hotel and spa review
CLIVEDEN SPA
ESCAPE, RELAX & INDULGE
S
urrey Magazine was one of the first to enjoy the luxurious, new garden spa at Cliveden! The opening of the spa marks an historic new beginning with the completion of a remarkable four year, multi-million pound restoration to the property in conjunction with the National Trust.
From its unrivalled location with spectacular views overlooking the River Thames, Cliveden House is renowned for its magnificent estate, tranquillity and exquisite dining just outside London, only a stone’s throw away from Heathrow. Steeped in 350 years of heritage and glamour, Cliveden has survived scandal, intrigue and drama, entertaining the elite and playing host to the glitterati of the age from writers, celebrities, film stars, royalty and politicians. Today, it is simply an amazing country retreat and still welcomes everyone whether a romantic weekend, conference, mid- week corporate stay, spa day, private event, candle-lit dinner, lunch or family picnic or just a wander around the beautiful water gardens and maze. The grounds themselves give you 376 acres of National Trust to explore, including some delightful walks along the River Thames, a fitness trail and children’s play area. There are boat rides in beautiful vintage launches and champagne cruises. There is a great sense of historical nostalgia. Once you drive through their gates you step back in time and into an oasis of luxury and decadence. The driveway is not dissimilar to that of The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace! Our lovely room was individually designed, delightfully grand, antiquated and spacious overlooking the main entrance with “The Fountain of Love” illuminated
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by night in the distance. No impersonal numbers on the door just my name eloquently hand written in a brass frame. The spa is hidden in a beautiful garden setting, screened by mellow brick walls covered with scented roses and lavender, creating a tranquil oasis offering a real sense of wellbeing and relaxation. Before our opulent spa treatments, we had a complete tour of the beautifully revamped and enlarged facilities. You can easily spend all day here with indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, sauna and steam rooms, state-of-the-art gymnasium and tennis courts. There is also a spa conservatory café selling fabulous fresh health food which will be brought directly to your sun lounger. The sun was out so we were lucky enough to relax and unwind by the fabulous iconic outdoor swimming pool situated in the charming walled garden under the clock tower made famous by the Profumo Affair in the 60’s where Keeler first met John Profumo – sipping skinny Proseccos and health shakes soaking in the super swanky outdoor hot tubs. Bliss! We were indulged with a heavenly full body massage on one of their brand new heated water bed mattresses followed by an incredible rejuvenating OSKIA signature facial designed to lift, nourish and brighten your complexion and feed your skin. Cliveden also have an exclusive partnership and treatments with cosmetologist Sarah Chapman. The hotel has brought in top Michelin- starred chef, Andre Garrett who joined Cliveden from one of the most celebrated restaurants in Mayfair and his fine cuisine can be sampled in his restaurant which takes centre stage at Cliveden. We enjoyed dressing up in the evening and wetted our whistle
in The Library Bar with scrumptious pre-dinner Profumo and Cliveden 66 cocktails. The French Dining Room is stylish and elegant with tall ceilings and large dressed windows overlooking the great terrace and magnificent gardens. A collection of round and square tables with comfortable seating and soft lighting is most appealing. Dinner was an extravagant affair. We enjoyed the seven course Tasting Menu with coffee and bonbons (£97.50 per person) and wine flight (£75 per person) but an a la carte menu is available and there is a great value mid-week lunch menu at only £33 per head. The Tasting Menu offers foodies an innovative top notch dining treat, with perfectly sized portions accompanied by unusual but distinct wines from as far afield as Canada to Italy and France. Andre Garrett sources rare and unexpected delicacies like his delicate Girolles amuse-bouche. Highlights of the night for us were his Portland Crab starter with avocado, lemon, quinoa crackers perfectly paired with a special Casa Belafi Cloudy Prosecco made by old traditional methods. The Foie Gras “Au Torchon” with warm homemade brioche accompanied by a Canadian apple Ice Wine “Neige” from Quebec was also a winner. Our favourite was the exceptional Cornish Turbot paired with a delightful Austrian Chardonnay to complement the white asparagus, peas, and Jersey royals. Each wine was served in its own shaped glass through the evening to perfectly capture the bouquet. An unforgettably delicious experience.
www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/spoil- yourself/the-spa
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