The Cotswolds is one of the most idyllic places for a UK getaway. Cobbled streets are bordered by quaint houses, trees bloom in an abundance of colour and the air is refreshingly quiet. Calcot Hotel & Spa is a majestic and idyllic hotel nestled cosily in the heart of the countryside, it’s the sort of hotel that as soon as you witness its cobbled facade you feel your stresses just melt away. I arrive late afternoon and the sun is puddling over carefully manicured gardens, flowers in full bloom stand in unison, and gravel crunches underfoot. Check-in is smooth and the staff are friendly and efficient, checking my partner and I into our room in no time.
The Room at Calcot Hotel and Spa
We are staying in one of their generous rooms which is located a short walk from the main hotel through its own private entrance that it shares with another room upstairs. This gives a real feeling of privacy and as though you’re staying in your own cottage or apartment as opposed to a hotel. It’s a perfect choice if you do decide to bring the kids as you don’t need to worry so much about the noise if they wake during the night.
The room is large and flooded with light from large double doors that can be flung open to reveal a terrace area overlooking the grounds of the hotel and the main house itself. distressed elements such as a star decoration above the bed and a porthole-style mirror offer a rustic edge. Fat cushions lay on a sofa and the bed, just begging for you to sink into the plush linen after a long day. It’s the sort of bed that’s made for languid mornings with a hot, fresh cup of coffee, where you have nothing else to do and nowhere else to be other than here. It’s designed for rainy days where you can hear the pitter patter on the windows and you can lose yourself to the pages of a book. For that’s what Calcot and Spa is about – offering a respite from everyday life and allowing yourself to just stop and be. Something we all-too-often neglect ourselves the chance to do.
The bathroom is a marriage of classic and contemporary in soothing shades of light sage with traditional tiles and a beautiful roll-top bath. An electric towel heater keeps it toasty warm while the hotel’s Aromatherapy Associates toiletries are the ideal solution for the hair and skin.
Dining at Calcot Hotel and Spa
Dining at Calcot Hotel and Spa is a treat unto itself and if you are looking for an afternoon tea, a lazy lunch or an evening feast you will find it here. There are two main restaurants to choose between – The Conservatory that offers elegant, laid-back dining, and The Gumstool, an elegant Cotswold country inn that prides itself on its top-notch better-than-pub-grub. The Gumstool in is cosy, cheerful and friendly, serving classic pub food with a twist alongside a selection of wines, ales and other drinks. It’s a blend of fine and family dining, offering the perfect destination to cosy up by a crackling log fire and tuck into an array of mouthwatering freshly cooked fare.
The Conservatory is a little more upscale and overlooks the beautiful grounds of the hotel making it the ideal spot when looking for somewhere truly memorable to dine. The talented chefs here work closely with local suppliers in order to source the best produce for each of their dishes. The result is food that is perfectly cooked and an atmosphere where you feel special – yet it’s refreshingly unpretentious. It’s five-star service without the fuss and it’s all the better for it. Both restaurants offer children’s menus and that’s one of the things we love most about Calcot Hotel and Spa; how family-friendly it is, without feeling cheesy or gimmicky. It’s proof that you can find a balance between luxury and child-friendly without compromising on either.
After dinner head to their bar and lounge area where you can sink into a plush sofa and sip on an array of freshly made cocktails. It’s the ideal spot to while away your evening under dim lights, soaking up the atmosphere and letting the time tick by at a leisurely pace.
The spa at Calcot Hotel and Spa
Whether you are someone who picks a hotel purely for its spa or you just really need to relax, the spa at Calcot Hotel won’t disappoint. The spa and leisure facilities are located in a separate entrance and the rush of cosy air and smell of toasty towels and essential oils washes over you as soon as you push open the door. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down, encasing you in a warm orange glow and adding an extra dimension to your relaxation. In the spa you can also find a sauna and steam room as well as a range of sublime treatments and massages you don’t want to miss out on. Accompany your visit with a healthy lunch in the spa lounge and head to the state-of-the-art gym for a workout should you so wish.
Calcot Hotel and Spa is a hotel that ticks all the boxes for a UK break away. It’s somewhere that you can really let go of everything that has been playing on your mind and just let yourself relax. The impeccable facilities are state of the art and the faultless design in every aspect of the hotel is made to welcome you with open arms. It’s cosy, indulgent and feels like a real treat. Whether heading for a romantic trip with your other half, a spa day with your Mum or a family break away you will enjoy every second from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. Book your stay at Calcot Hotel and Spa now – you won’t regret it.
