GETAWAYS
A SUMMER INDULGENCE: rowhill grange
The first glimpse of summer sunshine only added to the beauty of the leafy drive up to the 19th-century manor house that is home to Rowhill Grange, its award-winning Utopia Spa and the stylish RG Restaurant. BY SAMANTHA G
The glorious Rowhill Grange is nestled in Kentish Countryside, yet is so easily accessible. The sound of birdsong rung out across the beautifully kept gardens as I admired the umbrella-lined terrace on route to our warm welcome inside.
Swiftly checked in we were escorted to our luxury room, which came with a sumptuous bed, Egyptian cotton linen, flat screen TV, and a Nespresso coffee machine. The sleek, grey modern bathroom( with L’ Occtaine toiletries, no less) provided soft white robes and slippers – the sight of which prompted my guest and I to head straight down to the Utopia Spa for an afternoon of pampering.
Robes and slippers at the ready, we descended into the two storey spa and entered the calm, classical Roman-inspired poolside. With its murals and friezes, columns and soft lighting, the spa provided a welcome Mediterranean haven.
The ground floor hydrotherapy pool, bubble tub and Jacuzzi were our first stops, where we allowed the flowing water jets and delicate bubbles to begin our descent into relaxed bliss. A few gentle lengths of the first-floor pool was followed by a quick burst in the steam room and sauna, before we happily headed back upstairs for our selected treatments.
An‘ I’ ll Be Back’ for my guest, involved being smothered in a rich, purifying, deep-cleansing mud, before having an invigorating Mediterranean scrub, the result of which was a lush smelling, cleansed and refreshed back all ready for those summer rays; whilst I was booked in for a Tri-Dosha Holistic Glow Facial. I was soon won over by the natural Ayurvedic products which are chosen not only for their skin cleansing properties but for their ability to boost energy flow and reduce stress. As if the soft natural aromas of neem and sandalwood weren’ t enough, this treatment also included a super soothing head massage and a relaxing foot and leg massage and the results aim to show signs of reduced aging – seriously, what is not to love?
Floating out of the treatment rooms my guest and I had developed a serious appetite; naturally, hours of total blessed-out relaxation can make you really hungry! Especially when you know that the‘ foodie’ menus on offer at Rowhill’ s RG’ s Restaurant aim to harness local seasonal produce, delivered by a passionate team, and showcased in a plush contemporary dining room with heaps of natural light pouring in through the full-length windows.
On offer was either a three-course seasonal menu, with tempting light summer options such as Kent asparagus with soft hen’ s egg, roast chicken with summer cabbage and Jersey royals and a strawberry buttermilk trifle( and all for just £ 35); or a mouth watering selection from the à la carte, from which my guest and I( eventually!) chose the prawn, crab and crayfish cocktail; a heady plate of fresh succulent seafood, enhanced by the interesting apple‘ spaghetti’ and bloody Mary sauce; and the Canterbury Cheddar – a delicious, delicate dish of whipped cheese served with tiny cubes of tangy cheddar, crisp cheese crisps, sour dough croutons, fresh peas, wild garlic and nasturtiums with a pea sauce – served at the table by executive chef Ewan Simpson himself!
Needing no persuasion we both opted to chose our mains from the Grill section, where ingredients are cooked over the select English Woodland Charcoal mix of RG’ s Robata Grill. This method ensured that my guest’ s half lobster was perfectly seared, the delicate meat enriched with only garlic butter; whilst my Filet steak and hand cut chips were cooked to perfection.
We of course also opted for pud, selecting the sounds-too-good-to-resist‘ Milk Chocolate Bar’. With peanut and sea salt caramel, I had to refrain my guest from licking the plate; whilst tempted from the seasonal menu I opted for the lighter lemon posset, its sharp smooth mousse invigorated with a sweet blueberry compote and spelt shortbread.
Rested and sated we were more than grateful to descend into a peaceful slumber on that comfortable king bed, safe in the knowledge that a delicious breakfast and another quick dip in the spa awaited before we had to bid a fond farewell to the Grange.
Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa Wilmington Kent DA2 7QH 01322 615136 www. rowhillgrange. co. uk
/ rowhillgrange @ Rowhill _ Grange
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