One of the things we missed the most during lockdown was a spa day and a night away in a lovely hotel. The irony of experiencing one of the most stressful periods of our lives to date and not being able to escape from it all and switch off, wasn’t lost on us. So, when we were invited to Hoar Cross Hall – our first spa trip post-lockdown – we jumped at the chance! Dluxe’s Rebecca Rhodes shares her experience*…
Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, Hoar Cross Hall is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The award-winning resort promises a state-of-the-art spa, stylish bedrooms, spectacular grounds and decadent dining… And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint! The Barons Eden owned luxury hotel and spa has had a £14 million refurbishment across the 150-year-old property’s 97 bedrooms, three restaurants, spa and communal areas. The approach is an experience in itself, as you come up a sweeping driveway and take in the spectacular grounds before being met with a first glimpse of the beautiful resort – I even had a parking spot with my name on!
Walking into the grand entrance, you instantly know you’re somewhere special and the friendly team are ready to greet you. My visit to Hoar Cross Hall was part of a group press trip, so we were taken to Henry’s – one of the three restaurants on site – for drinks on the terrace in the unseasonably warm weather, before being seated for lunch and a welcome speech from Edward Law, Director of Barons Eden. We were also introduced to Executive Chef, James St Claire-Jones, who talked us through the delicious dishes on offer and the practices in place to ensure the journey from farm to fork is as sustainable as possible.
Once our appetites had been satiated, we were taken on a tour of the building – something that is available for all guests to experience at 4pm every day, should they wish. Now, I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to things like this, especially when we’re in a building with so much history, so I found it fascinating! From the original William Morris wallpaper and sumptuous Wedding Cake ceiling in the Ballroom, to the small but perfectly formed private Chapel – there was plenty to admire. My favourite story was from the Library, where we were told the mirror in there had been previously owned by Lewis Carroll, who took inspiration from it for Alice Through the Looking Glass. We also had a sneak peek at the best room in the house – the Royal Suite – complete with sumptuous décor, two balconies (one featuring a hot tub), a bar and a personal butler… I’d better start saving now!
Next up, was a trip to the spa. Spacious, tranquil and serene, you instantly switch into relaxation mode when you step foot in the award-winning spa at Hoar Cross Hall. With everything from a hydrotherapy pool, Nordic heat and ice experiences, detox centre and numerous cosy relaxation spaces; to a state-of-the-art gym, exercise studios with regular classes, tennis courts and the ability to hire bikes to cycle around the grounds, there’s something for everyone. I had the opportunity to sample some of the spaces in the spa, but definitely needed more time to indulge in the full experience – the perfect excuse to come back!
Our trip included an overnight stay and after the tour earlier in the day, I was very excited to check in and see what my room looked like. Situated in the original part of the building and tucked away at the end of a corridor, I was blown away at the size of the room – I could do laps in it! Beautifully decorated and with a stunning view across the grounds, it was the perfect mix of modern and traditional, with a super comfortable bed and plenty of space to get glammed up for dinner.
Served in the Library, we were treated to even more delicious food for our evening meal. I chose to start with the Seared King Scallops, Butternut Puree, Sage & Granny Smith; followed by the Roast Breast of Chicken, Pea Puree, Parmesan Gnocchi, Tenderstem Broccoli & Chorizo Crumb. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted absolutely delicious. As a woman with an incredibly sweet tooth, I’d already decided on my dessert choice before anything else and thankfully it didn’t disappoint! The White Chocolate & Cherry Cheesecake with Black Cherry Ripple Ice Cream was the perfect way to finish off a fantastic day.
After a good nights sleep in the very comfortable bed, I decided to have a walk around the grounds before breakfast and soak up the various views on offer of the Hall itself and the surrounding countryside. As it was early in the day, there was no one else about, which added to the tranquillity. Before we all departed, we had breakfast back at Henry’s – I chose the Poached Egg, Salmon & Avocado on Toast, washed down with a big mug of coffee – heaven!
The Barons Eden mission statement is “To treat every guest as a friend of the family and give them an experience that brings them back again and again”, which definitely rings true as I’m already planning my next trip!
To find out more about what Hoar Cross Hall has to offer – from overnight stays to relaxing spa packages – visit https://baronseden.com/hoar-cross-hall
*We were kindly gifted our experience in return for a review – all opinions are our own.
