Your Glos and Wilts Wedding - October/November 2019 (Issue 17)

Claire Ridley gets outdoors at De Vere Cotswold Water Park Back to nature D e Vere Cotswold Water Park is located on a nature reserve surrounded by 152 lakes. It feels like you’ve escaped to the middle of nowhere, yet it’s halfway between Swindon and Cirencester so very accessible for guests attending weddings. My first impressions were how Instagram- friendly it was, with statement floral installations and a giant deckchair for two greeting visitors – so important for today’s social media-savvy weddings. Opening the door to my suite revealed panoramic views of the lake that the property is perched on. There are 328 stylish rooms and spacious suites in the hotel, providing accommodation for every budget. Newlyweds will love the suites, with each one equipped with a lounge area, king-size bed and a lakeside terrace. A stroll around the lake was top of my agenda, introducing me to the abundance of wildlife and tempting me to try out some of the water sports that are permitted next door, where adventure seekers can try paddle boarding, kayaking and other sporting activities, very popular for stag weekends. (This lake doesn’t allow them, instead offering an unspoilt backdrop for wedding photographs). Hen parties, on the other hand, tend to flock to Spa 6, a tranquil haven with treatment rooms, including a dual one for couples, a champagne bar surrounded by mani and pedi stations, plus a hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and experience showers. The spa offers the exclusive Hen Party Spa Experience for groups of eight or more, with fizz, nibbles and treatments available. A highlight on the treatment menu is the Rasul therapy, a traditional Arabic mud ritual. The activities available at the hotel make it a great choice for couples wanting to host a wedding weekend away for their guests. Two-bedroom apartments, ideal for families, can be hired for the night (or longer), and some are dog-friendly. The Muddy Duck cafe, offering light bites and coffee, also welcomes four-legged friends. The Brasserie, a contemporary restaurant located on the water’s edge, can host a pre-wedding afternoon tea or dinner, including pizza served from its outdoor oven during the summer months. The Old Boathouse is another dining option, and I was invited along by the talented team of chefs to sample the delicious menu, which features locally sourced, seasonal produce in relaxed, informal surroundings. Compliments to them, as I tucked into the tasty tempura tiger prawns and hearty fish pie. The property provides a neutral canvas in its choice of elegant function suites for couples wishing to marry here. The Kingfisher Suite, located downstairs, benefits from its own entrance (perfect for a red carpet arrival), private bar and toilets. It’s licensed for ceremonies of up to 300 guests and offers great flexibility because it can be split into three sections for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception, allowing the entire celebration to take place in one area. It opens on to an outdoor terrace, offering uninterrupted lake views – ideal for summer drinks. The Mallard Suite, situated upstairs, is also licensed for ceremonies for up to 300 guests and enjoys a balcony facing the lake, with the opportunity to have photographs taken down on the grass verge. More intimate gatherings for up to 50 guests are best suited to The Starling Suite, a smaller space designed for weddings. Couples can also book the wedding marquee to take advantage of the 1am licence that the venue offers – plus the fact that the hotel operates 24 hours. This is ideal for a nightcap in the bar, where a wide selection of wine, spirits and craft drinks are served, or a midnight feast from The Pantry, an area in reception loaded with snacks and ice cream served from a pink and white-striped trike that can be hired for weddings – something that I just had to hashtag! ❤ WE LOVE... the close proximity to many local attractions, including the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, the Cotswold Water Park and beach. C laire’s pics CONTACT: 01285 864 000, devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel deverecotswoldwaterpark REGIONAL VENUES 21