Over Valentines weekend I was kindly invited to stay at Luton Hoo Hotel as part of one of the Valentines packages on offer at Buyagift. It was only a 1.5 hour drive from London and is a 5* luxury spa hotel in Bedfordshire, set in the most beautiful grounds that span over 1,000 acres.
The main reception has been modelled in parts, on the Ritz in London and is extravagantly elegant with pillared halls and period rooms. There is a long winding staircase that has appeared in many famous films such as Four Weddings & a Funeral, Eyes Wide Shut and A Secret Garden.
The hotel rooms can be found in the main mansion house, or in the grade II listed Robert Adam Courtyard which used to be the stables of the mansion house and can be reached by a short, complimentary Luton Hoo taxi.
This was my first time taking my dog Nala with us on a trip, and the stables cum hotel rooms were dog friendly. When we arrived there was a dog bed, dog toys and lots of dog food & treats for Nala which was a lovely surprise. Our room opened out into the grounds so she could run around freely.
There are four restaurants situated on the grounds. The Wernher restaurant is based in the mansion house and offers incredible fine dining. Their marble panel work and richly coloured fabrics are based on the Palace of Versailles and exude elegant and class. Expect dishes such as Chautebriand, Loin of Shetland pollock and Calamansi curd. A suit and tie must be worn for dinner here.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you will know I’m an avid afternoon tea eater and the hotel offers a traditional, vegetarian, vegan or children’s afternoon tea in their mansion house lounges.
We were treated to a 3 course dinner in their second restaurant – Adam’s Brasserie – located in the Robert Adam Courtyard which had a more relaxed vibe to it.
We had calamari for starters, I had cod for main and finished with a delicious lemon posset. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the restaurant was no less than 10 steps from our room which was brilliant.
On Sunday morning we had a relaxing start to the day by visiting the spa that is also situated in Adams Courtyard. They have a stunning infinity pool surrounded by floor to ceiling windows so you can enjoy the views of their natural surroundings. There’s also a sauna and steam room which I always love spending time in as I find them incredibly therapeutic.
I had a Swedish massage – lately I’ve been having deep tissue massages as I’m running the London marathon so it was a welcome change to have a more soothing experience. The massage bed was heated which was something I’ve never experienced before and was a lovely addition. The masseuse was friendly and attentive, she let me choose my own oil and I truly switched off (and dozed off!) during the 55 minute treatment. They have a whole host of treatments available, including facials, stone massages and mani pedis.
It really felt like I was in my own little oasis that morning and I wished I could start all my Sunday morning’s in that way.
If you’re an avid golfer, their 9 hole golf course has been hailed as one of the best in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. It’s open and available to book all week and has hosted many championships.
Unfortunately when I visited, it was in the middle of Storm Dennis so the weather was terrible and we couldn’t face going outdoors, but if you visit during sunnier times, there is the opportunity to do some clay pigeon shooting on site.
As the hotel is surrounded by over 1,000 acres, there are four different walking trails available ranging from 2km to 10km.
If you’re looking to switch off for a few days in a quiet but beautiful location, I would thoroughly recommend Luton Hoo as a place to recharge your batteries. I booked the experience through Buyagift as one of their Valentines offerings that included:
- 1 overnight stay
- 3 course dinner
- Use of spa and 1 55 minute treatment
- Breakfast
This experience can be booked year round along with many other experiences such as afternoon teas, day trips to Paris and spa days directly on their website.
To my ever lovely readers – have you ever bought an experience through Buy A Gift? If so, how did you find it?
Giulia x
I used to work nearby and once went to an event organised by work (management meeting) there. We had one of the worst meals I’ve ever had with some of the most inept and inefficient service imaginable, and it’s quite put me off the place. So much so that almost 10 years later I still remember the evening. Perhaps I should give them a second chance.
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Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. I had a very different experience, the staff were super helpful! I wanted to fish but they didn’t have any on the menu so the waitress spoke to the chefs and they were able to make a cod based dish for me. Definitely give it a second try 🙂