaturecontrolled chamber.
How does it work?
This specialist treatment works by exposing your entire body to temperatures below -85°C. Guests wear warm garments, such as a headband; and a mask to protect the ear, nose and mouth; gloves and socks (protecting the extremities). During this time, your skin temperature will rapidly drop, and your body’s fight-or-flight response kicks in. This process then triggers psychological reactions that can help
recover and reinvigorate, supporting the benefits of aiding sleep and skin health.
Who is it for?
Cryotherapy is popular amongst elite athletes and sportspeople, as it can help them to perform at the highest levels. However, cryotherapy can benefit anyone looking to improve their physical and mental performance.
How do you feel afterwards?
Immediately after the session, you may feel a slight tingling sensation and possibly an endorphin rush, as the blood rushes back to the surfaces. Still, within minutes you will feel relaxed, and muscular pain generally begins to lessen instantly.
Embrace the chill and let it invigorate your body, mind, and spirit. Sometimes, the coolest experiences lead to the greatest sense of wellbeing, and investing in your wellbeing will elevate your everyday.
Grantley Hall's Three Graces Spa is dedicated to helping you rebalance your wellbeing, state of mind, and body's unique needs. The ELITE Gym is a cutting-edge fitness and wellness facility that offers some of the most innovative services in the health and fitness industry. Guests can enjoy the multi-award-winning facilities and diverse range of treatments, as well as the latest stateof-the-art equipment and expertise of a highly qualified team of personal trainers.
With Hambleton Hall
Follow the fabulous cycle route around Rutland Water's 23 miles of traffic-free cycling along the peninsula. Here are a few of our favourite places along the way:
• Normanton Church: This stunning church with its picturesque setting is a perfect spot to take a break and soak in the scenic views of Rutland Water.
• Hambleton Bakery: Indulge in some freshly baked goods at the Hambleton Bakery. Treat yourself to their renowned artisan breads and delectable pastries to refuel for the rest of the journey.
• Sykes Lane: This is a great place to pause and take a stroll along the lakeshore. The beautiful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a breather.
• Barnsdale Gardens: Explore the charming Barnsdale Gardens, known for their beautiful floral displays and serene atmosphere. It's a lovely place to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Hambleton's location is ideally situated to enjoy the the Rutland Water trail, taking you through picturesque landscapes and peaceful surroundings. It's a lovely way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Rutland Water while enjoying a leisurely ride passing through lovely villages, woodland and enjoying spectacular views.
Lindsay Aubrey, an instructor specialising in cold-water immersions at Homewood Hotel & Spa, shares her top tips
• Focus on your breath: Before entering the cold water, practising deep and calm breathing helps to relax your body and mind. Controlled breathing can positively influence your nervous system and support your transition into the water.
• Gradual exposure: If possible, gradually expose yourself to the cold water instead of jumping in all at once. This can help your body adjust and minimise the initial ice-cold shock.
• Stay positive: Embrace the challenge and remind yourself that you are capable of overcoming discomfort. Celebrate your ability to do difficult things and appreciate the experience as an opportunity for personal growth.
• Elevate your cold-water immersion to a luxurious experience. At Homewood, retreat guests enjoy a night in a Spa Suite, a guided plunge and breath workshop, and complimentary access to all spa facilities, including a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room.
Enhance your Wellness Journey, and Improve your Performance Potential with Hydrotherapy and Post-Workout Treatments
With Park House Hotel & Spa
Unlock your recovery potential: achieving peak physical performance requires more than just rigorous training
• After an intense workout, your muscles need care to recover, grow stronger, and in some cases, repair.
• A massage can significantly improve recovery by enhancing blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients to cells, and boosting lymphatic circulation to remove excess fluids and toxins.
• Sauna and steam sessions help to warm and relax muscles, increase circulation, and facilitate the elimination of toxins.
• Scheduling a treatment as a reward for meeting your exercise goals can also serve as a powerful motivator.
• Hydrotherapy is a healer: strong water jets in a heated pool will massage the body and help to strengthen muscles through water resistance.
• Try our in-room service where a therapist prepares a bath with mineral-rich seaweed, reducing inflammation and replenishing minerals.
• Gentle activities like yoga, stretching, and swimming help stretch muscles, promoting recovery and flexibility.
Alternating Hot and Cold Therapies helps Oxygenate, Nourish and Detoxify the Body’s Cells, Promoting an Allover Sense of Deep Contentment
With Rockliffe Hall
• Start with warm tiled loungers in the tepidarium to relax with soothing music and twinkling lights.
• Wash away the day's worries in the chromotherapy shower, with a refreshing tropical monsoon followed by a cool rainforest mist.
• Experience the humidity-based tropicarium for a relaxing way to regulate blood pressure and quiet the mind.
• Invigorate your body with the circulationboosting igloo room and ice flakes.
• Enjoy a full body massage in the hydropool for effective convalescence.
• Take a refreshing swim in Rockliffe Hall's 20-meter pool with stunning stained-glass windows.
• Relax in the infrared sauna room for tension release and mood improvement.
• Cool down with another invigorating chromotherapy shower - let the bracing water run over your wrists and ankles to cool down or, if you are feeling brave, dare to go fullimmersion under the torrent of cold water.
• Recharge tired muscles in the therapeutic Roman sauna - make sure you drink plenty of water when you come out.
• For those brave enough, there is no quicker way to quickly cool down after your sauna than the outdoor drench shower: a bucket of bracing water tipped swiftly before you can change your mind.
• Finally, even on the freshest day, there is something so lovely about bathing outdoors. Whether there is a chill in the air or the sun is on your face, end your spa journey with a dip in the outdoor hot tub.
At some 50,000 square feet, the Spa at Rockliffe Hall has everything needed for total wellbeing, from the thermal suite comprising both hot and cold experiences to spa pools that enhance circulation and boost the immune system.
Release Endorphins, Improve your Health and Raise your Fitness with these Picturesque Jogging and Cycling Routes on the Doorstep of your London Home Away from Home
With The Hari
Beautiful jogging and cycling routes in Hyde Park, one of London’s greatest green spaces, suggested by Head Concierge and avid jogging enthusiast, Ben Malpass
• For a short yet scenic 5km from The Hari, take the route along the perimeter of Hyde Park, before cutting through West Carriage Drive, where you will be running north along the idyllic serpentine.
• For something a little longer, stick to the perimeter path of the Royal Park through Kensington Gardens. To bring this route up to 10km before returning to The Hari, add an extra loop around West Carriage Drive.
• Use the complimentary Hari bicycles and head to the 24hour health and fitness centre, where you can use a state-ofthe-art Peloton bike and take part in on-demand classes to make the most of every workout.
• The concierge team are also on hand to seamlessly arrange for a personal trainer to take your gym session to the next level, where they can design workouts tailored to the on-site facilities as friends of The Hari.
Providing a safe and nurturing environment for those who are medically frail, recovering from illness, or facing immunocompromised conditions to focus on their wellbeing
Carefully adapted spa therapies are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual at The Spa & Bath House. Therapists undergo extensive training to deliver personalised treatments, ensuring that each guest receives the highest level of care and attention. Together with the Amethyst Trust, The Spa & Bath House is dedicated to enhancing wellbeing, providing specially tailored TEMPLESPA treatments for guests who are physically fragile, recuperating from an ailment, or dealing with compromised immune systems such as those experiencing cancer. Emphasising the importance of wellness, their commitment to adapting treatments for guests with medical illnesses creates a nurturing environment that supports their overall wellbeing and aids in their journey to recovery. They believe that everyone deserves a warm and inviting space to focus on their wellness, and they are there to provide just that.
With The Spa & Bath House at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Explore the healing power of nature, celestial wellness and spiritual harmony with expert tips, ancient practices, and holistic treatments for inner peace and tranquility
Enjoy a Celestial Reset in West Sussex on a Full Moon & Fabulous Retreat
With Ockenden Manor
Helena Skoog, a wellness guide at Ockenden Manor, shares her knowledge and expertise of forest bathing
Forest bathing, drawing from the ancient Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, is a mindfulness practice where you immerse yourself in the natural world through your senses. Helena lives off-grid in the Sussex woods, leading a simple lifestyle that involves chopping wood and carrying water. This simplicity has enabled Helena to relax and contemplate in nature, devoting time to her meditation practices.
What does the experience of forest bathing entail?
It’s a calming practice. It relaxes the nervous system and the mind. It helps you slow down and become more present. It’s something that comes so naturally for us and it is a
very simple practice. Guests of the retreat often have transformative and profound experiences during forest bathing. Taking the time to reconnect can be a wellneeded emotional journey, and often gives people the kick-start they need. Guests come away saying they feel very different, as though it has opened up their minds and touched their souls.
How did you come to be a guide for forest bathing?
I grew up surrounded by the enchanting forests of Sweden, enjoying endless hours of play in the natural world. The forest become my sanctuary, a place where I can effortlessly find peace and reconnect with myself. Living in the ancient woodlands of Sussex feels like a homecoming to me - like completing a beautiful full circle in my life's journey.
“When in the the mindful practice of forest bathing or Shinrinyoku, there is nothing to achieve, no specific destination. It's simply about immersing yourself in the essence of the forest, taking the time to sit, observe, smell, touch, and listen.”
What role does the full moon play in the practice of forest bathing, and how does it enhance the overall experience?
Watching the night sky and ‘moon bathing’ is an ancient practice, deeply ingrained in our way of being. Embracing the moon cycle is a natural phenomenon, much like the trees in the forest. Our retreats during the full moon aim to expand our minds into the cosmos. I also offer a guided polestar meditation, as the full moon is a time to be receptive and to bring light and awareness into your being, fostering clarity and inspiration in your life.
What do you enjoy most about teaching Shinrin-yoku?
The positive feedback from our people on the retreat brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Retreat guests will often have transformative and profound enlightenment during forest bathing. Taking the time to reconnect can be an emotional journey. Guests say they feel different, as though the experience has opened their minds and touched their souls. Some describe the experience as a wave of peace washing over them, their daily thoughts fading. There is something very magical about being in the forest. It is full of life, energy and secrets. Guests will often experience better, deeper sleep afterwards, too.
Techniques to guide you through the practice of full-moon forest bathing
• Allow for some time to ‘land’ and invite yourself to let go of your troubles and fears before you step into the woods.
• Try to find practices you can incorporate and use on a regular basis. For example, Shinrin-yoku is a mindfulness practice, adaptable to anything we do in life; or try movement practices, such as yoga and qigong; and breathing exercises.
• Watch the night sky as you practise. The stars and ‘moon bathing’ is a practice as old as humanity, so a natural way of being for us.
• Expand your present mind out into the cosmos during the full moon. The moon cycle is a natural phenomenon and something as much a part of our natural world as the trees in the forest.
• Remember the five elements of earth. Nature consists of the earth, water, fire, air and space; our bodies are similarly composed. When we contemplate these elements, allowing our mind to slow down and settle, a sense of inner peace naturally arises from within.
• Be present and let your senses direct the experience, by moving from your thinking mind to your feeling body.
• Practice makes perfect and you don't have to start on your own. Some people like to go for a few sessions a year with a guide, as it can be helpful to have someone ‘holding the space’ for you.
Ockenden Manor Hotel’s Full Moon & Fabulous retreats are scheduled to take place during the full moon; a time when we are said to be more receptive and open to inspiration. Harnessing the power of nature, the five elements and the moon, this celestial-inspired two-night experience is led by Swedish yoga instructor Helena Skoog, and involves a combination of yoga and meditation sessions, forest bathing, i-sopod floatation, aromatherapy massage, seasonal food and more, as well as accommodation and use of the hotel’s award-winning spa.
