...nights away...in the country
- Forest or Arden Marriott Hotel, Warwickshire
- Combe House, Devon
- Cadbury House Hotel, Somerset
- The Swan Hotel, Suffolk
- Buxted Park Hotel, Sussex
Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel, Warwickshire
what they say:
This top UK golfing destination and elegant country hotel offers even more pleasure: a blissful Spa, tennis, fitness centre & pool complex. For a touch of retail therapy, the hotel is a short drive away from the Bullring Birmingham and Solihull.
At the end of the day, retreat to one of our guest rooms featuring luxury bedding and high-speed Internet. Savour fine cuisine and wines in the Oaks Grill and Bar; or stop by the Zest Restaurant and Bar for casual fare throughout the day. For all events, our comprehensive conference facilities offer 18 meeting rooms to include a 350-seat Marquee from April to October. So whether you visiting the NEC or planning a relaxing break, the Forest of Arden is the ideal Midlands venue.
what we say:
Approaching the Forest of Arden Marriott from the busy A45, you wonder how ‘country’ this Country Club will be, but after a few miles drive into the expansive Warwickshire countryside any apprehension wanes and you begin to relax and look forward to your arrival.
The hotel has recently undergone a £5 million refurbishment and the immaculate crisp finish is apparent the moment you enter the revolving doors into the hotels airy reception. The rooms are spacious and well equipped with crisp sheets and stunning vistas over the hotels extensive grounds. With 2 superb 18 hole golf courses cut beautifully into the landscape surrounding the hotel, a well equipped gym with pool, not to mention a choice of restaurants and bars- this country club does exactly what it says on the tin with bells on.
mr bloggs liked:
The golf courses are fantastic- with the slightly easier Aylesford and the more challenging Arden championship course- it’s a golfer’s delight.
The gym is excellent- split into 3 separate elements with a cardio suite, resistance room and huge free weights emporium- there’s something for everyone making it the ideal sanctum for an afternoons bodily application.
Dinner at the Oaks Bar and Grill- generous portions of good food dished up on contemporary wooden boards- the perfect tonic to replenish ones energy supplies following a hard days golfing, gyming or in Mrs B’s case relaxing.
mrs bloggs liked:
The Cedarwood spa with its extensive menu of pampering routines which can be enjoyed before or after a relaxing dip in the 19m indoor pool and Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room
The Oaks bar with it’s well appointed outdoor seating area is the perfect setting to enjoy a G+T or 2 whilst your more energetic half is having fun on the golf course.
Despite being in the midst of the countryside, should you wish for it- you are within 30 minutes of the hustle and bustle of central Birmingham’s shopping to tire yourself out for a morning before returning to the blissful sanctuary of the hotel.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 214 luxury rooms
Price: see hotel website for latest offers
Website: http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/cvtgs-forest-of-arden-a-marriott-hotel-and-country-club/
Phone: 01676 522335
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Combe House, Devon
what they say:
Imagine a wildly romantic Grade 1 Elizabethan Manor set in 3,500 acres of one of Devon's finest country estates, close to the sea for long coastal walks, yet just a short drive from the historic city of Exeter. Beautiful Arabian horses and pheasants roam freely as you approach Combe House along a mile of winding drive. This charming country house hotel lies in Gittisham, the film location for a Rosemunde Pilcher novel and described by Prince Charles as the "Ideal English Village" with its pretty Devon cob and thatch cottages, Norman Church, babbling brook and Village Green - a timeless picture of days gone by.
Here you will find exceptional food in a wonderful country setting, carefully chosen wines, roaring log fires and generous hospitality. Listed as one of the most romantic hotels in Great Britain and voted "Best Restaurant in Devon 2006" by Devon Life Readers, Combe is a place you will love. For, to discover the warmth and tranquillity of this country house surrounded by its enchanting gardens is to find something very special - something you may never have known you were looking for until you found it, rather like falling in love for the very first time...
what we say:
After navigating through a maze of charming narrow winding Devon roads and along the mile long driveway- Combe House rises into view. This stunning Manor House- set amidst acres of stunning country estate is a magnificent site to behold. On entering the hotel, the splendour continues around every corner- revealing more of the history hiding within the hotels antique walls. A traditional Elizabethan Manor packed with charm and luxury with the odd contemporary twist.
mr bloggs liked:
The grounds of the hotel are incredible- fantastic rolling hills and roaming countryside, great for a run to blow away the cobwebs in the morning.
