A Spa Garden Retreat At Ellenborough Park in the Cotswolds, UK

Written by Jane Wilson
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“Experience the Luxury during a Spa Garden Retreat At Ellenborough Park”

A Spa Garden Retreat At Ellenborough Park

England is a nation of garden lovers so it’s not surprising to see new concepts and designs developing and flourishing. Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham is one such place which is setting the seed for spa gardens. Recently opened, this Spa Garden retreat is an exclusive hideaway for guests to tuck themselves away in a corner of the 90-acre estate.

The Spa Garden

With flashbacks of Chelsea Flower Show’s landscaped creations, prized dahlias and award-winning geraniums displays, Ellenborough Park’s Spa Garden leads its guests under a wooden pergola approach draped with honeysuckle and just a robe and slipper hop from the main spa.  Small and exclusive, this relaxing space is enclosed within a walled garden. On offer is an all-season hot tub, reclining sun loungers and a sauna cabin, a copycat of a grown-up barrel. It maybe miniature, but it’s unique, fun and a perfect fit for a romantic enclosure or a small group (up to 12).  It’s the place to clink a glass of fizz or simply relax in the country air. A spa space smothered in nature, cloistered and secret. Packages include exclusive access to the Spa Garden, a massage or facial, lunch or afternoon tea served in the historic Great Hall. It also includes the use of Ellenborough Park’s indoor facilities, which consist of a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The indoor spa is a cosy affair accommodated in an historic building with 6 treatment rooms and a relaxation room.

The Spa Garden Approach

Convenient Location

This country manor is located a short drive away from the city of Cheltenham, at the foot of Cleeve Hill with its’ sights over the gallops of Cheltenham Racecourse in the heart of Gloucestershire’s countryside. With 61 rooms, styles vary. Old school classic designs are on show in the suites of the main house with four poster beds, open plan spacious bathrooms and beamed ceilings. Mews rooms look out onto a courtyard garden where pathways brush with floral borders laced with lavender bushes, foxgloves, clematis and hydrangeas. Garden rooms enjoy their own outside space. On the lawn a giant chess board awaits players, deckchairs, their residents. And for the energetic, there’s an outdoor heated pool and even a dedicated Dubarry boot room lined with weather-proof clothing to explore the grounds and local walks.

Ellenborough Park

History

This pile of honey-coloured Cotswold stone represents a colourful history. The manor house dates back to the 15th century and is enclosed inside historic walls. In 1947 it became the Oriel High School for Girls and then established itself as a hotel. There’s a mix of architecture with towers that give a castle appearance, a secret passageway, a chapel, used today for weddings, an Indian memorial gazebo and the Great Hall and staircase near the entrance.

Outdoor Pool

Dining

The Restaurant is also steeped in history.  The wood-panelled room, reflective of the interior fashion of its day, displays original features such as the stained-glass windows illuminated with elegant chandeliers making it a perfect choice for fine dining. The Horse Box Brasserie caters for casual dining while the south lawn is dotted with quirky dining carriages, a trailer bar and sun terrace to create an alfresco area – indulge in afternoon tea or toast the sunset over Cheltenham.

Porridge at breakfast is offered with a nip of whiskey. Stone bass, Welsh wagyu beef burger or a plant burger feature on a varied menu while desserts range from the classical rhubarb crumble and ginger ice-cream to a salted caramel & white chocolate fondant with apple compote and crème fraiche sorbet or a full cheese menu of five varieties.

The Restaurant

Dog Friendly

Pugs to poodles, four-legged friends are welcomed at Ellenborough Park with 12 dog-friendly rooms and great walks throughout the estate. There is a dedicated Doggie menu which includes a tapas selection of Sunday roast bones and bark burgers or even a fish and chips main dish.  There is, of course, a paw spa – naturally.

With trends in wellness and spas flourishing, Ellenborough Park has created a spa garden concept to increase guest privacy in a peaceful outdoor setting – a spa garden retreat that is coming up roses with special retreat packages for that private indulgent experience.

Dog Friendly

***

BeSeeingYou In: Cheltenham, England.

Good To Know: Reserve your time in the Spa Garden as it gets booked up quickly.

WOW Factor: The Manor House is very impressive surrounded by manicured lawns.

Tip: If you forget your outdoor gear, head to the Dubarry Boot room.

Author Bio: Jane Wilson

Jane Wilson

Jane is a travel journalist who specialises in wellness travel, an area which has moved beyond the spa and yoga mat and is firmly on-trend. Think slow travel, rituals, retreats, indigenous therapies and destination medi-spas for the ultimate make-over for mind, body & soul. Whatever the reason, Jane considers travel as an investment in health and wellbeing.

As a regular contributor to BeSeeingYou, you will always discover that healthy twist laced into her articles. Jane writes for a range of UK magazines as well her own online media The Wellness Traveller.co.uk

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