By Katie Wilson
If you’re dreaming of a spa break that’s just outside London, we’ve found the perfect place.
This luxury country house hotel is just 30 minutes from St Pancras train station – and that’s including the taxi there too.
Expect stylish rooms, top notch food and drink – and The Club at Cottonmill spa, with facilities that are among the best in the UK.
Here’s what happened when The Boutique Handbook checked in for the night…
Sopwell House hotel review
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
We’ve already mentioned it above, but how quick you can be at Sopwell House surprised us, and it’s definitely a plus for anyone wanting a quick getaway from London.
This Georgian manor house, which is family-run and has previous links to royalty – it’s believed the late Prince Philip’s mother Alice got engaged to Prince Andrew of Greece in the gardens – is immaculate. Grounds are perfectly manicured and you get a real ‘wow factor’ moment as you pull up on the drive.
Inside, there is a botanical feel with plants everywhere. We were greeted with a roaring fire, cosy snug and a mesmerising silver bauble installation suspended from the skylight in front of the reception. And there’s interesting artwork everywhere, which we loved looking at as we headed to our room.
THE ROOMS
Though Sopwell House is boutique in its feel, it’s deceptively big with 128 rooms. In the Mansion House these range from Classic, Deluxe and Plus to our favourite-named, Chic rooms.
Want to push the boat out or visiting for a special occasion? Book a suite with a freestanding bath in the bedroom. Or opt for one of the newer Corner Suites that come with balconies, garden or countryside views, plush bathrooms and a mini bar as big as a wardrobe. We gasped when we opened it.
All rooms are tastefully and neutrally decorated with double or king-sized beds. Many of the higher end rooms have a separate open-plan living area. All come with comforts like free WiFi, huge TVs with Sky and sports packages, air conditioning and ELEMIS toiletries in the bathrooms.
Separate to the main house are 16 new Mews Suites. Designed for two or maximum three people, choose to stay in a Studio, One Bedroom or Duplex. High end features include four-poster beds, fancy fireplaces, private terraces, in-room baths and cedar wood hot tubs. They also come with self-catering kitchenettes for cosy nights in.
THE SPA
It’s important to note that access to The Club at Cottonmill spa is only included if you book a Corner Suite or a Mews Suite. Guests staying in other rooms will have to pay a £120 a day supplement per person, subject to availability, so we’d recommend booking ahead.
There is a more basic Cottonmill spa with facilities including a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. But if you’re visiting Sopwell House, you want to have access to The Club at Cottonmill. It claims to be the UK’s first members’ club spa, and it really is next level. Another way to experience it is by booking one of their Club Spa Day packages, which start from £137.
Quiet, exclusive and super high end, we loved the swim out indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, hot tubs in the spa garden, botanical steam room and panoramic sauna.
Set across two levels, there is also a salt steam room, deep relaxation room and post-treatment rose relaxation room. Treatments are from iS Clinical, ELEMIS and Aromatherapy Associates. Choose from signature facials and massages, LED skin therapy, reflexology, crystal healing and the limited-edition hammam from La Sultane de Saba.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are two restaurants and two bars at Sopwell House. Casual dining can be found in the light and airy Conservatory Bar and The Brasserie restaurant.
If you want to dress up for the night head for cocktails in Octagon Bar with its candlelit snug that’s perfect for date nights, plus its adjoining Lounge, pictured. Signature drinks include the Octagon Tea Punch and The Righteousness Princess. We also loved the mocktail offerings. Try The Ginger Puss.
For dinner, definitely book a table at Omboo, the hotel’s Asian-inspired restaurant. While much of Sopwell House is pretty, you’ll definitely want to get your camera out here. Beautifully botanical, every inch of this space is Instagram-worthy.
The food is excellent too. Meant for sharing, choose from the chef’s selection of platters, from £58pp, brought out as each is ready. Edamame, their version of fried chicken, stir fry ramen, crispy duck salad, miso-glazed cod and seared wagyu are just some of the highlights. Sushi, sashimi and a host of delicious veggie dishes are also on the menu. You can order individual dishes too. And afternoon tea, starting from £37pp, is served daily in Omboo between 1pm and 4pm.
OVERALL VERDICT
Sopwell House impressed on all levels and is perfect for a last-minute break, as well as longer stays. The members’ club spa was the definite highlight. Make sure you book one of the rooms that includes full access or pay to upgrade. You won’t be disappointed.
Rooms start from £259 a night
*The Boutique Handbook visited as part of a complimentary PR stay, but we always give honest reviews
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