I’m not going to lie, when I saw the weather forecast for my family’s overnight staycation at the fabulous Grove Hotel, my heart sank, rain all day and all night…I had wanted to make the most of the 24 hours we had there and was worried we’d run out of things to do, but I needn’t have worried, as rain most definitely did not, stop play & we had a ball from start to finish.
From the minute we pulled up at the entrance (in the pouring rain) and the concierge raced towards us with an umbrella, taking our bags, bikes and valet parking our car, I knew our stay was off to a great start. We arrived shortly after noon and check in isn’t until 3, but this isn’t a problem as The Grove store your bags, check you in, encourage you to make full use of the facilities and contact you as soon as your room is ready.
So whilst my small people and their Dad went off I’m search of lunch, I ventured to the Sequoia Spa. Now this is where I was lyrical about one of the most incredible treatments, I have EVER had and I am a Spa junkie, I KNOW my Spa treatments. My Therapist, Amy, explained that the OSKIA Luxury Face & Body treatment would take just under 2 hours, during this time, I would be transported to another world as I received a full body, face and head massage. I left feeling utterly blissful and soon received a text from my other half to tell me the rooms were ready but they had been swimming in the indoor pool and to head on up.
Our adjoining rooms were clean and spacious with ESPA products in the bathrooms and the cutest macaroons to welcome us. Whilst I pottered about, I received another text to tell me that they were now in the gym. I decided to explore the beautiful walled garden before dinner, as it is a little walk, I was offered a golf buggy to take me there and this I did. Whilst at the Walled Gardens, I saw the outdoor cinema (more on that later), the outdoor pool and beach area (yes, you heard that right, my son entered a sand castle competition the following, sunny day) plus the tennis courts, outdoor chess & The Potting Shed. After all this exploring, it was time for dinner at The Glasshouse.
Now, it seems that the desserts at The Glasshouse are well known for their deliciousness, a friend commented that I had “best leave plenty of room for them” when she heard I was going, but it wasn’t just the desserts that are world class. I guess the best way to describe the experience would be that of a fine dining buffet. My son declared the fresh pasta made by Chef, Fabrizio the best he’d ever had and my roast chicken was so moorish I had to resist having another plateful. My daughter had not 1 but 3 of the vegan brownies and my husband ate more sushi than you can shake a stick at. In short, you should stay at The Grove for The Glasshouse experience alone.
The evening entertainment beckoned as we headed to the Walled Garden for the Outdoor Cinema experience. We were provided with bean bags, headphones, blankets and ponchos for the drizzle with popcorn for the kids and g&ts for the grown ups as we hunkered down to watch Mean Girls.
The next day it was back to the aforementioned Glasshouse for a buffet breakfast, which was equally as marvellous as dinner and then as the sun had finally got its hat on we headed to the outdoor pool and beach area for a swim and sand castle making competition. Alas, our check out time loomed ever closer and it was with heavy hearts we loaded the car and made our way home having made some priceless memories along the way.
Prices start from £290 on a b&b basis.