Up another short flight and I’m in heaven: the beautiful Yeats turret suite with dual outlook.
Bedrooms here are named after former guests, including Elizabeth Taylor, Churchill, Ian Fleming… On one side the inviting window seat overlooks the sunken pool in the Italianate garden – Beaverbrook’s former swimming idyll. On the other, French doors open to a secluded terrace with stunning views over the undulating North Downs. The perfect romantic bolthole: kick back and relax with a sip of delicious – and complimentary – Sipsmith Gin.
I’m at the top of the House here, my south-facing eyrie blessed with an eagle’s eye view of the sun-lit terraced gardens below. Designed by Richard Bisgrove they are breathtaking.
My eye hovers down to the woods beyond where later Head Gardener Elliott shows me the ancient yews, beech and oak. Under René’s guidance, there are plans for barefoot walking trails to connect more deeply with these ancient beings. You might spot a deer here. Explore further and you’ll find a trout-filled lake, hidden gardens, treehouses and tennis courts.
I’m so blissed out, it’s an effort to leave my suite for supper at the Garden Room. But drinks in the Parrot Bar are calling. Wonderfully evocative of a Palm Court 1920s, Head Barman, Rafael Sanchez (The Marbella Club) serves me a refreshing G&T. After which I hop on the golf cart for a short drive up to the Anglo-Italian restaurant in the Garden Room. Run by Kaz Suzuki, diners can expect a fabulous menu. Many of the ingredients are grown on the Beaverbrook estate, including seasonal offerings such as artichokes, courgettes and a variety of salads. Fish is delivered fresh every day.
My starter scallops are cooked to perfection. Roasted monkfish to follow: chunky, moist and succulent. Chocolate fondant desert – as recommended by my cheerful and professional waiter – is dreamy. Service here is fast and impeccable, and my Pinot Noir an excellent accompaniment to a superb meal. I walk a little post-repast, then star gaze on my balcony (no light pollution at Beaverbrook) until my relaxed and happy body curls up on the most comfortable mattress ever.
It goes without saying that breakfast the following morning – my favourite meal of the day – is top notch. Try the silver service poached duck egg with avocado, or the Japanese omelette with seaweed. The breakfast room overlooks the lawns, so arrive earlyish to secure a window table.
Rather too replete, I head over to the Coach House Spa for my Therapi Ultra Radiance Honey Facial from talented Mar (she’s also a brilliant masseuse). Mar uses a fabulous concoction of the following ingredients: Propolis +, Radiance cleansing oil and Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser; Orange Blossom Hydrating Facial Toner; Rose Otto Hydrating Facial Toner, and Propolis + Radiance Honey Mask. With a grand finale of Propolis+ Ultra Radiance Cream. Absolute honey heaven.
This treat was followed by an extraordinary session with Ashmina Manolidis, Beaverbrook’s resident naturopath. She’s highly perceptive and reads me like a book. The advice Ashmina gives me – and her powerful and transformative biodynamic massage – are priceless. Book her now and see your health improve.
At the end of two days, my longed-for detox and relaxation is accomplished. Add to the Beaverbrook holistic mix superb suites, fabulous food, and exemplary hospitality from Jorge De Jesus, René Van Eyssen and their talented team, and you have the ingredients of a divine weekend at Beaverbrook. This exquisite rural idyll is just 20 miles from central London and is the best spa experience of my life.
Beaverbrook – Where and how?
Contact Beaverbrook
www.beaverbrook.co.uk
[email protected] or Telephone: 01372 227 670
*Prices start from £330 per night for a Classic Room
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