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is Vital to our Inner Wellbeing
With Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa: treatments and products inspired by nature
Nourishing and nurturing treatments to support your wellbeing
• GAIA Crystal Therapy
The ultimate goal of crystal healing is to bring the whole body back to a state of pure unconditional love. This treatment is personalised for each individual, using crystals to discover which chakras are blocked and includes meditation, a full-body massage and a nurturing scalp massage. Aftercare, product advice, and a crystal prescription is then recommended to you by your therapist.
• GAIA Raindrop Therapy
Using pure essential oils, this healing technique combines a soothing massage with aromatherapy oils to bring total balance, harmony, and wellness mentally, physically and emotionally. Techniques are used throughout the massage to release toxins and stimulate the lymphatic system, boosting the immune system and bringing the body back to natural alignment.
• GAIA Total Holistic Ritual
A deeply therapeutic experience to release tension and stress, bringing the mind and body into harmonious balance. Using advanced Gaia and Lomi Lomi techniques, the body is exfoliated, followed by an application of nourishing Gaia mud. Once showered, a warm Gaia blend of your choice is poured onto the body for a muscle-easing massage.
• Mother GAIA Ritual
This beautifully gentle and relaxing experience is perfect for mums and mums-to-be. The treatment starts with a back exfoliation and a specifically designed massage that focuses on alleviating muscular aches in stressed areas. This is then followed by a healing massaging facial that will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and glowing. Gaia’s natural skincare products are softly massaged deep into the skin, using healing jade-crystal wands to stimulate both lymph drainage and blood flow, leaving your skin feeling firmer and younger.
With the Greenhouse Spa at The Elms
Jade is a healing stone, giving the feeling of balance and wellbeing. It can harmonise and balance the heart chakra, aiding both emotional and physical ailments
• Nestled in the heart of a botanical paradise, The Greenhouse spa is a sanctuary of tranquillity, designed to reduces aches and pains, reviving your mind, body, and spirit.
• The Worcestershire spa's signature Greenhouse Gaia treatment combines a deep-tissue massage for the back, neck and shoulders, enriched with myo-fascial release techniques and a rejuvenating jade facial.
• Gaia’s natural skincare products are softly massaged deep into the skin, using healing Jade crystal wands to stimulate both lymph drainage and blood flow, leaving your skin feeling firmer and younger.
• The healing stone relieves tension, reduces puffiness, contours and lifts and improves circulation, promoting the idea of self-love and gratification, resulting in a naturally glowing complexion. It also improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, which removes toxins from your body.
• In addition to soothing facials, massages, and beauty treatments, the Greenhouse Spa offers a state-of-the-art gym, an enchanting indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a calming sauna, serene botanical lounge area, and a luxurious tropical swimming pool.
With a 111SKIN Cryo Facial at Hartwell House & Spa
The Cryo machine used for this facial delivers controlled, precise cooling to the skin, delivering a soothing sensation that immediately begins to work its magic
• This cutting-edge facial reduces puffiness, tightens the skin, and creates a more sculpted appearance by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation.
• Cryotherapy enhances circulation, boosts collagen production, refines pores, and provides deep hydration and radiance to the skin. Encouraging collagen synthesis is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• By enhancing the skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients, the Cryo Facial ensures that the formulas from 111SKIN are deeply infused into the skin, resulting in intense hydration and a luminous, radiant glow.
Highly recommended by Bedford Lodge spa manager, Kate Lake, this treatment realigns the delicate balance between skin, body, and mind – and is only available at a limited number of spas in the UK. The exclusive 90-minute experience offers ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation within the serene and historically-rich backdrop of Newmarket's horseracing heritage. The Ritual draws inspiration from the energy of both the full moon and the new moon, starting with a cleansing footbathing ceremony using healing basalt magma stones and grounding crystals, accompanied by the soothing anointing oil. The treatment continues with the use of the kansa wand, an ancient Indian tool that creates a hypnotic rhythm, bringing peace of mind and releasing negative thoughts; and concludes with a purifying sage scent, leaving you feeling blissfully relaxed.
Leave your Skin Feeling Radiant, Soft and Smooth and Your Spirits Bright and Uplifted with a Unique Garden-Inspired Treatment With Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
Enhance your wellbeing with the Yorkshire Rose Garden Ritual and flower-infused essential oils
Designed by experts from Aromatherapy Associates, Middlethorpe's signature treatment draws inspiration from the scents of the hotel's award-winning gardens
• Precious essential oil of damask rose works on capillary circulation, renewing the skin, while the aroma has an expansive quality that soothes the emotions and nurtures the heart.
• The treatment begins with a gentle bodybrush exfoliation. A moisturising and softening mix of oil and cream with evening primrose oil and shea butter is smoothed over the body.
• This is followed by a luxurious facial that also harnesses the regenerative properties of rose to nourish, soften and hydrate all skin types, especially dry, delicate and finely textured complexions.
• Guests are encouraged to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens – an oasis of 20 acres of manicured gardens and parklandprior to or following their treatments, to take in its calming fragrances that include specimen roses, honeysuckle, lavender, peonies, irises and many more.
Bring back your radiance with this comforting, restorative treatment, inspired by the fragrances of Middlethorpe's historic Capability Brown–designed gardens. The Yorkshire Rose Garden Ritual uses blends of essential oils inspired by the fragrances of the Middlethorpe historic roses with paths lined with lavender, as well as white flowering plants.
Disconnect from technology, revel in the stillness, and partake in introspective activities to nurture your wellbeing
Exposure to greenery and the outdoors significantly reduces stress and improves mental wellbeing. The luxurious spa garden retreat at Ellenborough Park is an ideal setting for guests to embrace their natural surroundings while making use of the thermal facilities, including sauna, hot tub, private dining and lounge area. Practice mindfulness as you let the combination of water and the natural environment whisk you away to another world. An exclusive oasis of relaxation, this enchanting space situated in a historic Cotswold stone building is a place for guests to soak in the warmth of the hot tub and bask in the tranquillity of the surrounding nature. Unplug and unwind and allow yourself to fully decompress.
Seaweed fights aging skin, and with firming and hydration properties it is the perfect tonic to kick-start your wellness journey
• Seaweed contains hydrating polysaccharides that lock in moisture and improve skin hydration. Compounds in seaweed promote collagen production and elastin synthesis, firming the skin and maintaining plumpness, and it is also believed that seaweed can help the body fight off oxidative stress and reduce DNA damage caused by UVA radiation. Enjoy a facial, shoulder massage, and a sleepenhancing treatment using the beneficial properties of seaweed at The Vineyard Spa.
• Leave your skin feeling radiant and luminous with the Forte Face & Body Ritual signature treatment, which includes Sicilian oils that are rich in active ingredients to hydrate, detoxify, energise and relax. This heavenly treatment includes a relaxing foot soak, full-body scrub, invigorating massage, and luxurious facial, nourishing the skin from head to toe, ensuring profound relaxation.
If you have trouble sleeping, massage is a great way to encourage the release of serotonin, a precursor to the hormone melatonin that helps us to fall asleep. Massage can help you fall asleep easier and sleep deeper, allowing your natural circadian rhythms to return to normal.
Aim for at least 8 hours a night - you will feel refreshed and revitalised the next morning. If you can’t go for a massage regularly or late in the day, ask your massage therapist for some selfmassage tips that you or a partner can perform at home.
Unwind in nature's embrace with a romantic stay at Gilpin's stunning Spa Suites
Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of majestic mountains and serene woodlands. Gilpin's Spa Suites are seamlessly integrated with the picturesque surroundings, complete with a lavish sunken hot tub next to a spacious pond. On the other side, a luxurious circular stone bath, lush live plants, and an indulgent double walk-in shower create a spa-like sanctuary. At the far end of the suite is the dedicated spa room, providing a retreat within a retreat, featuring stateof-the-art amenities, such as a steam room, a sauna, an infrared bed, and a massage chair – all for your exclusive use at any time.
Guests staying in Gilpin's Spa Suites also have the opportunity to indulge in spa treatments within the suite, a level of pampering and privacy that is unmatched. In this peaceful haven, you can immerse yourself in Gilpin’s Body Ritual Experience, a tailored couples' treatment designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Feel the stresses of everyday life melt away as you experience a fullbody deep cleanse, exfoliation, body mask, and a soothing scalp-and-body massage using premium holistic aromatherapy oils. It's a truly transformative experience that encompasses luxury, comfort, and a deep connection with nature.
The importance of elevating romance and relaxation on a couples' spa retreat
• Reconnecting: Spending time on a spa retreat allows couples to focus on each other without the distractions of daily life.
• Relaxation: Spa retreats provide a peaceful and tranquil environment for couples to unwind, relax, and de-stress together.
• Quality time: It offers an opportunity for intimate conversations, shared experiences, and creating new memories, strengthening the bond between partners.
• Renewed romance: The romantic setting of a spa retreat can reignite passion and spark romance, enhancing the overall relationship.
• Wellness: Engaging in activities like couples' massages, hot tubs, and wellness treatments promotes the physical and emotional wellbeing of both partners.
Think of PoB Hotels as the key to our carefully curated collection of the very best independent hotels across the British Isles. You've opened the door to new experiences where a very warm welcome awaits... the handle • 2025 edition
Discover a new side of yourself in one of the world’s most-loved cities
our hotels in london
London is a city of endless charm, where culture and creativity thrive. Unlock the secrets, from hidden gems to iconic sights.
From London’s prestigious Mayfair to the heart of Knightsbridge, our boutique heritage hotels offer a warm welcome, where every street has a story waiting to be told.
“Arguably one of London’s best locations (and certainly its most verdant), at the west end of Piccadilly where Hyde Park and Green Park meet. It merits special plaudits for its artful balance of luxury and family-friendliness.”
FT How To Spend It
This Art-Deco beauty has been standing in the heart of Mayfair since 1850, but it hasn’t stood still. Step outside and you’re opposite Green Park, step in and you’re in the height of contemporary glamour.
Your place to stay, enjoy a drink and take in the cityscape in quiet retreat-like calm. It's reminiscent, though arguably quieter, than the Victorian gentleman’s club that this building once housed. Choose from a room, suite or your very own front door in the private traditional red-brick townhouse
residences, a Mayfair home from home. All at once sleek, glitzy, welcoming, comfortable and incredibly luxurious. A true icon.
Local inspiration: Just behind the hotel is Shepherd Market, a charismatic square that dates back to the 1700s and is now home to the finest wine bars, galleries and eateries.
Don’t forget: A camera for the panorama of London’s skyline from The View exclusive residents’ lounge. Closest airport: London Heathrow Closest rail station: Green Park
What’s known as a ‘grand hotel in miniature’, The Capital is a refuge of English elegance where, despite its central location, the bustle of London city feels miles away. As the door opens to the small but perfectly formed lobby, your Capital experience awaits. The concierge will guide you through to the cocktail bar for a well-deserved beverage, and with nothing more pressing to do, you can plan your trip’s itinerary while enjoying a first night’s meal in the restaurant. Despite being in the heart of London, the city's hustle is forgotten
as you’re cocooned in this timeless stalwart of a hotel
Local inspiration: Dedicated to the late Princess of Wales, the Diana Memorial Fountain is a peaceful spot on the banks of The Serpentine. Built using Cornish granite, the water cascades from the highest point of the fountain and follows a gently winding course down to a pool.
Don’t forget: Extra luggage to transport all of those Harrods shopping bags.
