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Checking in was the first hint of change – gone was the imposing reception desk of yore , which has been replaced by efficient , friendly staff at two subtle desks in the main foyer .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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