Celebrity Spotlight: Anna Williamson Visits Hoar Cross Hall

On the ultimate mother/daughter spa break, Anna Williamson visits Hoar Cross Hall fresh from her appearance on ITV’s Splash!

First impressions

Driving through the beautiful countryside to Hoar Cross Hall you know you’re in for a treat!  As you approach the hotel along the driveway the first sight of the country pile can only be described as ‘stunning’. ‘Massive’ is also a word I’d associate with this spa estate, its huge, in a grand and luxurious way. My mum and I arrived for our two night stay and upon arrival we knew we were in for something rather special.

The Hotel

Part stately home and part contemporary extension, the hotel is impressively big.  At times it feels like a Downton Abbey-esq rabbit warren of corridors and staircases but with each always leading to a cosy lounge, swimming pool, or restaurant, so each stroll made for an exciting adventure. There are nearly 100 bedrooms in the hotel and we had the Lady Annabella (appropriately assigned) suite which was nothing short of breathtaking.  Split over two levels, the room was luxury personified and boasted a whirlpool bath AND a private hot tub on our terrace. We loved our bright, airy room, which looked over the impressive grounds, so much so that we were reluctant to leave every time we had a treatment!

The Spa

I’ve been lucky enough to have experienced some lovely spas in my time and Hoar Cross Hall is absolutely up there with the best of them.  A maze of delights pop up around you; treatment rooms aside there’s a slumber room with bean bags and curtains for a well-needed snooze, an incredible aqua centre with all kinds of massaging water jets, plunge pools, and Jacuzzis.  Plenty of massage chairs are dotted around the spa and there’s even a champagne nail bar!

The Treatment

I had the most wonderful Spa Sensation treatment which comprised a moisturising full body exfoliation, massage, and facial. I was so incredibly relaxed I actually fell asleep halfway through it! My mum had the aromatherapy experience massage and reflexology and said how brilliant her therapists were and how relaxing she found the treatments. The selection of treatments is fantastic; you’re spoiled for choice.

The Restaurant

Breakfast and lunch is served in the cosy Plantation restaurant which overlooks one of the pools.  The selection of food is good and caters for all likes, dislikes and diets … however I’d recommend you don’t bother with a diet as the food is SO good at this place.  Come hungry, it’s delicious, home-cooked, and offers lots of variety. Dinner is served in the grand dining room in the main part of the hotel and boasts a really diverse and tasty à la carte menu. Fresh bread is offered to accompany the three course meal and the wine is delicious and plentiful. With a live pianist playing during dinner, it really is the perfect setting for a special dinner.

The Location

The hotel is pretty much on its own set in the countryside surrounded by its own estate.  It even has its own church. We drove up from Hertfordshire and found it an easy route; it’s mainly motorway and once off the M6 it was a pleasant drive through the city of Lichfield until you reach Hoar Cross Hall and its picture perfect setting.

The Verdict

A spa stay at Hoar Cross Hall is without a doubt a must do. Perfect for couples, a girly break, mother/daughter getaway, even a honeymoon. Its old school England done very well and you can’t fail to feel like you’re experiencing some real class and sophistication. In particular, a couple after a romantic break would love this!

Top Tips

• Arrive with an appetite!  Hoar Cross Hall feed you well and there is a no end of cafés and restaurants to satisfy your indulgent side.
• Bring a pair of outdoor shoes to go walking - if you can tear yourself away from the spa, the grounds and surrounding village are well worth strolling through.
• Make sure you bring some flip-flops or slippers to wear in the cafe and pool area, robes are supplied but footwear isn’t, so it’s worth packing a pair.