Few places are more quintessentially British than Chipping Campden: a market town in The Cotswolds that looks so picturesque you might think it belongs in a romance novel or on the front of a postcard. Unusually, it’s quaintness extends to the high street too- as one of the few places that hasn’t been tainted by the usual chains; instead offering an eclectic mix of upmarket, independent shops (including a bespoke milliner, several art galleries, handmade interior sellers and antique stores). Right in the heart of all this lies Cotswold House and Spa: a small but perfectly formed boutique hotel of 28 bedrooms and suites.
Arriving on a dark and gloomy evening (well, just after 4pm, but that’s British winter for you!) meant I was unable to fully appreciate the hotel’s charm at first glance. But after a smooth check-in (the lobby setting the tone for the trip with its cosy real log fire, sofa and majestic spiralled staircase) and a short walk along a beautifully lit cobbled path, we arrived at our home for the night: a cosy cottage double room.
In the pursuit of honesty, when I say ‘we’, I’m referring to my poodle Bella. Whilst the purpose for visiting Cotswold House was to sample its spa’s offering for pregnant women (I’m 19 weeks pregnant), the venue prides itself on being particularly dog-friendly; with some of it’s suites and garden rooms welcoming pets. So I was more than happy to swap a human companion for my canine one to truly put this to the test.
The Rooms at Cotswold House Hotel
Our cottage double room was one of several tucked away from the main hotel in the garden area-with its own private entrance; creating the impression of complete solitude. We were greeted with a wide hallway, leading on to the spacious bedroom with its gigantic bed that somehow managed to completely cocoon you once you slipped under the sheets. To it’s right was where I planned to spend most of my stay: the bathroom. Host to an inviting tub (stocked with a range of Orla Kiely toiletries) with a waffle gown and slippers hanging up just begging to be worn. To the left were the tea and coffee making facilities, a TV, wardrobe area and a special corner just for my pet pooch: with an invitingly large dog bed, bowl of water and a bowl for her food.
Cotswolds House is home to two restaurants: The upmarket, fine dining Fig Restaurant and the more casual Bistro on the Square (home to an extensive gin menu-which was unfortunately off limits for me!). I was keen to explore both-but with the rain lashing down outside and fatigue setting in after a long drive, I did what any sane person would do: ordered room service! I opted for fish of the day (a buttery-soft sea bream) with french fries (crisp to perfection) at £18. Extra points should be awarded for the dog treat that also arrived alongside it.
After a restful night sleep (awaking to, thankfully, a much brighter morning), we took it upon ourselves to explore the elegant gardens- which is home to a terrace for drinks in the warmer months-before heading to breakfast. Owners who can’t bear to be parted from their pooches will be pleased to know that breakfast can be taken in the Bistro which allows dogs. However, I headed to the Fig which offers a range of cooked-to-order choices (I opted for smoked salmon on gluten-free toast) alongside the continental buffet.
Experiencing the Pregnancy Spa Offering
Housed in an elegant townhouse at the bottom of the gardens, is the hotel’s spa; which itself was a particular highlight of the trip. Although it won’t any awards for its size, it was truly inviting; with a crystal-clear hydrotherapy pool, relaxation suite, aromatic steam room and seven therapy rooms that offer a range of Declear’s treatments. Scattered around were the softest, plumpest loungers I’ve ever…well lounged on, a stack of glossy magazines and herbal tea on tap. In other words, the perfect place to while a day.
However, my lounging was not to last as I was whisked away for the piece de la resistance: the Radiant Mum 2 B package (£80/£90 on weekends) specifically designed for mums-to-be after their first trimester. Lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes in total, the treatment combined a soothing and refreshing facial, a comforting and nourishing tummy mask and a back and leg massage using Declear’s products. After which, I was whisked into the relaxation room whilst my therapist returned with an extra-refreshing serving of sorbet with water. An advantage of its size is that the spa is happy to cater to bespoke treatments and can also be hired out exclusively for private use for between 2-18 guests.
After a short 24 hour stay, I found myself completely charmed by Cotswold House Hotel and Spa; it’s a truly charming and special hotel, located in an equally special part of the world.
Find out more information on Cotswold House Hotel. Rooms from £140 B&B winter, £180 B&B summer.
Related Content:
LA SULTANA MARRAKECH REVIEW
THE WELCOMBE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
A LUXE WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY HOTEL STAY AT ROSEWOOD LONDON
STAYING AT AN ENGLISH MANOR HOUSE
FIRST TIMER’S LUXURY WEEKEND GETAWAY TO PARIS GUIDE
4 NEW LUXURY HOTELS IN LONDON YOU NEED TO VISIT
REFRESHED ART DECO ELEGANCE AT HOTEL MARTINEZ CANNES
REGENCY SPLENDOUR AT THE BRADLEY, CHELTENHAM
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY AT CHRISTMAS
HIGH FASHION AND LUXURY AT HOTEL METROPOLE MONTE CARLO
A STAY AT THE MAGNIFICENT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS
LUXURY TWO DAY GUIDE TO BATH
BATH’S THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL REVIEW
Jenna Farmer is a freelance journalist and blogger. She writes regularly for Top Sante, The Independent and Metro Online- as well as running her own blog A Balanced Belly about gluten-free, healthy travels and her pregnancy journey.
