Stunning hotel and spa in Kent (Eastwell Manor (Ashford))

Member Name: daisywine

Product:	Eastwell Manor (Ashford)
Date:	20/06/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: So many you need to read the review

Disadvantages: Absolutely none

If you want to spend a day (or longer) feeling totally pampered and relaxed then this is DEFINITELY the place to go. Set in beautiful surroundings, Eastwell Manor consists of a spa and trendy brasserie and also a stunning Manor House within the grounds. Bungalows are also available for those wanting to self cater or ideal if you have children. You can spend time in just the gorgeous pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi after changing in the very comfortable and well equipped changing rooms (no awful public bath images come to mind here!). You can also have gorgeous treatments (facials, manicures and pedicures etc), wraps, floating therapies (was dubious but one of the best things ever!) in the elegant salon upstairs. Lunches are served inside or out on the terrace and you can take these dressed in your lovely white fluffy robes and towelling slippers so you don't have to waste a moment bothering to dress, shower etc.

Now onto my particular indulgence - staying at the Manor House! Admittedly its quite pricey but the surroundings, restaurant, rooms and service are unsurpassed. A particular favourite here (though as you will see, I have many) is breakfast. The buffet table groans under the weight of all the goodies on offer and that's before the staff offer what's on the cooked menu. The only negative is that I would like to spend a couple of leisurely hours here but wanting to make the most of the spa etc. doesn't really allow for this, although of course you could always be standing outside for when in opens! Plus I'm sure if you asked, the staff would give you a doggy bag, they are so obliging, as was the case when afternoon tea beat us ..... ah, I haven't mentioned that treat yet have I .....

Yes, traditional afternoon tea is also something they offer which is fab and I think very reasonable for the delicious food, service and charm of it all. This can be taken inside (so cosy by one of the several huge (and I mean huge) fires in the winter or outside on the terrace in the summer.

Staying overnight is a fabulous experience as the rooms are absolutely stunning and the first we ever stayed in, including the bathroom, was with no exaggeration almost the size of the downstairs of our house! Some can be a little dark compared to others but this is because of the shape of the building and how the roof shadows fall (unfortunately, I haven't sampled all of them but a very obliging maid showed us several and all seem to be decorated in differing styles too which is a nice touch if you are fortunate enough to make staying at Eastwell Manor a regular thing).

I could go on and on and sound like a hotel guide (although reading this it does come across a bit like that!) but this is such a beautiful place to spend time at I wouldn't be doing it justice if I wrote it any other way. Enjoy!

Summary: Two weeks package deal abroad or 2/3 days here - no contest!