Closest airport: London Heathrow Closest rail station: Knightsbridge
22-24 Basil Street, Knightsbridge, SW3 1AT 0207 591 1200
The Hari Hotel London is the perfect place to stay for those seeking a luxurious and culturally rich experience. It is located in the heart of the picturesque neighbourhood of Belgravia. This area is renowned for its stunning Georgian stucco townhouses and Pont Street Dutch architecture, which will leave you in awe. The hotel is also conveniently located within walking distance of some of London's most famous landmarks, such as Hyde Park, Harrods, and the Saatchi Gallery. One of the highlights of The Hari is its neighbourhood Italian restaurant, Il Pampero,
“For a personable, well-connected London base tucked away in Belgravia – this feels like a secret hotel for romantic liaisons or a weekend break taking in a show or exhibition, shopping on Sloane Street then stretching out for an indulgent Sunday morning.” Conde Nast Traveller
which serves delicious homemade cuisine in an ambience that embodies Italian chic and vintage glamour
Local inspiration: John Sandoe Books - one of London's foremost and best-loved bookshops. John Sandoe's beautiful 18th-century premises are home to over 30,000 titles.
Don’t forget: A mooch around the historic garden squares. Most of Belgravia lies within a conservation area and is renowned for its architecture.
Closest airport: London Heathrow Closest rail station: Sloane Street
20 Chesham Place, London, London, SW1X 8HQ 0207 8580110
Since 1797, Maison Louis Latour has carried on the family tradition of excellence and expertise, with the finest wines of Bourgogne.
From quaint villages and stunning coastlines to ancient castles and modern marvels
our hotels in the south east
Embrace the spirit of the South East, where every day is a new adventure, and where nature and history blend seamlessly.
Choose to stay in a stately home with acres of tranquil English countryside, a charming beachfront cottage, or a beautiful boutique hotel in a historic market town - not to mention a hotel with its very own 30,000 bottle wine cellar! There is a hotel for everyone within our fabulous collection of unique properties in the South East.
Wellness
Unique medieval-style architecture, a spa that takes its inspiration from nature built in the style of a Sussex barn and 30 acres of beautiful parkland are just a few of the reasons to visit. Venture through the inner courtyard, discover the underground passageway, or while away the day in the award-winning spa. Take your time over the Sussex-sourced seasonal menus before retiring to one of the sumptuous bedrooms, some with four-poster beds, some with roll-top baths, others with open fires, all packed with character.
“I spent the final hours of my stay exploring the grounds, the moat walk and wild meadows. Even on a glorious day these corners of the hotel are quieter than the spa and perfect for reading, enjoying a picnic or sitting in silence among the lavender and cornflowers.” The Sunday Telegraph
And most importantly, expect a welcome as warm as the open fires that cheer this special place.
Local inspiration: Just a six-minute walk from the hotel, Climping Beach is a pebble beach with a series of ancient wooden groynes, a lovely spot for a blast of fresh air or to dip your toe in English waters. Don’t forget: Walking shoes to head out and explore Sussex. Take time to explore Petworth and Arundel's antique shops.
Closest airport: London Gatwick Closest rail station: Littlehampton
Climping Street, Climping, Nr. Arundel, Sussex, BN17 5RW 0190 372 3511
Visit for: THE AWARD-WINNING SPA | Style: CLASSICALLY ELEGANT
Wellness tip: BATHE UNDER THE STARS IN THE ROOFTOP HOT TUB
Nestled within three acres of pristine, landscaped gardens and steeped in rich, vibrant history, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa offers a truly unique experience. Located next to the world's most renowned horseracing stables and paddocks, Newmarket’s highest-rated hotel is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. It beautifully combines the charm and character of a country house with the luxury and modernity of a contemporary hotel. Within the hotel's grounds lies The Spa at Bedford
“This striking Georgian property is a popular choice for racegoers thanks to its location – just a 10-minute walk from the famous Newmarket Training Grounds. The spa is the hotel’s crowning glory.” Sunday Express Magazine
Lodge Hotel, one of Suffolk’s premier destination spas, featuring a sunlit hydrotherapy pool and a rooftop hot tub with stunning views of the nearby horseracing stables.
Local inspiration: Located on Charles II's former sporting palace and stables, the National Horse Racing Museum is a must-visit for horse racing enthusiasts and admirers of exceptional art.
Don’t forget: To book a race day.
Closest airport: London Stansted Closest rail station: Newmarket
Bury Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7BX 0163 866 3175
From the carved fireplaces to the ornate ceilings, this Sussex country manor has so much history to be told – step outside, and you’ll find 1,000 acres of surrounding countryside.
It's a manor house and garden that feel perfectly at one, where beautiful grounds envelop the house. Where freshly grown produce from the kitchen garden becomes part of every meal in the hotel's Michelin-star restaurant. A place of timeless tranquillity in the Sussex countryside, where a calm and warm atmosphere brings the perfect
“Gravetye has a lovely, relaxing family feel to it, like you’re staying in someone’s private country manor house. Head Chef, George Blogg serves up a sensational Modern British menu that secured a Michelin Star for the restaurant.” FORBES.COM
relaxation. Where spirits are lifted and stresses left behind. Where the enthusiasm and passion of the staff shine bright
Local inspiration: Five minutes from Gravetye, the Ardingly Antiques Fair happens on two consecutive days, four times a year – a must for those looking to snap up some beautiful antiques and vintage goods.
Don’t forget: A plant identification book or app to explore the fabled flower garden. Closest airport: London Gatwick Closest rail station: East Grinstead
Vowels Lane, West Hoathly, Sussex, RH19 4LJ 0134 281 0567
Michelin Star
Hartwell House stands proudly in the Vale of Aylesbury, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Part Jacobean and part Georgian, this mansion is both certain of its past and confident of its present.
Now part of the National Trust and once the residence in exile of Louis XVIII of France, it continues to offer hospitable magnificence.
The public rooms display fine architecture, grand fireplaces, furniture and art from its splendid history. In the spa, float in the pool of this
“A guest at Hartwell House is following in the footsteps of centuries of guests. As we approach for our stay, it’s easy to see why: there’s a real sense of timeless comfort and tranquillity here.” National Trust Magazine
Regency-style oasis. The bedrooms, some named after famous historic residents, continue the theme without disappointment.
Local inspiration: Visit more of the nation’s heritage at The Rothschild Treasure House Waddesdon, Stowe mansion and landscape garden, and the former residence of Prime Minister Disraeli at Hughenden. Don’t forget: To count the folly buildings and statues in the park.
Closest airport: London Heathrow Closest rail station: Haddenham & Thame Parkway
Oxford Road, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR 0129 674 7444
Visit for: SUSSEX VINEYARDS & COUNTRYSIDE | Style: ELEGANT & FULL OF CHARACTER
Wellness tip: CONNECT WITH NATURE & EMBRACE ITS NATURAL WONDERS
Surrounded by nine acres of gardens, Ockenden Manor is an Elizabethan house with an outstanding spa, an award-winning restaurant, and uninterrupted views of Cuckfield Park. Immerse yourself in this elegant manor house's Elizabethan glamour of oak-panelled rooms and intricately stained-glass windows. Indulge in delicious dining and breathe in the history. Nestled inside the walls of a 19th-century walled garden awaits a 21st-century architect’s dream. The spa is fed by the hotel’s underground natural
“In less than an hour, visitors can escape the stresses of London and reach the tranquil grounds of this manor house set in nine acres of gardens. The hotel is well respected for its excellent spa facilities.” Evening Standard
spring. The clean, modern lines of the beautifully contemporary, airy design are in stunning contrast with the surrounding Sussex countryside.
Local inspiration: Just a short walk from the hotel is New England Wood, a 25-acre broadleaf woodland and stream that flows through the trees.
Don’t forget: Your walking shoes to stroll through the countryside and arrive amid the vines of a Sussex vineyard.
Closest airport: London Gatwick Closest rail station: Haywards Heath
Ockenden Lane, Cuckfield, Sussex, RH17 5LD 0144 441 6111
From the homely bedrooms to the soothing spa, Park House is where contemporary interiors combine classic and modern British design. Take your time to discover the manifold details that have earned Park House’s spa its many awards.
A welcome as warm as the waters of the heated outdoor pool awaits. A mother-of-pearl tiled indoor pool beckons, siren-like in its pearlescent allure. You, the guest, are the most important person here and you’ll know that too. Climb the stairs, stop a while to take in the wealth of family history that
“What a gem - it felt a bit like being in an Agatha Christie novel. Enveloped in the soft grooves of the South Downs National Park, it’s an inviting haven for those seeking a relaxing getaway.” The Week Online
lines the walls, and make yourself at home in one of the 23 luxury bedrooms. French toile, chaise longues and views of the Sussex countryside await
Local inspiration: St Mary’s Church, built on the site of an old Saxon timber church mentioned in the Domesday Book, constructed between 1180 and 1185.
Don’t forget: Your racket to play on one of the championship-standard grass tennis courts. Closest airport: London Gatwick Closest rail station: Haslemere
Bepton, Nr Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0JB 0173 081 9000
Visit for: WARM HOSPITALITY | Style: GEORGIAN WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST
Wellness tip: HEAD TO THE CLUB AT COTTONMILL SPA FOR GARDENS & WHISPER
Hidden among 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside in St Albans, Sopwell House is a luxury hotel and spa where classic Georgian splendour and the warmth of a family-run business combine.
Modernist architectural features are set among ancient avenues of trees. Colossal oaks, poplar and beech trees stand sentinel; they could tell tales of Anne Boleyn’s stay at Sopwell or the engagement evening of HRH Duke of Edinburgh’s parents. Sophistication is in every detail, combined
“This grand Hertfordshire-based hotel has taken the quest for exclusivity quite seriously with the relaunch of its wellness facilities into a sprawling spa, comprising Cottonmill and the even more exclusive, The Club at Cottonmill.” Wallpaper Magazine
with the personal touch and warmth of a small family-run hotel
Local inspiration: In St Albans, you’ll find Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – a must-visit for those who enjoy an ale and a bit of unique history. The building you see today dates back to the 11th century, but there’s been a pub on this site for over 1,200 years, making it the oldest pub in England. Don’t forget: Your swimwear for the outstanding spa. Closest airport: London Luton Closest rail station: St Albans
Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2HQ 0172 786 4477
Wellness tip: WILD SWIMMING - WHERE A LOVE FOR NATURE MEETS THE THRILL OF ADVENTURE
From the riverside 3 AA Rosettes restaurant and ultra-relaxing spa to the beautifully decorated rooms and iconic history woven throughout, each area here is as individual as Talbooth House itself. Step in through the front door of this prestigious Victorian country house and cast your gaze out from the terrace, across the lawns and tennis court, to ‘Constable’s Country’. Dine in the riverside Talbooth Restaurant, book some ‘me-time’ in the spa, or plunge into the outdoor pool and hot tub. Don a robe and curl up
“More like a private home than a hotel, the 12 bedroom Talbooth House suits those who want a proper country escape. It’s deep in Dedham Vale, think sherbet-coloured cottages and strolls along the river Stour. There is a new Spa inside a walled garden and equally appealing is the highly acclaimed Talbooth Restaurant.” The Sunday Times - Best Places To Stay 2023
afterwards on a sofa in the pool house with the crackle of the open log fire for company Local inspiration: Enjoy a 50-minute walk along the river Stour, and discover Flatford Mill. This mill offers beautiful views, so it’s no surprise the redbrick Grade-I-listed building appeared in a number of John Constable’s paintings. Don’t forget: To bring your swimwear to enjoy the outdoor pool heated year round. Closest airport: London Stansted Closest rail station: Colchester
Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6HN 0120 632 2795
Visit for: A TRANQUIL NEW FOREST GETAWAY | Style: TIMELESS COUNTRY ELEGANCE
Wellness tip: FRESH COUNTRY AIR & SCENIC TRAILS OF THE NEW FOREST
Nestled amidst the ancient woodlands of the New Forest, the Montagu Arms stands as a captivating country house hotel in the heart of the national park. Indulge in forestto-fork dining at the hotel’s prestigious three AA Rosette Terrace Restaurant, where culinary delights made from locally sourced produce include fresh ingredients from the extensive kitchen garden. Set in the classic riverside setting amidst meticulously tended gardens teeming with vibrant flora and birdsong, the hotel offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation, with soothing views
“This smart hotel in the centre of the charming village of Beaulieu makes a sophisticated and relaxing place to stay while exploring the New Forest, with the benefit of excellent food and a timeless atmosphere, with bedrooms that will appeal to young and old and both formal and informal dining.”
