the haute spa hotel that gets hosting right

Surrey isn’t short of spa hotels, but Beaverbrook manages to stand in a league of its own. The former home of Lord Beaverbrook – an influential press baron and politician –the Grade-II listed country house estate is now a luxury hotel, where beguiling tales are told, and modern memories made (see #beaverbrook on Instagram for evidence).

If you're yet to visit, picture the grandeur of Cliveden House with the personality of Babington, throw in some family-friendly facilities, uncompromised in style, and, frankly, you’ve got the perfect mix for a civilised staycation.

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Firstly, the picturesque surroundings are glorious. The 470-acre grounds offer views of the Surrey Hills, and within them hidden gems to uncover. Stroll around the manicured gardens and to the fishing lake; hike through the meadows or bike the woodland trails. From the Victorian Grotto to the adventure playground – there’s hours of exploration for both the big and small.

Indoor facilities include a cosy private cinema, cookery school, slick kids’ club and a delightfully different-looking spa. Designed by contemporary artist and architect Brian Clark, the kaleidoscopic-coloured space instantly reinvigorates the senses. While some luxe hotel spas can intimidate with a minimal-meets-clinical aesthetic, The Coach House Spa at Beaverbrook provides a warm welcome indeed.

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Drenched in light, with equally sunny staff and a nurturing ethos, they favour wellbeing over beautifying. Medicinal plants from the on-site apothecary garden are used in treatments and teas; there’s a resident naturopath advising on plant powers for healing, and the products used are from small-batch, British boutique brands who share the spa’s love of botanicals.

All treatments take a top-to-toe approach, starting with a consultation and foot ritual before focusing on the face or body. A pampering favourite is the Therapi Honey Facial (£165 for 60 minutes), a holistic facial harnessing honey and propolis – a compound produced by bees thought to have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Honey-based skincare brand Therapi is behind it, whose certified organic products combine nature’s nutritious nectar with active botanical extracts.

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Each therapist will put their own slant on a treatment. In our case, Tracey performed drainage massage when working in the products, but less for cheek-contouring effect, and more for the therapeutic benefits of lymphatic drainage and stress reduction while maximising the nourishing potential of the Therapi skincare.

Alongside the tranquil treatment rooms comes a barber’s salon and English bath house, influenced by the traditional Turkish hammam. And then there's The Coach House Deli, ideal for a post-treatment lunch, it serves satisfying superfood fare made with ingredients often grown in the kitchen gardens. (There’s also wine, the perfect accompaniment to relaxation by the outdoor pool.)

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In fact, when it comes to food and drink, Beaverbrook utterly spoils you. The Japanese Grill is an elegant affair. Locally sourced, the modern Japanese dishes feature the finest cuts of fish and meat with punchy flavours.

The Garden House Restaurant is more what you’d associate with country retreating. Positioned behind a traditional walled kitchen garden, this rustic, romantic restaurant serves seasonal dishes that are both hearty and healthy.

The opulent, design-heavy Sir Frank’s Bar – named after Sir Frank Lowe, Beaverbrook’s creative director – combines art-deco furnishings with botanical paintings by Victorian artist Marianne North. Somehow the unique combination is a stellar one, and it draws you into its Gatsby glamour.

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When it comes to resting your head, rooms range from the more sophisticated to the simply stylish. Some offer views with balconies and terraces overlooking the estate (we can highly recommend) and all offer charm – nodding to the estate’s past yet nailing modern hospitality. Beaverbrook has struck the perfect balance.

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For more information, visit beaverbrook.co.uk

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