The enourmous bath featured in the Linen Suite- this was the biggest bath I had ever seen- 6ft in diameter and made from solid copper- it has to be seen to be believed.
There is an extensive wine list- the Hotel has underground cellars ideal for storing wine and housing one of the UK's best collections of Chablis.
mrs bloggs liked:
The low calorie options on the menu. I ordered the steamed fillet of bass accompanied with pak choi, lemon grass and ginger nape for my main course, this was so tasty, yet light and healthy.
The private walled garden of the linen suite was a beautiful setting to take tea on an al fresco breakfast on a warm Summer's morning.
The charming linen suite which retains so many original features and is steeped in history from the original mangle to the magnificent sheila maid suspended from the ceiling.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 15 ensuite rooms
Price: from £175 B&B. Linen suite and Coombe Cottage- £370 per night
Website: http://www.thishotel.com
Phone: 01404 540400
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Cadbury House Hotel, Somerset
what they say:
Cadbury House Hotel, Health Club & Spa is the South West’s newest luxury 4* hotel, offering much more than somewhere to stay. This is contemporary chic at its very best, with feature bathrooms, intricate décor with luxurious touches. The hotel also offers a fantastic award winning health club and spa, not to mention its own Executive Car Company and Hairdressers.
With an AA rosette restaurant offering mouth watering dishes from a seasonal a la carte or table d’hote which changes daily you will be spoilt for choice. The hotel has a great location boasting views across the countryside, The Bristol Channel and beyond into Wales, treat yourself and book a room at the front of the hotel and soak up the panoramic landscape.
For that really special occasion indulge by booking one of our Loft Suites, with feature open plan bathrooms including a double bath and double shower, a canopy above the bed with twinkly star lights that change colour as you relax!
what we say:
After a recent £16.25m overhaul, Cadbury House hotel sits proud atop a hill in the pleasant Somerset countryside just minutes from the M5 and Bristol airport. Meandering up the drive you are greeted by the striking 18th Century house and former preparatory school, closely followed by the contemporary newly built modernity of the main hotel. With the interior oozing style and sophistication from the contemporary furnishings of the bedrooms, Lounge and Living room to the deliciously crafted menu created from fine locally sourced ingredients. With a state-of-the-art spa and health club to boot the hotel more than matches it’s description of ‘contemporary chic at it’s very best’
mr bloggs liked:
The fantastic double showers featured in the loft suites- these showers mean business! A spacious walk-in area with 2 huge fixed shower heads both with their own pressure and temperature controls.
The ‘service’ buttons on all tables in the Living room are a brilliant feature- no queuing at the bar during a busy evening here- simply press the button and a barmaid/man appears within seconds to serve you.
Rather than the bog standard hotel information folder, all the particulars you could require are accessed through the in-room flat screen TVs, which also feature a CD and film library for your aural and visual pleasure.
mrs bloggs liked:
The modern roll-top baths in the junior and loft suites, placed in the middle of the room are stunning and certainly add to the wow- factor of the place. It feels a little- bit risqué getting into a bubbly bath and being on show to the rest of the room – but also great fun.
The Spa at ‘The Club’ is first-class, the offers and deals available make it excellent value for money. Look out for the Deal of the Day, displayed in reception which is too good to miss. You can see why it was recently awarded ‘European club of the year’.
The hotel has fantastic decor, with plush designer wallpaper, urban-antique furniture and lavishly textured fabrics throughout; I thoroughly recommend going for a stroll around the hotel during your stay for some interior-design inspiration.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 72
Price: range from £125 for a deluxe double to £350 for a Loft Suite. Look out for the 1, 2 or 3 night Christmas residential packages, mix and match, you choose what you want to participate in- from £170 per person, also available is a 1 night New Years Eve residential package.
Website: http://www.cadburyhouse.com
Phone: 01934 834343
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The Swan Hotel, Suffolk
what they say:
“The swan in Lavenham is the quintessential english country hotel and restaurant, situated in the suffolk countryside just north of Sudbury. It's achievement of an AA four star 81% rating makes it one of only four hotels of its calibre in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk area to achieve such distinction.
