Do you know your rocket from your radicchio? Is over cooked meat anathema? For those of us who seek new culinary experiences as part of our spa break, here are 10 spas and spa hotels for foodies.
A gastronomic seven course tasting menu using many local ingredients and Sussex recipes, accompanied by inspired wine pairings, awaits you at Ockenden Manor in the Tudor village of Cuckfield. Plus there’s an opportunity to sample the new vogue, English wine, at the award winning Bolney vineyard nearby. Before being sated, enjoy the contemporary spa which is filled with natural light and uses spring water from the hotel’s own source, including a walk through rain shower. Swim between the indoor and outdoor pools, luxuriate in treatments using Ren and Ila products, relax in the flotation tank and maybe enjoy some yoga or Nordic walking. Only one hour from London and 20 minutes from Gatwick by car.
At this grand old hotel, one of the main culinary attractions is run by Great British Menu winner Adam Reid. Food and drink are a treat with Adam Reid at The French as its leading light and holding four AA rosettes. There's also the Mount Street Dining Room and Bar for three course dinners in luxe art deco surroundings, The Tea Room for the best afternoon tea in the city and The Midland Lounge for cocktails. So, set your satnav for Central Manchester and rock up for some great food alongside a great spa experience.
Don’t think it is just about golf at the famous Old Course Hotel, although that is of the highest standard; the spa, the Kohler Waters, also has five bubbles to its name amongst other awards. The appeal for the foodie in you is the six dining experiences on offer at this five-star setting, including three AA star dining at the Road Hole Restaurant, offering the best of Scottish cuisine including delicious local seafood. There's also the Sands Grill for relaxed dinners, the Jigger Inn on the golf course, the Hams Hame Pub & Grill by the 18th green, and the Duke’s Clubhouse with panoramic views of St Andrews and the coastline.
Accessible yet tranquil. A short drive from the M1 with easy access to the Midlands and the South, there’s also Luton Airport for those coming from farther afield. Here your foodie spa break will encompass excellent casual dining at Adam Brasserie or the chance to upgrade to fine dining in Wernhers. Leisure and spa facilities include the chance to roam or cycle in over 1000 acres of parkland, or play a round of golf. There’s a huge hydrotherapy pool which links to the beautiful indoor pool, a techno gym, the latest in spa technology and treatments and a relaxation room where you can sleepily watch the display of stunning tropical fish. No wonder this former stately home and its grounds have been the setting for many a film and television show.
For all you fitness fanatics looking for a foodie spa break have a think about Hoar Cross Hall. Relax anywhere in the hotel in your dressing gown if it takes your fancy, taking in the spa facilities where every element of detoxification and relaxation is covered. Time later to dress for dinner. There are two restaurants at the hotel. The main one is in the former ballroom, decorated with William Morris wallpaper, Sienna marble mantelpieces, and the 19th century ‘wedding cake’ ceiling. The second is Henry's - a luxe lounge open for breakfast and throughout the day. Either way, food's a decadent experience.
A trip to glorious Devon can only be enhanced by a foodie spa break at Grade one Manor House Boringdon Hall near Plymouth. After a morning’s tootle around this interesting hotel and spa, and whilst looking out over Dartmoor, try the grazing menu in the Spatisserie with awakening, balancing and calming options. The modern Gaia Spa offers a wide range of facilities and treatments including an infinity pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and more. Highly trained therapists are there to carry out treatments including Gaia Rituals Raindrop, crystal or totally holistic amid a huge choice. Evenings can be spent enjoying five-star dining in the Àclèaf restaurant.
A four-star country house hotel in Buckinghamshire, Horwood House is a romantic retreat that also offers an abundance of charm for groups and families. The H Spa is the pièce de résistance, drawing inspiration from the gardens. Meanwhile, food also takes its lead from the property's horticultural heritage. Harry’s Bar & Kitchen, named after Harry Thrower - the original Head Gardener, zoned seating areas, an outdoor terrace, a large country kitchen table for convivial dining, imaginative menus and plenty of cocktails. It's relaxed, but it's a treat.
A four-star retreat complete with a modern, adult-only spa, Manor House Hotel - Alsager is a fun, flirty and really unique spa experience. The spa itself is a treat, complete with the only swim-up bar in the UK, a unique English Country Spa Garden experience and delicious treatments such as a Salt Grain Massage, a Warm Honey and Helichrysum Facial. Meanwhile, foodie fans will love the Stables Bar & Grill, in a former 17th-century farmhouse building. It's convivial, relaxed and while offering a sense of occasion, they also excel at pub classics, cocktails and bottomless brunches.
Chauffeur-driven cars, views of Kensington Gardens and Palace, and an A-list location, The Baglioni Spa in London is a really special treat for special occasions. All opulence and glamour, the spa is designed by Rebosio+Spagnulo (a Milan-based architectural firm to you and me), and is small but perfectly formed, complete with treatments from Natural Bissé. Food is the cherry on top with Mediterranean cuisine served at The Brunello Restaurant. They use Italian ingredients, have a wine list that's 500 labels strong, and there's always the Aperitivo at Brunello Lounge for a quick pre-dinner drink and some antipasti as well.
Head to the home of spa in the UK and discover a little piece of Provencal elegance combined with classic British heritage. The Bath Priory is home to The Garden Spa by L’Occitane, which takes you on a journey that begins with a foot ritual using ingredients from the L’Occitane grand herbarium. The spa is holistically and architecturally inspired, while everything in the hotel itself is five-star. Dining is no exception. The restaurant has three AA Rosettes, offering seasonal fine dining and modern French dishes. For lighter bites, lunch and afternoon tea, there's The Pantry, with a bottle of Ruinart Champagne waiting to be popped at any moment.
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