RESTORATIVE RELAXATION AND
TRAVEL
RESTORATIVE RELAXATION AND
MODERN-DAY FLAIR COMBINE AT AMBERLEY CASTLE
THE WORD ‘ ESCAPE ’ GETS BANDIED ABOUT RATHER READILY WHEN IT COMES TO HOSPITALITY AND STAYCATIONS SPECIFICALLY , BUT WHEN OVERUSED IT BECOMES A MORE FIGURATIVE , LESS ABSOLUTE MEANING , WHICH CAN DILUTE JUST HOW UNIQUE AND WONDERFUL A GENUINE ESCAPE IS . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
By definition , an escape is a form of temporary distraction from reality or routine , and one hotel that embodies this , both architecturally and geographically , and very much for the benefit of its guests ’ mental and physical wellbeing is Amberley Castle - a one-of-akind luxury hotel located in the picturesque village of Amberley at the foot of the South Downs .
It ’ s incredibly apparent on arrival that the aforementioned architecture is even more authentic and breathtaking when viewed in person ; we can all look at pictures online and be wowed by what we see , but gazed upon up close , Amberley Castle ’ s presence is soul-stirring . A former home to bishops and royalty dating back to 1103 ( and recorded in the Domesday Book , no less ), the current building has been visited by Henry VIII , who was allegedly seeking divorce advice , Charles II in 1660 , and by Elizabeth II as a young princess ; an impressive roster of British nobility who must all have been equally struck by its imposing presence and palpable sense of personality .
One important and very distinguishing feature about Amberley Castle as it stands today however , is the warmth with which the owners have managed to sympathetically surround its medieval character and original features ; it ’ s a proper castle – complete with a moat , battlements , a portcullis , an original suit of armour and the ruins of a great hall that was ravaged in the English Civil War , and yet one of the most welcoming and comfortable places I ’ ve ever stayed . This laidback charm that blends so beautifully with the majesty of the castle itself is as much evinced by the brilliant staff that work here as it is its Relais & Chateaux group membership .
Known worldwide for hand-selecting the very best hotels across the globe and for their instantly recognisable fleur-de-lis logo , a Relais & Chateau stamp is one that guarantees excellence . What this absolutely does not mean , however , is that they are a chain ; while impeccable company standards are common across the board , each hotel has an instant goodnaturedness and a very distinctive character comprising a unique combination of energy , style and enthusiasm . Not least Amberley Castle , which is also part of the Andrew Brownsword collection - 13 private hotels owned by the Brownsword family , who have striven to create very special places that truly embody an ethos of great hospitality and that redefine opulence at every turn .
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