Champneys Hotel & Spa
GETAWAYS
EASTWELL MANOR
Champneys Hotel & Spa
SINCE TAKING THE HELM AT EASTWELL MANOR BACK IN NOVEMBER 2016, IT’ S FAIR TO SAY THAT CHAMPNEYS HAVE WELL AND TRULY MADE THEIR MARK. HAVING EXPERIENCED THE WONDER OF THE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CHAMPNEYS SPA, SAMANTHA READY WAS INTRIGUED TO EXPLORE FURTHER.
Eastwell Manor is a truly beautiful example of historic architecture and picturesque Kentish countryside located on the outskirts of Ashford. I am no stranger to Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa, having stayed and dined numerous times prior to its reincarnation, so I was more than a little intrigued to know just what was instore for this popular abode, that, while offering stunning buildings, beautiful grounds and a history entwined with royalty, was generally acknowledged to be in need of a bit of TLC.
Checking in was the first hint of change – gone was the imposing reception desk of yore, which has been replaced by efficient, friendly staff at two subtle desks in the main foyer. The fresh update to the decor gives a lighter, brighter feel throughout, while maintaining key features that preserve the integrity of the original building; it’ s been enhanced rather than transformed beyond recognition.
This sympathetic approach continued to the bedrooms; our own luxe category room had been updated with comfortable mod cons – a large bath, chrome shower fixtures and double sink complete with a host of Champneys products – but still held true to its more historic roots in the form of a beautiful ensuite housed in the turret walls, original windows and stone surrounds.
One of the biggest and most welcome changes, however, was to be found in the Manor Restaurant, where the entire dining concept has been modernised. Large round tables have been replaced with bench seating, privacy screens, and smaller tables with a few private scalloped booths thrown in for good measure, and the menu has been totally refreshed too, offering contemporary British dishes. This is absolutely no longer an old-school, dare we say stuffy destination dining restaurant, and is instead something quite special.
Taking a seat at a sought after booth for two, we were able to see the beginnings of a really promising restaurant – service, while still being refined among the new team, was welcoming and friendly, and the menu( which offers à la carte upgrades to those on dinner packages) provided us with some truly delicious and beautifully presented dishes.
The hand-dived scallops were perfectly seared; the aubergine compote a new twist, while the cheese souffle was a huge mountain of oozing cheese indulgence, light as air, but full of flavour. The côte de boeuf proffered an expertly cooked steak marbled with beautifully rendered fat and served with two sauces, seasonal vegetables and proper hand-cut chips. Desserts continued in the same tasty vein and we pretty much licked the plates clean underneath our white chocolate and passionfruit and the bitter chocolate marquise.
After a most restful sleep we enjoyed a hearty continental breakfast, the sunlight beaming in through the windows overlooking the gardens giving the dining room a whole new look from its seductive nighttime appearance.
Being guests also gives you access to the whole grounds, rose gardens, lawn games and the outdoor pool, which has been our go to place throughout the recent heatwave with its loungers, deck chairs and quirky drinks van. Not forgetting the first-class main spa itself, we relaxed, post-breakfast, with a swim, sauna and one final treat: the indulgent Champneys signature full body massage.
With a variety spa day and spa break packages, check out the website for offers and availability, you won’ t be disappointed.
Eastwell Manor Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees Ashford, TN25 4HT 0843 561 2019 reservations @ eastwellmanor. co. uk www. eastwellmanor. co. uk
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