The Vibe
A five-star country retreat just outside London. Coworth Park is an impressive 17th Century manor house sitting in the middle of 240 acres, which. somehow, feels grand but homely and welcoming all at the same time. Its close proximity to Windsor and Ascot means that horses are a running theme throughout the hotel. From the chic horse portraits in the rooms to the equestrian centre and polo club, Coworth Park is a shrine to all things equine. Head there in the summer months and you might just spot Princes William and Harry taking part in a game (Meghan Markle was at Coworth park over the summer cheering Harry on). But the main drawer for me: the eco spa. With eight treatment rooms, plus a pedicure and manicure station, steam room, relaxation room and a pool with underwater music, it's the jewel in Coworth Park's crown.
The Hero Treatment
Carol Joy's Luxury Collagen Facial is 80 minutes of joy – and effective, too. The treatment starts off with deep cleansing, including steaming to remove all impurities. Then comes the really good bit: a pure collagen mask is applied (word of warning: you'll only be able to breathe through your nose while it's on, so not the treatment to get if you have a cold and/or are claustrophobic). While the nourishing mask is busy plumping and repairing, you're given an intensive scalp, face, neck and shoulder massage. Bliss. The treatment finishes with a lifting mask. I was left feeling intensely relaxed and glowing.
Is The Food Any Good?
There are two restaurants at Coworth Park: The Barn, which is rustic and relaxed, and then Restaurant Coworth Park, which was awarded a Michelin star in October 2017. Naturally, I plumped for the Michelin-starred option! Chef Adam Smith is all about showcasing British produce in a simple, modern way and the menu is ever-changing and ingenious. We devoured caviar and crab shortcrust pastry tarts, beef that melted in our mouths and an Armagnac and prune pudding. Washed down with an incredible bottle of red wine from my current favourite Spanish wine region, Ribera del Duero.
You Must...
Have a soak in the tub. Grab a book, order a glass of wine from room service and sink into the copper roll top bath. As an aside, it also looks great on Instagram.
The Verdict
For time-poor Londoners who crave a break from the unending pollution and people of the city, Coworth Park – just a 45-minute drive from London – is the perfect countryside retreat. A day spent luxuriating in the spa, a slap-up Michelin starred meal and an uninterrupted sleep in one of the four-poster beds will help you reset, ready for a the return to city life.
Extra Info
Rooms from £318 per night. Blacknest Road, Ascot SL5 7SE, Berkshire, England. 01344 876 600, dorchestercollection.com.
Sunningdale is the nearest train station, a five-minute drive from Coworth Park, with connections from London Waterloo and Reading (www.southwesttrains.co.uk).
By car, from central London, you can reach the estate in around 45 minutes, via the A329 and the M3.
