Louise Prance enjoyed a staycation to remember at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry, perfect for honeymooners wanting to stay closer to home
If you're looking for an accessible UK minimoon – the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry should be high on your list. Located just a hop, skip and a jump from the M40, the hotel is located in 17 acres of landscaped gardens and is in easy reach of romantic attractions such as Oxford centre – I highly recommend taking a honeymoon punt along the river! – and the beautiful Blenheim Palace, where you can while away hours learning about the history of the iconic house.
However, you may be more inclined to simply stay put, and you won't be left lacking in things to do. With a spa, indoor pool and tennis courts, there really is ample offerings for a short stay. My partner and I were lucky enough to be able to indulge in one of the spa's signature Rituals treatments, which uses Elemis products.
In desperate need of some R&R, it was a welcome respite from the real world and the dedicated calming spa lounge was a nice touch and a restful place in which to unwind pre and post treatment. Our therapists were clearly experienced and the luxurious hour went by far too quickly in a haze of relaxing music, aromatherapy scents and soothed muscles. The pool itself is small but perfectly formed. With the room temperature being decidedly balmy, you could absolutely digest your new-found marital status with a book poolside, and it was hard for me to drag myself away to meet our dinner reservations. But drag myself away, I did, and I wasn't disappointed.
Stopping for some pre-dinner drinks at the cosy and well-designed bar, and then the sun-trap terrace, we eventually headed for our three-course meal at the hotel's Spires restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, the décor is modern and clean, and gives a decadent dining experience.
All the food is freshly-prepared with the chefs using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible. Being vegan, I always await my offering with trepidation, but I shouldn't have been concerned. It really was a taste sensation, and while definitely being full, I couldn't resist staying for dessert. Topped off with a bottle of the house wine, we felt well and truly spoilt.
Ready for bed, we retired to our suite, which should definitely be on the honeymoon must-have list. With a bed big enough for four, a separate desk and lounge area, it really was a touch of luxury and one worth indulging in post wedding. The bathroom gave spa-vibes, with the walk-in rainfall shower an experience in itself.
The next morning we headed back down to Spires to what can only be described as a veritable feast. There's hotel breakfasts, and then there's the Oxford Belfry hotel breakfast. We were literally spoilt for choice, and if it had been socially acceptable to stay until we were forcibly removed, I'd hazard a guess I'd be writing this review on my 18th vegan sausage. But leave we did, resolute in our resolve to come back again and enjoy a luxurious break, not too far from home, but that feels like a world away from all of life's worries and stresses.