The Telegraph
overlooking the lush gardens or the serene expanse of the river. Keep an eye out for the free-roaming deer and gentle ponies, adding a touch of natural wonder to your breakfast experience.
Local inspiration: Located close to the hotel, the world-renowned Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Palace House make for a lovely day out discovering the history of motoring.
Don’t forget: Your walking boots to explore the National Park.
Closest airport: Southampton Closest rail station: Brockenhurst
Palace Lane, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7ZL 0159 062 4467
The Double Cask Collection is a complex sensorial journey. Beautifully balanced by European and American Oak, sherry seasoned in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.
Wellness tip: UNWIND BY THE RIVER & LET ITS GENTLE FLOW WASH AWAY YOUR WORRIES
Located in the historic market town of Henleyon-Thames, by the banks of the Thames, The Relais Henley is where riverside views, rich history and classically British hospitality combine. Stay, play, work, explore and enjoy the easy familiarity of spending time in one of the 40 chic and elegant rooms at The Relais Henley, inspired by the liveliness of the river as it flows through the surrounding English countryside. Enjoy centuries of stories, and write new ones as you discover dining at the award-winning Restaurant Dominic Chapman,
“This gorgeous property is perfectly located in the middle of Henley with river views in many of the rooms. This 16th-century coaching inn now reimagined is modern and elegant with thick lush carpets and charming service. The attention to detail throughout the design is really impressive.” Luxuriate Life
artisan deli picnics, catching up at the Palm Court and Quarterdeck Bar and living like a local for the Henley Royal Regatta and Rewind Festival.
Local inspiration: In all seasons, the riverbank is where life goes on in Henley. You will be drawn by the appeal of romantic boat trips and inviting places to roll out a rug with a good book and a picnic.
Don’t forget: Some comfy shoes for days boating or strolls along the river.
Closest airport: London Heathrow Closest rail station: Henley-on-Thames
Hart St, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AR 0149 152 3288
Wellness
Wind your way down charming streets of crooked medieval houses and fascinating architecture, and discover the enchanting 15th-century Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa, nestled among 300 listed buildings. As you step inside through the grand oak door, you'll be greeted by the timeless allure of exposed beams, heritage brickwork, and cosy lounges with roaring fires. This maze-like building is full of surprises, making it easy to lose yourself in its historic charm. Expect an indulgent experience with The Swan's range of menus, including delightful afternoon tea, two remarkable restaurants, a
“Made up of three restored Tudor houses and the Wool Hall, set around courtyard gardens, The Swan at Lavenham has traditional bedrooms (some with four posters), Airmen’s Bar and a great spa.” Luxuriate Life
beautiful secret garden, and a historic bar, and be sure to pamper yourself with an array of dreamy treatments at the Weavers’ House Spa.
Local inspiration: The Crooked House on the High Street is one of the most photographed buildings in Lavenham; visitors can spend hours exploring the streets of this picture-perfect village with its collection of colourful timber-framed cottages, tearooms and more.
Don’t forget: Your four-legged friends – dogs are very welcome.
Closest airport: London Stansted Closest rail station: Sudbury
High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10 9QA 0178 724 7477
Step through the front doors of this elegant hotel, and you’ll be greeted by a floor-toceiling glass vault full of remarkable wines, an award-winning spa, and unmissable dining experiences.
Look down to see 5,000 bottles of wine underfoot – a mere sample of the 30,000 bottle collection. Now that’s a cellar to write about. Many do, and a great many more discover memorable wines they never would have, had they not had the pleasure of tasting them at The Vineyard: 'a temple to Californian wine’ with 3,000 bins and 50 wines by the glass on offer. That it’s considered to be one of
“Britain’s best wine hotel will appeal to less ‘mature’, millennial plonk drinkers as well as more ‘vintage’ oenophiles. Don’t miss the tasting menu with paired wines.” Telegraph Online
the best wine hotels outside of London will come as no surprise. Expect fine dining to match fine wines. Local inspiration: Ten minutes away is Highclere Castle, one of England’s most beautiful Victorian castles, set amid 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. Famed the world over as the filming location of the period drama Downton Abbey, it makes for a great day out.
Don’t forget: An open mind for wine – whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice, they’ll help you find your perfect match.
Closest airport: London Heathrow Closest rail station: Newbury
Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8JU 0163 552 8770
Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, this part of the country has it all
From the world-class beaches to the magnificent monoliths of Stonehenge, the South West is sure to captivate anyone with its history, charm and beauty. Indulge in the quintessential Cornish tradition of a cream tea, perfect your aim at clay pigeon shooting, or soar high in a hot-air balloon. Our exquisite collection of hotels in this region not only feature luxurious spas and Michelin-starred dining, but also promise unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime.
for:
Wellness tip: SWIM TO THE OUTSIDE TERRACE & FIND TRANQUILITY UNDER THE OPEN SKY
Wake to the sounds and sights of the Devonshire countryside at this beautiful ‘enchanted place on the hill,’ leaving your stresses and strains at the door. With plenty of stories to tell, guests can discover the many nooks and crannies, dine in the hotel’s MICHELIN-starred restaurant Àclèaf, led by Head Chef Scott Paton, and relax in the award-winning Gaia Spa offering nourishing Gaia treatments, indoor and hydrotherapy pools, and five heat experiences. There are a range of rooms to rest your head, from
“With a multi-million, state-of-the-art spa, this Elizabethan manor house near Plymouth in west Devon offers pampering-a-plenty in a perfectly preserved historic setting. The food, service and facilities are first-class, and it’s excellent value for money. The ‘secret’ cocktail bar and brasserie are excellent additions.” The Telegraph
luxury wellness suites to four-poster dwellings, complete with period furnishings
Local inspiration: The hotel is located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park with hundreds of square miles of stunning landscape, rushing rivers, ancient ruins, and diverse wildlife to explore.
Don’t forget: To allow time for a captivating guided hotel tour – Boringdon has a history stemming back to the Domesday Book.
Closest airport: Exeter
Closest rail station: Plymouth
Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 4DP
01752 344 455
Michelin Star for Àclèaf Restaurant
Visit for: A TIMELESS EXPERIENCE | Style: UNIQUE BUT CLASSICALLY BRITISH
Wellness tip: EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS FOR ADVENTURE: THE BENEFITS ARE BOUNDLESS
Nestled in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a timeless hotel, spa and golf course that’s both beautifully British and full of history. Take in the unrivalled views of Dartmoor National Park, and dine in the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette awarded Great Western Grill or Smith’s Brasserie. Try your hand at one of the many activities, from archery and air rifles to 4WD off-road driving, plus don’t miss the complimentary falconry displays on the south terrace. Journey into the deer park; these glades, meadows and woodland trails are home to over 175 fallow deer. The Art Deco pool and the Elan
“Baronial Bovey has low-key luxury nailed. Muddy boots are welcome in this stately pile which boasts stone fireplaces, mullioned windows, elegant staircases and plush bedrooms. The hotel restaurant is a capacious art deco affair.”
The Observer Magazine
Spa await indoors. Run a hand along the woodpanelled walls, and imagine the scenes this castle has seen. Effortlessly elegant, from the period print wall coverings to the vaulted ceilings, intricate stonemasonry and palatial fireplaces, this is a special place indeed…
Local inspiration: Becky Falls is a beautiful place full of ancient forestry and boulders, swirling pools, smaller falls, and Devon’s amazing wildlife.
Don’t forget: Your walking boots to explore the 275-acre resort.
Closest airport: Exeter Closest rail station: Exeter
North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, TQ13 8RE 0164 744 5000
Visit for: CREATURE COMFORTS | Style: ECLECTICALLY LUXURIOUS
Wellness tip: PLUNGE INTO A REJUVENATING ICE BATH
Located in the rolling hills of Somerset, just a short drive from the historic city of Bath, Homewood beckons as an idyllic haven for ultimate relaxation and indulgence. Immerse yourself in the serene spa experience, where you can bask in breathtaking countryside views from the hot tub or unwind in the heated outdoor and hydrotherapy pools.
Choose from a selection of elegantly designed rooms and suites in the main house or retreat to the charming Mallingford Mews, each offering a perfect blend of playfulness and refinement,
“A stylish country-house hotel near Bath, decorated throughout with playful and eye-catching art and features. The best bedrooms have private hot tubs on outdoor terraces, the first-rate food champions home-grown and local produce, and the well-equipped spa has an outdoor swimming pool heated year round.” The Telegraph
some with private hot tubs and ice plunge baths. Indulge in a journey of culinary delights at the Mediterranean-inspired OLIO Restaurant, step outside to the terrace or be enchanted by the Dining Domes.
Local inspiration: The quaint local village of Freshford is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, offering cosy pubs, picturesque walks and the nostalgia of a classic British countryside village. Don’t forget: Your swimming costume for the spa. Closest airport: Bristol Closest rail station: Bath Spa
Abbey Lane, Freshford, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7TB 0122 558 0439
Visit for: BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE ATLANTIC | Style: TIMELESS CHARM & LUXURY
Wellness tip: SOOTHE YOUR SOUL WITH THE HEALING POWER OF THE SEA
Renowned and stunning architecture, a multi-award-winning spa, and unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean are just a few reasons to discover The Headland Hotel. There's a wide sandy beach beneath, so if being close to the sea is good for the soul, staying here is life-affirming. Perched on the magnificent headland overlooking Fistral Bay, this Victorian gem is one of the most renowned hotels in Cornwall. This five-star hotel exudes grandeur and is a genuinely friendly family-run establishment situated in a world-class
“To stay at The Headland Hotel is to be trapped between two glorious ages. The early twentieth century and the twenty-first century (think Downton Abbey with Wi-Fi), the hotel being both modern and timeless.” Cornwall Life
location. Experience the soothing spa and some of the best food in Cornwall.
Local inspiration: Visit Little Fistral Beach, a hidden secret when visiting Newquay and a short walk from the hotel. It is a treasure trove for for collecting mermaid sea glass and watching golden sunsets as the sun sinks into the horizon.
Don’t forget: Your swimwear, it's time for the sea, sun and sand.
Closest airport: Newquay Closest rail station: Newquay
Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EW 0163 787 2211
Wellness tip: LET THE SEA'S ENDLESS HORIZON REMIND YOU OF LIFE'S BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Here, you’ll find handpicked antiques and traditional interiors fringed by palm trees and uninterrupted views of Carne Beach and the South Cornwall Coast. The Nare is where Cornish charm meets subtropical beauty.
A family-owned hotel for over 30 years, The Nare Hotel is an English country house in a rural, secluded, little-known spot in Cornwall.
It's elegantly comfortable, with carefully chosen antiques, roaring fires, and exquisite British cuisine served alongside uninterrupted views of Gerrans Bay and the Roseland Peninsula. Explore hidden
“Guests are enveloped in kindness, and their grandchildren, children and dogs are all equally welcome.”
The Sunday Telegraph
coves along the Fal and Helford rivers in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty aboard Alice Rose, the hotel’s traditional 'gentleman's motor launch’ or claim the quiet beach as your own.
Local inspiration: Along with adjoining Pendower Beach, Carne is probably the best in the area, with its generous stretch of golden sand. Being a little off the beaten track, it never really gets busy.
Don’t forget: Your four-legged companion – they'll fall in love with Carne Beach too.
