A brand new luxury spa and events venue has been opened in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.
The Marquis unveiled the stunning new facilities this summer, boasting a beautiful wellness centre, grand wedding and events venue, plus four additional bedrooms, an orangery, a lounge bar and a manicured Italian garden.
The event space and spa both offer sweeping views across the hotel’s lawns and the Brett Valley beyond; the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.
The Marquis – situated in the quiet village of Layham, just on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Hadleigh and on the doorstep of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is owned by the local entrepreneur, Steven O’Leary.
He invested £15m in the bold expansion project in a bid to create a luxurious destination in Suffolk, working with architect KLH, building contractors Brooks and Wood, and interior designers Rendall and Wright.
The beautiful extension compliments the original building, a 17th-century inn which was once The Marquis of Cornwallis pub, and more than doubles the size of the original hotel and award-winning restaurant.
As well as adding to The Marquis, Steven and the team also completed the renovation of former bank building Cornwallis House – on Hadleigh High Street – to offer seven further bedrooms and a beautiful living space for groups who want to enjoy the hospitality of The Marquis while staying in their own private space in the middle of Hadleigh.
The team offers a chauffeur service to take guests back and forth so they can enjoy the hotel’s facilities, or can arrange a private chef to cook for them in the comfort of their own surroundings.
Wellness
The Marquis’ new stylish subterranean spa offers guests a tranquil escape from daily life, with an indoor infinity pool which appears to flow directly into the outdoor pool beyond the feature arched window which frames the stunning view.
Spa-goers can relax on plush loungers or soak in the large stone hot tub beneath the cross vaulted ceiling, creating an intimate space to relax and unwind. There’s also a sauna and three luxurious treatment rooms, as well as gorgeous changing rooms.
Spa and wellness director Katie Baker said: “The ethos behind Marquis Spa was to create an exclusive, luxurious setting for exquisite treatments and complete relaxation where guests can escape for the day.
“Marquis Spa truly is a unique destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience. The treatment menu and facilities were all curated to compliment the Italian-inspired backdrop of vaulted ceilings and hand-crafted details throughout.”
The spa is finished with exquisite attention to detail with beautiful exposed brick walls and sandstone tiles, decorative plasterwork, thoughtful lighting, and fresh flowers.
Guests can choose from traditional treatments, such as facials and full body massages, or can try new specialist treatments, such as CACI facial toning; a non-invasive process using microcurrent impulses and LED light therapy to lift, tone and improve skin.
There’s also a dining area which leads onto a sunny terrace where guests can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea. And there’s a bar where guests can help themselves to tea, coffee and soft drinks via a state-of-the-art touchscreen machine.
Weddings
The project has also led to the creation of a new wedding and events space, now putting The Marquis firmly on the map for high-end celebrations in East Anglia.
Couples can marry outside in the Ravello Temple – the centrepiece of the new picture-perfect Italian gardens – which is created out of Italian stone, before heading into the Orangery for a drinks reception.
The towering vaulted ceiling and sturdy oak beams that frame the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of Clover Hall, create an unforgettable space for large events and wedding receptions. There’s even a DJ booth built into the mezzanine level above so guests can dance the night away.
Find out more about The Marquis by visiting marquissuffolk.com or contact the team on 01473 377977 or reception@marquissuffolk.com.
