King George VI once said, “The highest of distinctions is service to others.” This saying is so true of Coworth Park, an ultra 5 star luxury hotel in Berkshire which we visited for a much needed staycation.
Part of The Dorchester Collection, there are just 70 rooms in the hotel which is in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland. It is also less than an hour’s drive from London. The relaxation began as we meandered down the mile long driveway, spotting horses and ducks en route.
Image courtesy of Tesla
Getting there – Our Tesla Model X
We arrived in our Tesla Model X which when fully charged can take you over 300 miles. There’s loads of space inside and the quiet, smooth acceleration is immensely powerful. In fact it is the quickest acceleration of any SUV on the road — from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. The Model X’s signature lifting falcon style rear doors not only look fab but allow good access to the seats inside which you can configure as a five, six or seven-seater. The Model X also does a VERY cool in built show with music, lights and flying doors which has to be seen to be believed.
The Stanley Suite
Lord Stanley lived at Coworth Park for 50 years. This horseman would have been utterly proud of The Stanley Suite, spacious and sumptuous worthy of celebrating a special occasion. The Stanley Suite is West facing (sunset views) and overlooks the gardens. With a huge sitting area and even a guest bathroom, we felt like squatting here for a few months! It’s the little things – thoughtfully placed plugs, doors that close quietly and the ability to make someone feel happy is the power of a well thought out hotel room.
Room tip: No two rooms are the same. If you are looking for a view, the Mansion House works well. Our Stanley Suite very well appointed with well thought out space, all with comfort and convenience at the heart. As if that wasn’t enough, every single bathroom has a stunning free standing copper bath for ultimate pampering.
For the royal experience, stay in the Dower House as Prince Harry did the night before his wedding to Meghan Markle. Enjoy a serene atmosphere in this grade II listed three-bedroom house surrounded by a lake. This includes a dining area, lounge, kitchen, personal chef and a secluded garden with its own stream running through it, that is home to Coworth Park’s family of swans.
What we did
The eco-luxury Spa blends a romantic setting with a state of the art spa. The indoor pool is heated to a cosy 28c, complete with under water music. Grab a sun lounger on the outdoor terrace which is impeccably positioned for evening sunshine.
A staycation at Coworth Park is fun all year round with sprawling grounds and activities. We grabbed a map from reception and went out exploring the lime grove, manicured rose gardens, tranquil lake and even found time for an hour of tennis. Decent rackets and even tennis balls are all provided.
For something even more active, there are an array of activities from horse riding to duck herding and everything in between. Coworth Park is also the only UK hotel with its own polo fields, hosting regular tournaments.
What we ate at Coworth Park
Lunch was at Michelin starred Restaurant Coworth Park where the talking point is the food as well as the statement piece above our heads – an oak leaf chandelier made from copper that covers the whole ceiling. Executive Chef Adam Smith’s ethos of taste is king combined with clean, less is more plating makes for brilliant cooking. Here are our highlights:
Caviar Tart – Adam’s signature dish us made with Cornish crab, yuzu and cucumber. The tart was laden with caviar that combined harmoniously with the crab and citrusy yuzu. Corn flowers and marigolds garnishing the tart are grown just outside in the meadow.
Beef – A lovely piece of beef but what stole the show was a cow embossed oxtail and sweetbread pie. A flaky pastry housed three layers of sweetbread, oxtail and beef. Wow.
Coworth Signature Chocolate – In collaboration with world class chocolatier Valrhona, Adam Smith and team have created a signature chocolate exclusively for Coworth Park made with Valrhona 63% dark chocolate that is as decedent as the hotel itself. These delicate little spheres above were made with this chocolate and a combination of Blue Mountain coffee and salted caramel.
If you have time, The Barn at Coworth Park is very much worth a visit. Housed in the original barn, in winter it becomes the height of cosiness with the roaring fire and in summer the outdoor terrace makes for long nights lingering over a bottle of something and a cigar. I heard everyone raving about the regularly changing soups. On that Sunday evening, it was a cream of celeriac and it was so good, two tables around us ordered seconds!
Before we set off, breakfast is a must for two reasons: They have chocolate stuffed financier cakes and you can have whisky in your porridge. Coworth Park is the ultimate UK staycation choice for total relaxation.
To discover more about Coworth Park, visit: dorchestercollection.com/coworth-park
All imagery courtesy of The Dorchester Collection.
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