Closest airport: Newquay Closest rail station: Truro
Carne Beach, Veryan, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5PF 0187 250 1111
Wellness tip: FIND BALANCE THROUGH MEDITATION, MOVEMENT & YOGA ON THE GREEN
Set on the banks of the River Frome in Wareham, this special Grade-II-listed hotel has history, quirk and charm in every inglenook and corner.
You could spend your whole visit exploring the building’s fascinating history and the four acres of English cottage garden; many do, making another visit to take in the exceptional location a necessity.
Once a monastery, The Priory is still a haven for peace and tranquillity – but with much better food
“The Priory’s location is superb and guests sip Champagne on a sun-soaked lawn during the afternoon.” Telegraph Online
and spectacularly comfortable beds.
Local inspiration: Exploring Poole Harbour by boat, with Studland Bay, Brownsea Island, Arne and Sandbanks, all to be explored, whatever the season.
Don’t forget: Your paddleboard or kayak for a trip down the River Frome.
Closest airport: Southampton
Closest rail station: Wareham
Church Green, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4ND 0192 955 1666
Visit for: THE HERITAGE LOCATION | Style: CLASSIC WITH MODERN ELEGANCE
Wellness tip: YOU’RE IN THE REALM OF THE ROMAN BATHS — IMMERSE YOURSELF
You’ll find the award-winning The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa among the listed buildings within this celebrated, sweeping street. From the neoclassic architecture to the warm service, the heritage of this place is evident. The curve, the uniformity, the columns, the sheer magnificence and scale.
This is one of Britain’s most famous streets. Stop and admire the floor-to-ceiling views, enjoy the healing power of nature in the tranquil haven of the glorious one-acre gardens, and indulge in the delicious flavours of the la carte dining and
“The hotel’s reception of flagstones and fireplaces is an instant invitation to begin to unwind and take on the slower pace of a country-style weekend, albeit with the diversions of a city on the doorstep.” FT.com
tasting menus in Montagu’s Mews cocktail bar and restaurant.
While away an afternoon beside the drawing room fire, and let your worries dissolve in the spa. Local inspiration: Brimming with elegance and history, The Palladian Bridge in Prior Park is a mustsee piece of architecture. This 18th-century bridge is so eye-catching that it has been featured in many well-known films.
Don’t forget: Swimwear to indulge in the spa. Closest airport: Bristol Closest rail station: Bath Spa
16 Royal Crescent, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2LS 0122 582 3333
Wellness tip:
Thurlestone Hotel is a truly luxurious escape, from the terraces overlooking the sea to the fine-dining restaurant and the spa. It's been run by the Grose family for over 125 years, and their hospitality is second to none.
The hotel, set in semitropical gardens, has magnificent views of the wild South Devon coastline, an ever-changing picture. Its proximity to the sea, authentic charm, and nods to an Art-Deco era give it an ambience that can't be manufactured. Its location is ideal for both familyfriendly getaways and romantic escapes, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, adding to its
“The food in the evening in the stylish restaurant was exquisite, as was breakfast; everything from smashed avocado to smoked salmon and, of course, a full English.”
Little London
sense of heritage. Thurlestone caters for special occasions and social gatherings of all sizes. Its reputation as a distinguished hotel in this part of the country is well-earned.
Local inspiration: Guests of the hotel can play at Thurlestone Golf Club, a Harry Colt-designed course with a mix of links and clifftop terrain. Guests can also dine in the 16th-century The Village Inn pub that is managed by the hotel.
Don’t forget: A good book to read while relaxing in the gardens or on the balconies.
Closest airport: Exeter Closest rail station: Totnes
Thurlestone Hotel, Thurlestone, near Salcombe, Devon, TQ7 3NN 0154 856 0382
Experience a unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders
our hotels in the channel islands
163 The Atlantic Hotel Jersey
Discover a tranquil paradise where you can unwind and indulge amid the unspoiled natural beauty.
There’s something magical about staying by the coast and taking the sea air. In the Channel Islands, you’ll find plenty of places where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves. Make your trip extra special and memorable by staying at our exclusive, privately owned Jersey hotel, a sanctuary for magical moments and authentic island-hopping adventures.
Visit for: BREATHTAKING OCEAN VIEWS | Style: ISLAND CHIC Wellness tip: EMBRACE THE TRANQUIL ISLAND LIFE & FEEL THE SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES
Situated in Jersey in the Channel Islands, The Atlantic Hotel is where indulgent rooms, incredible ocean views and awardwinning dining perfectly combine to create an island escape like no other.
In longstanding family ownership and recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, this world-class hotel is set in extensive grounds adjoining La Moye golf course and enjoys dramatic views over St Ouen’s Bay – a conservation area of outstanding wild beauty. The combination of timeless elegance
“The Atlantic now speaks… of Art Deco and ocean liners, with sophisticated all white reception rooms that are stylish, yet timeless, complemented by beautifully mannered staff who provide the traditional element in a hotel that stays fresh, but refuses to follow fashion.” The Telegraph
and secluded location makes The Atlantic Hotel one of the best hotels in Jersey and the perfect Channel Islands hideaway on an island rich in culture, heritage and natural beauty.
Local inspiration: Arguably one of Jersey’s most beautiful beaches, Plémont Bay is a sandy cove on the north-west tip of the island with rock pools, sea caves, and even a freshwater waterfall.
Don’t forget: Walking boots for the coastal paths and country lanes.
Closest airport: Jersey
Le Mont de la Pulente, St Brelade, Jersey, JE3 8HE 0153 474 4101
Immerse yourself in the beauty, culture and diversity
Central England is renowned for its rich and captivating mix of historical significance, cultural heritage, and natural splendour. It encompasses thriving market towns and lively cities, as well as grandiose estates and fortresses, all framed by vast stretches of breathtaking countryside.
Whether you are looking to explore, watch a captivating open-air theatre performance, or simply relax in luxurious surroundings, let our hotels be your gateway to Central England’s impressive history, heritage and nature.
EVERY
Perched on its own peninsula at Rutland Water, Hambleton Hall is a classic country house that’s renowned for three things: elegant bedrooms, Michelin-starred cuisine, and warm British hospitality.
Lovingly curated antiques blend with opulent furnishings to produce an elegant, comfortable bolthole two and a half hours from London. South-facing gardens and the parterre provide year-round pleasure; wander down and enjoy the sight of geese, ducks, kingfishers and, if luck is
“You’ll find roaring fires, huge armchairs and wood panelling - and the restaurant has the longest-retained Michelin Star in the UK.” National Geographic Traveller UK
with you, an osprey. Indoors, the house is warmed by open fires all through winter. A very special stay awaits.
Local inspiration: A visit to Hambleton Bakery Café and Shop at Exton is a must. It's a short but beautiful drive from the hotel to rediscover the taste of traditional breads, savouries and cakes.
Don’t forget: Binoculars – bird-watching at Rutland Water is a must.
Closest airport: East Midlands Closest rail station: Oakham
Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8TH 0157 275 6991
Michelin Star
Wellness tip: THEATRE HAS THE POWER TO UPLIFT THE SOUL & TRANSPORT US TO NEW REALMS
This Victorian manor is teeming with timeless elegance, but outside, you’ll find things are much more relaxed. A Grade-II-listed former family home, Kilworth House Hotel is no ordinary destination. Historic elegance, exquisite bedrooms and stunning restaurants make this period house a rare gem where you can relax in the hotel’s opulent but relaxed and timeless design with contemporary ideals of luxury. Plus, Kilworth House is known as the only hotel with an outdoor theatre, set in a woodland glade beside a lake, where you can sit back and enjoy a show of West
“Kilworth House is a total delight, perhaps the best-kept secret in British theatre. The hotel, a Grade II-listed 19thcentury country house, looks fit for visiting royalty. The theatre, tucked away in a secluded area of woodland, is a stylish triumph.” The Daily Telegraph
End standard. Encore!
Local inspiration: Under an hour from the hotel is Stratford-upon-Avon, a town synonymous with William Shakespeare. A market town with more than 800 years of history, it contains not only many buildings that would have been familiar to Shakespeare that still survive today, but also a thriving community, offering a wide variety of leisure and shopping experiences.
Don’t forget: To book a theatre show when you visit. Closest airport: East Midlands Closest rail station: Market Harborough
North Kilworth, Leicestershire, LE17 6JE 0185 888 0058
Wellness tip: BOTANICAL LOUNGE & A TROPICAL POOL IN THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE
Small but mighty. Stylish but never stuffy. Homely yet full of the unexpected. A boutique manor escape set in the picturesque Worcestershire countryside, The Elms Hotel & Spa offers a botanical-themed spa, award-winning dining and individually designed bedrooms, where charm and indulgence await. Truly living up to its name, The Greenhouse Spa at The Elms is an oasis perfect for relaxing poolside, indulging in a treatment, and prioritising yourself. It's home to tropical swimming, botanical lounge areas, and hydrotherapy designed to calm the mind
“A grand Grade II listed Queen Anne country house with plenty of character but very little pretension, this warm, welcoming hotel is surrounded by Worcestershire’s beautiful yet often underrated countryside.” The Telegraph
and body in harmony with nature.
Local inspiration: Shelsley Walsh, a 10-minute drive from The Elms, is the oldest motorsports venue in the world still to run events on the original course. Along with the Shelsley Walsh speed hill climbs, they feature something for every motorsports and motoring enthusiast, including classic car tours, car club events, breakfast clubs, and driving schools. Don’t forget: Swimwear for the spa, and comfortable shoes for the glorious walks. Closest airport: Birmingham Closest rail station: Worcester
Stockton Road, Abberley, Worcestershire, WR6 6AT 01299 896 666
Step back in time and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life
If you yearn for a place where you can unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and savour the beauty of rural England, then the Cotswolds is the perfect destination for you.
Explore a region steeped in history during a stay at one of our Cotswold hotels. Each has its own idyllic spot within this quintessentially English landscape, featuring stunning stone-washed buildings, rolling hills, and charming villages for a peaceful and picturesque getaway.
Wellness tip: FULL-SPECTRUM WELLNESS THROUGH REWILDING, THE GRAIN STORE & A VISIT TO THE SPA
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds and amid acres of beautiful meadowland, Calcot & Spa is a characterful hotel with an awardwinning spa. Step through the stone-arched doorway: contemporary country living is the order of the day. Take in the impeccably designed spaces that depict modern rustic chic, with pale wood, esteemed Scandi design, exposed stonework, heavy linen and warm tones.
It is made easy for you to keep up with your fitness routine with a state-of-the-art gym and holistic studios flooded with natural light for mindful classes, plus delicious dining experiences in either The Brasserie or stylish café lounge, The Hive.
“This hotel pulls out all the stops to let families in on the fun. Adults-only time is possible thanks to a brilliant kids’ club where four hours’ childcare a day are included, so you can hop to the spa or bar – or back to a very comfy bed. Play tennis, work out or swim in the two pools, then borrow bikes to explore the rewilded grounds.”
The Sunday Times’ 100 Best Places to Stay in 2023
Enjoy a workout in the the Grain Store studio or dedicated Spin Shed before retiring to your bedroom perhaps for some well-deserved room service. Hit the internal ‘out of office’ button, it's time to relax – in impeccable style, of course.
Local inspiration: Tetbury is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, once an important market for Cotswold wool and yarn, home to King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort. Visit for boutique shops, great food, and its royal connections.
Don’t forget: Your boots to walk the nature trail and 240 acres of rewilded meadowland.
Closest airport: Bristol Closest rail station: Kemble
Near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8YJ 0166 689 0391
Wellness tip: HISTORY MEETS WELLNESS & WONDER
Immersed in rich history and home to 90 acres of glorious grounds, Ellenborough Park is a British manor house that has been lovingly restored to its original glory. With the impossibly charming Cotswolds as the stage, this is the place to live out your fantasies of grandeur for a little while, at least. Built from classic honey-toned Cotswold stone that radiates in the light, these magnificent surroundings are the place to escape reality.