Ancient oak beams and inglenook fireplaces blend with luxurious furnishings and fabrics to create the perfect ambiance for rest and relaxation. The old bar boasts a wonderful collection of memorabilia, including a wall signed by british and american airmen stationed at lavenham during world war II."
what we say:
Situated in the heart of Lavenham- a tudor village formed during the wool trade years of the 1400’s, the Swan Hotel is picture perfect and can be found on many a postcard of the area. stepping inside, we discovered the hotel to be steeped in character; a winding maze of timber framed corridors, lounges filled with happy guests and the heartening smell of log fires- all factors which contributed to a very pleasant stay at this highly rated and relaxing country retreat.
mr bloggs liked:
With a selection of local ales, the cosy Old Bar is a great place to enjoy a quiet drink before dinner in the 2 AA rosette resaturant or perhaps to enjoy something from the bar food menu- the home-made chunky chips look very appetizing.
Aside from it’s medieval exterior and notable charm, the swan is bang up to date with free wi-fi throughout the lounge areas.
Although the hotel has no in house leisure facilities, arrangements can be made to use local tennis courts, gyms or swimming pools.
mrs bloggs liked:
After taking a stroll around lavenham it’s such a treat to be able to step inside and actually stay the night in, soak up the charm and atmosphere of a stereotypical medieval building.
The bedrooms subtly combine an air of medieval charisma with gentle twist of modernity.
The ‘traditional swan tea’ taken in the hotel gardens is delicious – with loch fyne smoked salmon finger sandwiches, warm-fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and pastries…yum!
vital details:
Number of rooms: 49
Price: from £99
Website: http://www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk
Phone: 01787 247477
Buxted Park Hotel, Sussex
what they say:
“Here in the heart of sussex, this magnificent georgian palladian mansion set in 312 acres of superb parkland roamed by fallow deer and traversed by the river uck has played host to the rich and famous for centuries.
As you pass the eagle topped pillars and enter buxted park, sweeping down the long drive past the 13th century church, you are transported to a world where everyone is treated like a lord.
You’ll be greeted with genuine hospitality, which will set the tone for your entire stay and create an atmosphere which will quickly make you feel completely at home.
in fact, with its large airy rooms, ornamental carvings, deep-buttoned leather, sumptuous sofas, and rich brocades, the very fabric of the building radiates warmth and comfort
Far from being intimidated by the house’s stately grandeur, you’ll feel totally at ease. It’s a feeling that is fuelled by fine wines and award-winning cuisine, as well as the comforts provided by the luxurious rooms” .
what we say:
This magnificent georgian palladian mansion is a truly grand place to stay. Approaching buxted park from the road, up the tree-lined drive you just know that you’re in for a real treat. With beautiful bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and stunning grounds there is a majestic yet cosy atmosphere. ‘The dining room’ is a beautifully stylish restaurant with stunning dark woods and interesting use of curved seating areas with high backed banquette couches that gave it a really intimate feel. Buxted park is an ideal countryside break.
mr bloggs liked:
There a are number of lounges throughout the hotel, with traditional soft leather chairs and roaring log fires, a perfect place to enjoy a tipple from the whiskey cabinet .
The enormous in room TV, which comes which its own enormous remote control controlling the selection of media available, including DVD player and DVD library.
A widely varied events diary including cookery courses, jazz evenings and 6 course gourmet dining, mmm! See website for details of what’s on.
mrs bloggs liked:
The queen -size beds, absolutely huge and so comfortable, covered in charcoal grey and rich lilac silks and lavish fabrics on the beds. You feel as though you could get lost it one.
The massive ensuite bathrooms, with sparkling marble floors, his and her’s sinks, roll-top bath and walk-in wardrobe – the dreamiest place for a pamper.
Beautiful grounds, views of which can be seen from all bedroom windows. make sure that you make time for a stroll in the gardens and around the park lakes – you can even borrow wellies from reception.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 44
Price: from £190
Website: http://www.handpicked.co.uk/buxtedpark
Phone: 01825 733 333