Oxford and around THE RELAIS HENLEY The interior of this luxury property, a member of PoB Hotels, cleverly blends its historic past with modern comforts and contemporary furnishings creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The 40 beautifully appointed rooms and communal spaces have been individually designed with modern amenities and a fresh look that takes inspiration from the local area. A cosy ambience and friendly vibe have been created by blending a rowing club spirit with botanicals from the English countryside. Originally built in the 16th century, the property sits proudly on the banks of the River Thames with the iconic Henley Bridge on its doorstep. It blends seamlessly into the town’s picturesque scenery and is surrounded by elegant, historical buildings and natural beauty. The hotel’s central location is perfect for exploring the traditional town of Henley-on-Thames which exudes a sense of understated luxury with its boutique shops and quintessential English feel. It is conveniently located a short five-minute walk from Henley train station but is also within striking distance of the stunning nearby Chiltern countryside. It’s the perfect spot to unwind in a serene and sophisticated setting, enjoy river walks and soak in the town’s rich heritage. The Relais Henley revels in creating bespoke wedding packages and provides two licensed spaces for ceremonies: The Salon and The Courtyard. Both areas are perfect for intimate weddings. There are several places within the property where wedding receptions can be held including Palm Court & Petit Palm, an elegant and inspiring part of the property that was originally a 19th-century town coffee house. It boasts high ceilings, river views, giant mirrors and a mosaic of Persian rugs. New for 2025, The Henley Hideaway is the latest addition to the hotel – a stunning riverside retreat that transforms the courtyard into an elegant, all-weather venue perfect for weddings. Whether couples are planning an intimate celebration or a lively gathering, this stylish space offers flexibility and charm, seating up to 60 guests at round tables or 80 at trestle tables. With stunning river views, The Henley Hideaway is the ultimate al fresco setting to drink, dine, and dance the night away. It’s a beautiful blank canvas that couples can dress to suit their unique style, ensuring a magical day whatever the season. Couples and their guests can choose to stay over in a variety of room categories including Heritage which features original antiques, classic and comfortable four-poster beds and a room once occupied by King Charles I in 1632. His painted Royal Coat of Arms is preserved over the fireplace in the room itself. Alternatively, the Riverside rooms allow guests to wake up to stunning views of the River Thames whilst the Courtyard rooms are perfect for those wanting to travel with their canine companions or those needing accessible accommodation. There’s a complimentary bridal suite offered to the happy couple on the night of the wedding plus preferred rates for guests. The hotel is home to a hidden gastronomic gem, Restaurant Dominic Chapman where visitors can indulge in seasonal, farm-to-table food. Dominic previously worked with Heston Blumenthal at both the Fat Duck and The Hind’s Head before becoming head chef at The Royal Oak earning the restaurant a Michelin star. A highlight is that the talented team at The Relais Henley can also organise for arrival to the property by boat! Enjoy a Coffee & Barista Course at The Relais Henley. Taking place at the cosy Henley Deli, they are perfect for coffee enthusiasts of all levels. The Basic Barista Training course (£85 for two hours) is ideal for newcomers to the coffee world. Participants explore the historical roots of coffee, the differences between Arabica and Canephora species, espresso extraction, milk texturing, and machine maintenance. This course is available for individuals or small groups. For those looking to perfect their latte skills, the Latte Art Course (£65 for two hours) offers a hands-on experience where guests will learn to create stunning designs like a professional barista. They will be taught the secrets of milk steaming and pouring latte art patterns, with a luxury gift pack of Sea Salt and Caramel Truffles and a bespoke 227g pack of Relais speciality coffee to take home. This course is also suitable for individuals or small groups. For those keen to dive deeper into the journey of coffee, the Coffee Roasting Course (£200 for three hours) is an experience where participants will learn how coffee is produced, from green coffee to the finished product. Under the guidance of the head roaster, they will roast coffee on an in-house sample roaster, discuss roast profiles, timing, and temperature, and take part in a coffee cupping session. They will even take home the coffee they roast, along with two 150g bags of select single-origin coffees. This course is designed for small groups of one to five people and is perfect for any passionate coffee drinker. https://therelaishenley.com www.instagram.com/therelaishenley Spotlight on... 25 LOCAL VENUES
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