Tucked deep in one of the largest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the house is a grand retreat. Built in the 15th century, many of the
“Caught between the Cotswolds’ highest point and the lush green gallops of Cheltenham’s racecourse, the luxury five-star hotel is steeped in history and offers 90 acres of rustic countryside.” Lawyer Monthly
period features remain.
Local inspiration: With the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse on its doorstep, Ellenborough Park has front-row seats to the renowned setting for horse racing. The finishing touch is a private track leading from the hotel to Cheltenham Racecourse, offering luxurious and convenient transfers during racing seasons.
Don’t forget: Your swimming costume for the soothing spa and the exclusive Spa Garden Retreat. Closest airport: Birmingham Closest rail station: Cheltenham Spa
Southam Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3NJ 0124 254 5454
The Painswick is a beautiful townhouse located amid the winding lanes of Painswick village in the heart of the Cotswolds. The hotel offers guests an unforgettable culinary experience, with a fabulous 6-course tasting menu, a delightful à la carte menu, and a decadent afternoon tea. The hotel's lounges, garden terrace, and balcony offer the perfect spots to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the valley beyond. Stay in the 18th-century hotel or book the adjacent newly refurbished farmhouse-style threebedroom holiday cottage. Bring your four-legged
“A glorious combination of eclecticism, heavenly food and creature comforts, all set in one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest towns, this picture-perfect Palladian house was renovated and relaunched by owner, The Calcot Collection, in spring 2016, and has been transformed into a relaxing, chic haven with ace cuisine and fabulous views over the Slad valley.” Country & Town House
friends, and together you can enjoy the Cotswold Way and many other fabulously beautiful walks just a stone's throw from the hotel.
Local inspiration: Rococo Garden is located just outside the hotel's petite village. Designed in the 1740s as a pleasure garden, it is the country's only surviving complete rococo garden.
Don’t forget: Enjoy a visit to the nearby vineyard, take a scenic hike to Painswick beacon, and wander through the charming village.
Closest airport: Bristol Closest rail station: Stroud
Kemps Lane, Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6YB 01452 813688
Visit for: A SUSTAINABLE LUXURY EXPERIENCE | Style: QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH
Wellness tip: MINDFUL MAGNIFICENCE & WELLNESS COUPLED WITH INSPIRED DINING
Sitting proudly in 12 acres of pristine Cotswold countryside and lovingly restored gardens, Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa is a picture of quintessential English design. It's effortlessly elegant and prestigious, a masterclass in refined hospitality.
Delving deeper, you'll discover a firm commitment to 21st-century values, underscored by an official Silver EarthCheck accreditation, emphasising environmental sustainability. Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa places a great emphasis on culinary excellence, and guests can opt for The
“Relax in the spa or spend long evenings sunken into a sofa in front of the crackling log fire - either way, rouse yourself to sample dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant.” Independent.co.uk
Dining Room, boasting a prestigious Michelin star, or unwind in the sophisticated ambiance of Grey’s.
Local inspiration: Westonbirt Arboretum is an extraordinary botanical collection, home to a wide selection of trees from all over the world – perfect for pottering around and learning about the 2,500 different species.
Don’t forget: To connect with ‘The Hive’ during your stay, Matt Willeys epic bee mural promotes environmental commitment.
Closest airport: Bristol Closest rail station: Kemble
Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB 0166 682 2888
Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star for The Dining Room
Unleash your inner explorer and enjoy the great outdoors
our hotels in
175
From the rugged coastline to some of the country’s most vibrant cities, the North offers an abundance of unique experiences and dramatic landscapes, breathtaking scenery and cultural gems.
Feel rejuvenated and refreshed staying at one of our wonderful hotels set in this stunning location. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, you can watch the wildlife, discover the lakes and relax in the hotel spa.
Visit for: BREATHTAKING VIEWS | Style: TIMELESS YET CONTEMPORARY
Wellness tip: IMMERSE IN THE ESSENCE OF NATURE WITH STUNNING VISTAS
Within 400 acres of woodland sits Armathwaite Hall. With period design and contemporary style scattered throughout, this hotel is as romantic as the surrounding countryside. Step inside the elegantly styled house to experience Cumbrian hospitality firsthand, blending classic charm with modern elegance. The property boasts a rich history, as it has been a prominent stately home in the Lake District for many years. You can relax in the cocktail bar or unwind in the spa, explore the 17th-century
“A stunning 17th-century country house overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and surrounded by all the amenities an outdoorsman could hope for and has become an elegant luxury hotel, complete with a 16-metre infinity pool.” Country Life
origins, or visit the lemurs, meerkats, and alpacas to enjoy enchanting animal encounters at the conservation-focused wildlife attraction, the Lake District Wildlife Park, located on the hotel grounds. Local inspiration: One of the lesser-known fells in the Lake District, Sale Fell offers a peaceful, scenic walk with breathtaking views of Bassenthwaite Lake. Don’t forget: Your walking boots – a must for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Closest airport: Newcastle Closest rail station: Carlisle
Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, CA12 4RE 017687 76551
Wellness tip: INDULGE IN THE ART OF NOURISHMENT, SAVOURING EACH BITE AS A CELEBRATION OF VITALITY
Set in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside, Farlam Hall is a luxurious country house hotel that’s all about relaxing and appreciating your surroundings. Rest in elegantly appointed bedrooms, unwind in cosy lounges, and immerse yourself in the stunning views of the grounds. Indulge in fine dining in the opulent Cedar Tree Restaurant by Hrishikesh Desai, Bistro Enkel or during an ultimate Chef's Table experience, and choose from dishes carefully crafted by the award-winning team, using the freshest ingredients from the on-site kitchen garden. Expect exceptional food, great wines, incredible hospitality, and personalised service.
“Some say that Hirshikesh Desai gets the train to work and he boards at platform 9 ¾. Others say that he actually wears chef’s whites because he is Gandalf re-incarnated. Whatever the truth is, there is some sort of alchemy occurring at Farlam Hall.” Savour Magazine
Local inspiration: Step back in time and witness the grandeur of Hadrian’s Wall and breathtaking views of the rolling hills and countryside firsthand, just three miles to the north of Farlam Hall. The wall was not just a barrier between England and Scotland, but it was also a symbol of power and wealth. It stretches over 73 miles, including the Sycamore Gap, Steel Rigg, and Crag Lough. Or, follow in the footsteps of the Romans and explore the historic sights of Birdoswald and Housesteads. Don’t forget: Your walking boots to explore the Lakes. Closest airport: Newcastle Closest rail station: Carlisle
Hallbankgate, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2NG 0169 774 6234
Michelin Star for the Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai
Visit for: THE SOOTHING SPA | Style: STYLISH BUT NEVER FUSSY
Wellness tip: CARVING OUT 'YOU & ME' TIME IS ESSENTIAL
Feversham Arms is much more than just a country house. From the spa to the stylish bedrooms, this Mediterranean-inspired luxury hideaway is the epitome of relaxation. Pull up a chair for leisurely meals; this is no time to rush. Time has been taken over the seasonal, local ingredients, so you should take your time, too. Sit back, read a book, sip a cocktail, gaze out of the window – when was the last time you did that? Make the walk from the poolside sun terrace to the aromatherapy room at the spa the most
“Great for walking in the North York Moors National Park and set in the friendly market town of Helmsley, the big draw is the heated pool and hot tub in the courtyard, plus a spa.” The Times
energetic thing you do. You’ll see and feel the benefits.
Local inspiration: Duncombe Park is one of the region’s most extravagant estates. It’s so adored that Feversham Arms was named after the most senior member of the Duncombe family, the Baron Feversham.
Don’t forget: Your swimming costume for a dip in the Jacuzzi.
Closest airport: Teesside Closest rail station: Thirsk
High Street, Helmsley, Yorkshire, YO62 5AG 0143 977 0766
Wellness tip: SPENDING QUALITY TIME TOGETHER IS VITAL FOR DEEPENING YOUR CONNECTION
This is one hotel in the Lake District, but in two unique locations. For creative restaurants (a choice of Michelin-starred or relaxed Pan-Asian food), and private spa lodges and suites with their own hydrotherapy hot tub, sauna and steam room, try Gilpin Hotel.
For country elegance with uninterrupted – and very private – lake views and spa trails through the woods, as well as chauffeur service to dinner, then Gilpin Lake House is the one. If luxury without pretentiousness, alongside uninterrupted peace and tranquillity, sounds like your thing, then you
“The epitome of a modern country-house hotel pimped up with a dash of bling. Firmly in the indulgent break category with private hot-tubs and saunas, Michelinstarred dining and legions of staff.” Telegraph Online
need to know more about Gilpin.
Expect friendly service and the ability to surprise and delight at every turn. This is modern hospitality at its very best.
Local inspiration: Hill Top is the delightful 17thcentury home of Beatrix Potter, where she wrote many of her famous children’s stories. Full of her favourite possessions, it’s as though Beatrix still lives there. Don’t forget: Your walking boots for getting out and exploring the Lakes.
Closest airport: Manchester Closest rail station: Kendal
Crook Road, Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria 0153 948 8818
Michelin Star for SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel
Step inside the magnificent Grantley Hall, nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It boasts an award-winning spa with stateof-the-art wellness facilities, all set within 38 acres of meticulously manicured grounds and gorgeous Yorkshire gardens, including an English Heritage Japanese Garden.
Within its Grade II* listed walls, you'll discover exquisite bedrooms and suites, five indulgent restaurants, and three stunning bars. Dating back to the late 17th century, Grantley Hall is steeped in rich history. If these expertly restored wood-panelled walls could talk, they would share captivating tales
“Guests are spoilt rotten here: though it has just 47 beautiful bedrooms, there’s a lake and English Heritagelisted Japanese garden, a sybaritic wellness centre, imaginative programme of events and no less than seven drinking and dining venues.” Country & Townhouse
of visits from royalty and famous figures, along with inspiring stories from the war effort, including the heartwarming image of Dame Vera Lynn singing to the troops.
Local inspiration: Discover ancient abbey ruins, an awe-inspiring water garden and riverside paths leading to a deer park at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t forget: Your swimsuit to relax and unwind in the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools and enchanting Nordic spa garden. Closest airport: Leeds Bradford Closest rail station: Harrogate
Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3ET 0176 562 0070
Michelin Star for Shaun Rankin
Visit for: THE IMPRESSIVE GARDENS & PARKLAND | Style: CLASSIC HERITAGE
Wellness tip: FLOWERS TEACH US TO BLOOM & THRIVE IN THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
This historic 325-year-old red brick and limestone house, influenced by Sir Christopher Wren, is set in acres of gardens and parkland, all actually within the City of York. It is also next to York Racecourse, so it's the place to be on race days.
Enjoy a drink in a fine drawing room, a meal in the panelled dining room, followed by a stroll through the varied and productive gardens.
The many attractions of York are just a mile away, with its City Walls, Railway Museum and
“Our stay was absolutely lovely. I loved everything about it: the vibe, the decor, the restaurant and the staff.” Independent Online
elegant restored 18th-century Fairfax House, its furniture collection and fine plasterwork.
Local inspiration: Let Fairfax House transport you to the glory days of city living in times past, with its richly decorated interiors and magnificent stucco ceilings.
Don’t forget: To experience the beauty of York Minster’s evensong, with the heavenly sounds of the choir. A truly unforgettable experience.
Closest airport: Leeds Bradford Closest rail station: York
Bishopthorpe Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 2GB 01904 641241
“Northcote enfolds you in thick-seamed luxury, refining local produce into Michelin-starred cuisine and creating bedrooms in line with noble traditions. It is class rooted in the fields, the moors and the fells of Bowland.”
