Deep in the Wiltshire countryside, nestled between Badminton Park and the Westonbirt Arboretum, yet less than 15 minutes from the M4 Whatley Manor lives up to its promise to "Restore and Revive". A tree lined drive leads you to Whatley Manor's huge solid oak gates which swing open in front of you, then shut silently behind you to embrace you in the hotel's inner tranquility. This private manor house, in 12 acres of stunning and intriguingly landscaped gardens, was beautifully restored in 2003 to become the luxurious 23 bedroom hotel it is today. The hotel aims to host rather than serve its guests, giving more of a feeling of staying in a large country house rather than a hotel. While we were there, for example, manager Peter Egli greeted all of the guests during breakfast. While retaining its Cotswold charm with roaring log fires and herbaceous borders, it features some modern twists including a purpose built conference suite and a 40 seat cinema, available for private hire. With a Michelin two-starred restaurants and one of the finest spas in Europe, this hotel lays down the gauntlet to Britain's "greats" such as Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons.
The hotel's Aquarias Spa is a destination in its own right, but only accepts day members from Mondays to Thursdays. It is imaginatively designed following an age old concept and centers around a large round indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool with relaxation areas including a sensory wave room, a tepidarium and a stylish bistro area. There is also a range of saunas, steam rooms, a thermal cabin and salt rub showers, plus various treatment rooms including a VIP suite suitable for couples. We tried a deep tissue massage, which was delivered with skill, and a La Prairie facial, made all the more decadent with an ergonomically contoured heated treatment couch. The therapists were friendly and clearly very knowledgeable. Aquarias is the only spa in the UK to offer the Iyashi Dome Ritual. Lying in a heated cabinet with your head gently cooled with a fan, the dome heats your body to induce a profuse detoxifying sweat. Fans of this unique treatment find that it re-energises, regenerates and tones as a result of the inevitable break down of fats within the body.
Whatley Manor
Easton Grey
Malmesbury
Wiltshire SN16 0RB
01666 822888
info@whatleymanor.com www.whatleymanor.com