This new boutique hotel, part of the Nirvana Collection is set within 20 acres of manicured grounds close to Wokingham’s popular Nirvana Spa. It’s the perfect pick for a pre-wedding pamper with its indulgent Spa Retreat packages, or for a romantic mini-moon in the region with its Country Retreat packages. SUITE DREAMS This historic building once played a significant role in military history, and the individually decorated bedrooms and suites allude to this. They are named after key historical characters and decorated in a traditional style, married with plush, colourful furnishings and contemporary comforts - some feature brass freestanding bathtubs. My home-from-home for the night was The Rowcroft Suite, one of the extremely spacious Manor House Junior Suites perched on the second floor of the main 17th-century, Grade II listed house. This beamed hideout, perfect for those celebrating a family-moon, features an ornate fireplace in the separate lounge area, a designer bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and one of the most comfortable beds in Berkshire! The far-flung views stretching across the picturesque grounds home to a lake with a fountain and pavilion are scenic to wake up to. A FOODIE HEAVEN At the heart of this enchanting hotel is the glamorous Dining Room with full-length windows overlooking the newly opened heated outdoor pool flanked by palm trees. Diners can enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner here while afternoon tea is served in the Drawing Room, a popular choice during Royal Ascot and the Henley Royal Regatta. The menu features delicious yet simplistic and well-presented dishes created using the freshest local, organic ingredients including plant-based choices. For dinner, I tucked into the cured chalk stream trout served with beetroot, capers and celeriac remoulade to start, followed by the wild mushroom risotto with chive crème fraîche as my main dish – it was hard to choose with other highlights on the menu including market fish of the day. Dinner wouldn’t be complete without a delicious dessert and the sticky toffee pudding here isn’t to be missed, topped with Biscoff ice cream and toffee sauce. Breakfast isn’t to be skipped either – the comforting plant-based full English breakfast is a must-try! RELAX AND REJUVENATE The wellness journey starts the moment you’re transported to Nirvana Spa (in the hotel’s Bentley, Mercedes or Range Rover). This relaxing water retreat boasts a large indoor Roman Pool with a lounger service available and a heated outdoor pool in the Spa Garden, a popular spot during the summer months. There are also two al fresco hot tubs in the Nirvana Garden - I couldn’t wait to jump in! The Colosseum Suite is an indulgent space set under a domed ceiling scattered with stars boasting a Balneotherapy pool filled with extra-oxygenated water for cleansing and exfoliation. Spa-goers are invited to experience the Celestial Floatation pools filled with highly mineralised warm spring water enriched with minerals that can relieve joint pain and help eliminate toxins. I relaxed and de-stressed during this 30-minute treatment – it was pure bliss! This health, beauty and wellness-focused spa offers an extensive Germaine De Capuccini and Jessica treatment menu which includes facials, body treatments and bespoke full-body massages. I enjoyed the Royal Jelly De-stress Facial with the experienced therapist Zoe that suited my skin needs, £61 for 35 minutes. MADE FOR ROMANCE West Court Retreat hosts small, intimate weddings and post-ceremony dinners tailormade to suit each couple in a selection of elegant private rooms. Wedding guests can enjoy soaking up the sun by the pool; fuelling their fitness in the on-site gym, sauna and steam room; pampering in the spa treatment rooms; sampling their favourite tipple in the sports-themed Devil’s Highway Bar or exploring the pretty grounds - four-legged friends are welcome! With this characterful property benefitting from new additions to its public spaces including another restaurant in The Grand Pavillion nestled in the grounds, plus a replanted kitchen garden, more exciting plans for weddings are also on the horizon - watch this space! Book it: Rooms in the Officer’s Wing start from £150 per night including transfers and breakfast while the suites start from £250 per night. Spa Retreat Packages inclusive of a hotel stay and a Spa Experience at Nirvana Spa are also available from £500. This price is based on two people sharing an Officer’s Wing Room on a bed and breakfast basis with spa access, a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner. https://nirvanacollection.co.uk/hotel www.instagram.com/west_court_retreat https://nirvanacollection.co.uk/spa www.instagram.com/nirvana.spa.official A warm welcome Claire Ridley was invited to discover the delights of West Court Retreat, a charming new luxurious country house hotel with a sister spa in Berkshire REVIEW 23
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