The Daily Telegraph
Boldly designed bedrooms, morish menus, and authentic Northern charm await you at Northcote ‒ a luxury hotel and Michelinstarred restaurant under the helm of Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen in the beautiful Ribble Valley. Food ‒ talking about it, appreciating it, and of course eating it ‒ is on the menu (if you'll pardon the pun) for any stay here. If you can tear your eyes from your plate, you will note an interior that’s designed with luxury and comfort in mind, contemporary British style – much like the food.
Aside from the beautifully tiled fire, a visit to the wonderfully stocked bar should be high on the agenda.
Local inspiration: Dating back to 1609, Stonyhurst Museum showcases changing exhibitions of the college’s remarkable collections. The museum itself is housed in the refurbished college chapel – the perfect place to feel immersed in history.
Don’t forget: An appetite – you'll need it here.
Closest airport: Manchester Closest rail station: Langho
Northcote Road, Langho, The Ribble Valley, Lancashire, BB6 8BE 0125 424 0555
Michelin Star
Visit for: WELLNESS & SELF-INDULGENCE | Style: REFINED ELEGANCE
Wellness tip: SUPERCHARGE YOUR IMMUNITY WITH HOT & COLD THERAPIES
Set within a 375-acre country estate in County Durham, Rockliffe Hall is home to exceptional food, one of the largest spas in the country, and a Championship golf course. It will come as no surprise that the resort’s dining choices are on par with its luxury surroundings, with James Close at the helm as Culinary Director.
Relaxation abounds with award-winning leisure and wellness facilities at your fingertips. Forget the outside world and indulge in everything this country retreat has to offer, or if you’re seeking
“This isn’t the kind of place where you hide away in your room. Golfers will want a crack at the 18-hole course that dominates the ground. Everyone else will lose at least half a day in the spa.” The Sunday Times
adventure, then explore the dramatic North East coastline and the rugged beauty of the North York Moors.
Local inspiration: High Force is one of England’s most dramatic waterfalls. For thousands of years, the River Tees has plummeted down into this chasm, but its rocks are over 300 million years old ‒ far older than the river itself.
Don’t forget: Your golf clubs ‒ Rockliffe Hall’s Championship golf course is one for your bucket list. Closest airport: Teesside Closest rail station: Darlington
Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2DU 0132 572 9999
Visit for: THE MOST INDULGENT SPA | Style: GEORGIAN WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST
Wellness tip: IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE BLUE EMBRACE OF A SEASIDE SANCTUARY
Located on a striking clifftop on the Durham Coast, Seaham Hall is a classic Georgian country house and spa with a hint of contemporary style dotted throughout.
A destination known locally as one of the greats, it effortlessly and seamlessly mixes timeless elegance with contemporary ideals of luxury. Walk through the grand Georgian pillars and imposing doors, and you know you’re somewhere remarkable: 37 acres of meticulously landscaped garden and spa, views of the crashing
“Not surprisingly, it’s tempting to remain cocooned in Seaham Hall’s dreamy bubble for the duration of your stay but on the hotel’s doorstep is Durham Heritage Coast.” The Times
North Sea and an individual, opulent interior. It's flamboyant often, welcoming always.
Local inspiration: Take a stroll along Seaham Beach, which is just a 10-minute walk away, or head further out and explore the Seaham Marina.
Feel the power of the High Force waterfall or explore 2,000 hectares of woodland at the nearby Hamsterley Forest.
Don’t forget: A taste for indulgence – you’ll need it.
Closest airport: Newcastle Closest rail station: Durham
Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7AG 0191 516 1400
Visit for: DELECTABLE
| Style: TIMELESS YET CONTEMPORARY
tip: MOST WORRIES MELT AWAY WITH A SOAK IN THE HOT TUB
Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales
National Park, this boutique hotel is where the dinner menus are as unique as its location, and the rooms are elegantly designed yet full of personality.
It's informal yet elegant, relaxed yet professional to the letter, timeless yet contemporary. These differing feats are not easy to balance; they take skill and dedication, which is a testament to this unique, modern boutique hotel. There’s a fresh approach to hospitality here, which you get the measure of the
“A chic, award-winning boutique hotel set in six acres of private grounds in some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most beautiful scenery. The Grade-II listed house has been meticulously restored from its Victorian origins.”
Telegraph Online
moment you cross the threshold. It's unpretentious and stylish, down-to-earth yet aspirational.
Local inspiration: One of Yorkshire’s best secrets, Mill Gill is a hidden waterfall located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. And what's better is that it's just a mile from the hotel via a beautiful riverside walk with plenty of local pubs along the way.
Don’t forget: Your sunhat for relaxing on the lawn, watching the wildlife.
Closest airport: Teesside
Closest rail station: Garsdale
Askrigg Road, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 3EE 01969 652 060
Escape to an enticing wilderness, where every moment is a breath of fresh air
our hotels in scotland
186
192 Fife Arms
193 The Torridon
House
Scotland is a land of enchantment, where rugged mountains, shimmering lochs, and ancient castles coexist in perfect harmony. Its rich history, thriving culture, and breathtaking natural beauty make it a place of endless discovery and wonder.
Our hotels offer the best of Scotland, from setting sail around Scottish islands to immersing yourself in Edinburgh’s rich history and living out fairy-tale fantasies in baronial castles, all while experiencing the spectacular lochs and glens and thriving culture of this charming country.
Visit for: A REIMAGINED SCOTTISH COUNTRY HOUSE EXPERIENCE | Style: UNFUSSY & UPLIFTING
Wellness tip: FORAGING & CONNECTING WITH NATURE
Cromlix is an award-winning Victorian mansion and estate in the heart of the Scottish central belt, just under an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Owned by tennis star Andy Murray and his wife Kim, the whole hotel was refurbished in 2023, with a bold new colour palette and aesthetic which is undeniably stylish yet warm and inviting at the same time. The rooms are masterpieces infused with the vibrant hues of naturenature; the bathrooms are luxurious and elegant. The Glasshouse restaurant is a true testament to simple excellence, with food always in sync with the changing seasons, offering
“At Cromlix, there is a lack of gimmicks and a focus on excellent service, from the warm hospitality displayed by all the staff to the guided tour around the kitchen garden and grounds on which chef Darin Campbell will happily take guests.” Telegraph
locally sourced dishes with a Scottish flair. The staff should not go without a mention, as they are notoriously attentive but discreet, encouraging you to relax as if you were in a country home rather than a country house hotel.
Local inspiration: Enter the world of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens at Stirling Castle and discover an abundance of colour, splendour and glorious artisanship.
Don’t forget: Walking boots to explore the hotel’s private Loch and woodlands.
Closest airport: Edinburgh Closest rail station: Dunblane
Kinbuck, Near Dunblane, Stirling, FK15 9JT 01786 822 125
Wellness
One of the most unique UK destinations, Fingal is docked on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront. Step aboard this floating hotel and discover a blend of old-world elegance and modern-day glamour with culinary excellence, arriving in style on the seamless tram line that connects to (and from) the airport. Staying on this luxury floating ship is a genuinely unforgettable experience, with an air of romance and unhurried luxury as its defining characteristics. From the spectacular cabins with their curved walls and portholes to The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar with Art Deco interiors, shimmering ceiling, and
“Imagine a miniature luxury liner with an Art Deco via 1930s Hollywood feel, all luxuriously deep carpets, curvaceous wood panelling, leather and sparkling glass. Stay in the Skerryvore Suite and you’ll have your own private deck.” The Telegraph
tailored award-winning fine-dining experiences, you're reminded at every turn that this is no ordinary getaway. Fingal's decks allow you to sip Champagne, stargaze and ruminate on this one-of-a-kind hotel's rich heritage and enchanting beauty.
Local inspiration: Lind and Lime Gin Distillery ‒ join one of their Tour & Tasting sessions to hear the origins of the brand, taste some of the delicious gin range, and bottle your own to take home afterwards. Don’t forget: Your glad rags to enjoy a cocktail in the Art-Deco-inspired restaurant.
Closest airport: Edinburgh
Closest rail station: Edinburgh Waverley
Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX 0131 357 5000
Wellness tip: BREATHE IN HISTORY & BEAUTY WITHIN OUR ANCIENT WALLS
From on-site archery and mountain biking to their very own private boat and luxury glamping, this fairy-tale Scottish baronial castle offers more than 70 different and unique experiences. Spot the turrets, the battlements, the endless grounds and the magnificent rooms. Then imagine staying here. Welcome to Glenapp Castle. Oak-panelled halls, roaring fires, sumptuous suites combined with Victorian elegance – this is the stuff of fable indeed. And for the ultimate experience, bask in the breathtaking views from the Castle Penthouse Suite,
“This five-star hideaway is a superb example of the Scottish Baronial style of architecture with its mystical towers, turrets and crenellations. From the castle, you have views of the famous volcanic outcrop of Ailsa Craig.” Tatler
overlooking the volcanic outcrops of Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran, and – on a clear day – as far as the hills of Northern Ireland.
Local inspiration: Opened less than 30 years after the great bard’s death, the Burns Monument and Gardens is the best place to soak up the breathtaking views of Alloway and its surrounding landscape. Don’t forget: A fishing rod ready for the Hebridean Sea Safari – your chef will create a delicious seafood delight for you.
Closest airport: Glasgow
Closest rail station: Girvan
Ballantrae, Ayrshire, KA26 0NZ 0146 583 1212
for: A ONE-OF-A-KIND HOLIDAY |
Wild landscapes, Europe’s best beaches, abundant wildlife, and centuries of history await you on Hebridean Princess And below deck, expect all the comforts and luxuries of a boutique hotel.
Take your place on the viewing deck, the best seat in the house, with the wind in your hair and a dram to hand. Seabirds wheel and dive above. Eyes to the waves, as there are seals, porpoises, dolphins, and whales here if luck is with you.
On the horizon could be the colourful houses of Tobermory, the rugged coastlines of Coll, Iona,
“Hebridean Princess offers a lifestyle more akin to a sumptuous stately home. The 28 bedrooms are named after West Coast Scottish islands, castles, sounds, lochs and bays, and bedecked in finery usually associated with life of the aristocracy.” Daily Mail
Colonsay or Rùm, secluded sea lochs, or the turrets of baronial castles. The sounds of the sea are all around.
Local inspiration: The small size of Hebridean Princess means she can whisk you away from bustling ports to remote anchorages and island idylls, where it’s fair to say there’s a hidden gem or two awaiting discovery.
Don’t forget: Your camera to capture the everchanging island and sea views.
Closest airport: Glasgow
Closest rail station: Glasgow
Visit for: COUNTRYSIDE-LIKE SECLUSION IN THE CITY | Style: LAVISH, BUT NEVER STUFFY
Wellness tip: TAKE IT ALL IN - YOU’RE ON HIGHLAND TIME HERE
With its gated entrance and peaceful ambience, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Scottish countryside at Ness Walk, when in fact, it’s right in the heart of the vibrant city of Inverness. Nestled on the leafy banks of the River Ness, guests are just 10 minutes from the world-famous Loch Ness, which has tales of a mysterious monster lurking in its depths. Highland hospitality is one of the many tangible gems of Ness Walk. The building itself is Grade-B listed and blazoned with traditional detailing. Torrish Restaurant is a firm fixture on the Scottish culinary map; each dish is a celebration of local small-
“Ness Walk’s restaurant, Torrish – arguably the best in the city – celebrates Scottish produce in refined style with rope-grown Glencoe mussels or Highland venison wellington and North Sea halibut.” The Sunday Times
scale artisan and craft producers, farmers and growers, and the service is lavish and exquisitely personal.
