When it comes to an unforgettable experience, a countryside setting with delicious food and an exquisite state-of-the-art spa is the perfect recipe. Situated on 700 acres of tranquil-ancient parkland, Whittlebury Park is a luxurious four-star hotel that provides a serene and elegant setting for tranquil retreats. From the moment we arrived down the sweeping driveway, we were in for a treat as the grand property came into view. After being greeted by the helpful staff, we headed to the spa for the ultimate session to refresh our bodies and minds with the Jewel Of ESPA Retreat package. Pampering session We started our day of pampering with a personalised ESPA massage and facial treatment, which lasted 110 minutes and let me tell you, it was absolute heaven! Candlelight, relaxing music and essential oils filled the room to create the complete setting. Combining pure aromatherapy blends and massage techniques, my lovely beauty therapist Nicky focused on my problem areas to remove all the tension in my body – I was on cloud nine the whole session! After drinking some water to rehydrate the body, we headed to the relaxation room for a lie-down. Tranquil haven The award-winning Heat and Ice experience at Whittlebury Park helps stimulate your circulation and senses while helping to remove toxins from the skin. We enjoyed moving through the different areas with the team’s suggested bathing plan, which started with the experience shower. Our favourite rooms were the Aromatherapy Crystal Steamroom, Traditional Sauna, and the Caldarium – a warm air bathing room with low humidity. Not forgetting the Ice Crave that works to stimulate circulation and oxygen intake. The hydrotherapy pool with overwater pressure jets to massage the body offered the ideal setting to soak everything in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with my partner. Food glorious food Included in our package was a buffet lunch with a fantastic selection of seafood, hot dishes, a deli section and desserts. We devoured warm scones, cottage cream and jam in the afternoon for our cream tea with a glass of prosecco – yum! The service in the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant Murrays was fantastic from start to finish. The team were polite, professional and knowledgeable about the dishes, which made our experience all the more pleasant. Head chef Harvey Lockwood has created the perfect food heaven with meticulously detailed dishes using fresh ingredients. Each mouthful offered impeccable flavours, and the unexpected treats throughout the meal made it most memorable. Cocktails and delicious canapés were served before entering the elegant, intimate dining room. A tomato amuse bouche was served as a pre-meal appetiser before I tucked into a Devonshire brown crab with Worchester apple and avocado. Scottish halibut filler with moray langoustine Hertfordshire cucumber and Jersey royal was served for the main, followed by a deconstructed cheesecake. I enjoyed a brown sugar tart with walnut and Shaftesbury buttermilk for dessert. Rest your head What made our stay extra special was enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep in the Emperor Suite. With charming décor and a cosy atmosphere, the space features a lounge, dining area and a comfortable bed. The fully stocked tray with plenty of goodies to enjoy was a lovely touch, as was the mini fridge with drinks. The stunning suite offered a luxury bathroom with a shower, a large water jet bath, fluffy bathrobes and ESPA toiletries. After a peaceful night’s sleep, we headed downstairs to enjoy the buffet breakfast, which featured a selection of juices, yoghurts, hot food, fresh pastries, fruit and cereals. With such a large variety of options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – I recommend the churros! Exchange vows Calling all nearlyweds! Did you know that Whittlebury Park offers three wedding settings on-site for couples to pick from, including The Orangery, The Pavilion and The Atrium? The venue even offers wedding guests preferential accommodation rates so loved ones can relax after dancing the night away. Book your stay here: www.whittlebury.com In the countryside Olivia Gibson discovers Whittlebury Park in Northamptonshire 24
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