Local inspiration: Just a short luxury chauffeur transfer from Ness Walk, Scotland’s finest Championship golf courses are where you can experience links golf in its truest form. The famous Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart Links and historic Nairn Golf Club each offer challenging courses and magnificent vistas.
Don’t forget: Your best camera to capture those beautiful views.
Closest airport: Inverness Closest rail station: Inverness
12 Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5SQ 0146 325 7100
Visit for: TRANQUILLITY, MINUTES FROM CITY LIFE | Style: ECLECTIC AND DRAMATIC
Wellness tip: CLIMB ARTHUR'S SEAT FOR A PANORAMIC PEEK AT EDINBURGH & BEYOND
Combining heritage and unique character, Prestonfield House has the feeling of a secluded country retreat just minutes from vibrant Edinburgh city centre.
Step inside to find individually designed rooms in Prestonfield’s distinguished antique style. Wickedly rich and dramatic, the stylish and oh-soglamorous Rhubarb restaurant occupies grand Regency rooms at the heart of the hotel. Outside, explore 20 acres of gardens, where peacocks
“There’s simply nothing like it anywhere in the world... James Thomson has turned this bastion of Edinburgh sensibilities into Scotland’s most sumptuous hotel.”
The Guardian
strut through elegant topiary and manicured lawns perched next to the remarkable Arthur’s Seat. Local inspiration: At Holyrood Lodge, you can enjoy a free exhibition about the history, geology and archaeology of Edinburgh’s Central Park – a must for those looking to delve deep into Edinburgh’s past. Don’t forget: Your walking boots to climb Arthur’s Seat.
Closest airport: Edinburgh Closest rail station: Edinburgh Waverley
Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT 0131 225 7800
Originally a Victorian coaching inn, Fife Arms is a historic hotel nestled within the Cairngorms National Park. And as settings go, they don’t get more authentically Scottish than this.
The magnificent landscape is a veritable playground for everything from hillwalking to foraging to salmon fishing in the world-famous River Dee. But it’s the inside of Fife Arms that has earned the hotel its widespread and well-deserved critical acclaim. Staying at this hotel, with its distinctive and artful ambience is an experience on its own, but for guests seeking activities outside of
“Most Highland hotels do not have a Picasso in the drawing room. But Fife Arms is not most Highland hotels.” Sunday Times
its unforgettable walls, the in-house ghillies make it their mission to deliver bespoke, bucket-list-worthy excursions.
Local inspiration: The first Victoria & Albert Museum to open outside London, the V&A Dundee, is also Scotland’s first design museum. Showcasing the very best of Scottish creativity, the museum hosts a number of exciting exhibitions throughout the year.
Don’t forget: Your walking boots to explore the national park and beautiful surroundings. Closest airport: Aberdeen Closest rail station: Aberdeen
Mar Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YN 0133 972 0200
Wellness
Plan your great escape, where roaring log fires welcome you to The Torridon. Explore the 58-acre parkland estate, home to a two-acre kitchen garden and farm providing mouthwatering produce with a field-to-fork ethos. Let the Torridon team curate Highland adventures, from whisky tasting in a classical whisky and gin bar to outdoor adventure in Loch Torridon or the surrounding Munros. Rest, knowing this hotel is ecologically sound and recognised for
“A grand Scottish lodge with one of the best settings in the UK, this hotel offers everything from superb food to a comprehensive outdoor activity programme. With comfortable rooms and an abundance of thoughtful touches, this is a fantastic Highland escape with the surrounding beauty at its heart.” The Telegraph
a commitment to sustainability. At day’s end, step outside and look at the stars in some of the country’s darkest skies.
Local inspiration: Embark on a journey through time and history at 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle –one of the most dramatic Scottish landmarks.
Don’t forget: To book your adventure with Torridon Outdoors to experience a place like no other.
Closest airport: Inverness
Closest rail station: Achnasheen
Annat By Achnasheen, Wester Ross, IV22 2EY 0144 579 1242
Uncover Welsh secret havens and create your own story to tell
our hotels in
Wales is a land of exquisite beauty, where rolling hills, lush valleys, and rugged coastlines create a stunning tapestry of nature’s finest work. Its rich cultural heritage, where nature and history meet, make it a truly magical place to explore and experience.
Our hotels in Wales are situated in some of the country’s most notable locations. Discover the magic of Wales while staying in our historical houses, with fine dining, incredible architecture, and write-home-about spas.
Visit for: VIEWS OF THE SNOWDONIA MOUNTAINS | Style: HISTORIC CHARM
Wellness tip: UNPLUG IN NATURE'S GRANDEUR WITH STUNNING LANDSCAPES
You’ll see the chimneys of this romantic hall peeping through the trees of the surrounding parkland. Inside the hall, oak staircases and alcoves hint at the mysteries of its rich history. The panelled entrance hall and drawing room with large fireplaces are evidence of the opulent legacy of a distinguished past.
Twisting stairs lead to bedrooms with spectacular views of Conwy Castle and the mountains of Snowdonia beyond. With feet on terra firma, meander through the large gardens and enjoy the 17th-century
“The sweeping views from the medieval lookout tower are sensational and the house has great character, with 15 antique-filled bedrooms and a formal dining room in the main hall.” The Daily Telegraph
parterre, lily pond, rose garden, follies and the ladies walk, all the very essence of romance.
Local inspiration: Visit nearby National Trust properties, such as Plas Newydd and Bodnant Garden, for fine architecture and exceptional gardens set in dramatic landscapes. The narrow gauge Ffestiniog steam railway is also a must. Don’t forget: Suitable shoes for the several woodland walks.
Closest airport: Manchester Closest rail station: Llandudno Junction
The Royal Welsh Way, Llandudno, North Wales LL30 1RS 0149 258 4466
Visit for: DELICIOUS DINING EXPERIENCES | Style: TRADITIONAL DESIGN & MODERN TOUCHES
Wellness tip: INHALE OUR INVIGORATING BLEND OF COASTAL BREEZE & COUNTRYSIDE FRESHNESS
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, Grove of Narberth is a charming country house where you’ll find cosy bedrooms and outstanding, award-winning dining.
Grove of Narberth offers interiors created by acclaimed designer Martin Hulbert. Guests needing pampering will enjoy the deep cast-iron baths, sumptuous king-sized beds and wonderful in-room massages. Gaze out of the windows for scenic views of the Preseli Mountains, or explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, its sandy beaches and little harbours.
“Fires blaze and candlelight flickers in this stylish hotel with views over the Preseli Hills. The interiors are lovely with an eclectic mix of high-ceilinged rooms and cosy wood-panelled cwtchs. The food is divine, using produce from the kitchen gardens.” The Times
Grove of Narberth is the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the best of Welsh cuisine and a truly memorable stay in the most stunning part of Wales.
Local inspiration: Opening up onto Amroth Beach, Colby Woodland Garden is full of surprises. Delve into the valley’s acres of horticulture and uncover the coal-mining past in-depth.
Don’t forget: Binoculars to discover wildlife along the coastal path – if you’re lucky, you'll see red kites, seals and dolphins.
Closest airport: Cardiff
Closest rail station: Narberth
Molleston, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8BX 0183 486 0915
Acoaching inn since 1829, the family-run fine Georgian building in Abergavenny is a contemporary and stylish spot with sleek furnishings, bespoke furniture and original local art. Entered through a courtyard, the hotel has many unique touches to make guests’ experience extra special, including Villeroy & Boch bathrooms, pocket-sprung mattresses with silky Percale bed linens and extra fluffy towels. Seasonal modern British food is served in the formal Oak Room restaurant and Foxhunter Bar, and The Angel’s impressive Afternoon Tea holds an Award of Excellence from the prestigious UK Tea Guild, with a dedicated tea sommelier on hand to guide you through the vast selection of quality teas. Just
“With its high ceilings and nods to Art Deco glamour, this is one classy place to base yourself – whether you’re here for September’s food festival (in which case, you’d better book now), or a scramble up into the hills (the Skirrid, Sugar Loaf and Blorenge).” The Independent
a short drive away is The Walnut Tree Inn, also part of the family group and an iconic Michelinstarred restaurant with dog-friendly cottages led by legendary chef Shaun Hill. Explore numerous local festivals and Abergavenny Castle, which is only a two-minute walk from The Angel.
Local inspiration: Explore the Art Shop and Chapel, housed in a carefully restored 16th century town house and 19th century chapel in the heart of Abergavenny, it hosts regular events, talks, and workshops with leading artists, musicians, writers, and poets. Don’t forget: Your binoculars for stargazing at the first International Dark-Sky reserve in Wales. Closest airport: Cardiff Closest rail station: Abergavenny
15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EN 0187 385 7121
Sitting on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall is a Grade-II listed Victorian country house encircled by an idyllic woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the river.
Widely acknowledged as one of Wales’ most important buildings, Palé Hall has an eclectic history. Built between 1869 and 1871 as a family home for the eminent civil engineer Henry Robertson, it has served as a First World War military hospital, a haven of safety for many Second World War evacuees, a shooting estate for the aristocracy and now as a five-star destination
“Palé Hall is where you come to spoil yourself in Snowdonia. Steeped in rich history – Queen Victoria once stayed there – and standing on the edge of Snowdonia National Park the Grade-II listed Palé Hall has been redeveloped by its owners.” Wales Online
country house hotel. It has been immaculately restored to its early grandeur and offers many original features.
Local inspiration: Finished in 1975, Portmeirion is an enchanting Italian-influenced architectural marvel beside the Afon Dwyryd estuary. This entire village was built over the course of 50 years from the singular vision of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Don’t forget: Your four-legged friend for a stay in one of the dog-friendly rooms or suites.
Closest airport: Manchester Closest rail station: Chester
Palé Estate, Llandderfel, Bala, LL23 7PS 0167 853 0285
Michelin Green Star for Henry Robertson
may apply. We advise guests to check when making a reservation if there is an age
Whether it's a taste for fine dining or a passion for the great outdoors, we all have our own definition of 'perfect'. That's why we created our collections - to pair you with an experience that's unique and extraordinary...
From wild swimming in glistening lakes to scenic walks along rugged hills, the tranquillity of being in the wilderness is unmatched. Our countryside hotels offer everything a classically British hotel should: glorious gardens, bustling wildlife, a range of rural activities, and delicious field-to-fork dining. Just pause, notice the little things, and take it all in.
Whether you enjoy a classically British afternoon tea, moreish street-style feasts, or award-winning cuisine served with tastingmenu finesse, we're all a foodie at heart. We'll pair you with extraordinary experiences, and of course, the flavours you sample have a huge part to play. Whichever of our restaurants you visit, you're guaranteed to leave wanting more.
It's fair to say a little me-time is needed once in a while. And how better to unwind than with a restful British luxury spa and wellness experience. While away the hours poolside with our wellness issue in hand, and feel inspired to treat yourself to an indulgent treatment, or join a group yoga session to find your Zen at one of our British spa hotels.
A captivating collection that masterfully blends the rich tapestry of history and heritage with the finest comforts of the present. State-of-the-art facilities and luxurious comforts create an exquisite balance between nostalgia and innovation. Immerse yourself in a journey where the echoes of history resonate with the conveniences of today, offering meticulously preserved architecture and decor that tell the stories of the past.
Discover our collections: A gift to you from PoB Hotels, each edition of The Handle is inspired by a unique quintessentially British experience. Currently published: Volume 1: Walk on the Wild Side (2023) Volume 2: Seasoned to Perfection (2024) and this edition Volume 3: Nurture Your Soul (2025) Coming soon: Volume 4: Now & Then (2026)
Please don't forget to take this edition of The Handle (Volume 3), home with you. It's a wonderful keepsake and gift from PoB Hotels that we would very much like you to collect and cherish. Rest assured, the hotel or venue will restock it for future guests to enjoy, so feel free to give this copy a wellness hug and treasure it always.
