Nestled on the northwestern edge of the Cotswolds, around a 10-minute drive from the pretty tourist attraction of Broadway village, sits Dormy House Hotel and Spa. Part of Farncombe Estate, which comprises three award-winning hotels, Dormy House itself holds a four-star rating and boasts elegant 17th century farmhouse features with a superior newly built spa area.
Upon arrival, staff were welcoming and arranged for my luggage to be taken to my room, while I was seated at reception and given a refreshment of choice. Shortly after check-in I received a tour of the property, spa and all three restaurants before being shown to my room.
Room
There are 38 bedrooms in total, each has a slightly different design and style but all are very much influenced by a Scandinavian country chic look, with every one featuring a king size bed, Nespresso machine, flat screen TV, bathrobes and Bluetooth speaker. In the main farmhouse you can opt for a more traditional style, while the rustic Rose Cottage with floral wallpaper offers something a little different. There are also suites with outdoor hot tubs within your private courtyard but, be warned, once you step into the tub you won’t want to leave!
Room service can be ordered via an in-room tablet, allowing guests to order a large selection of food, drinks, fresh milk (hot or cold), toiletries and laundry services. Temple Spa products are provided within the bathroom and replaced without hesitation by staff during turnover, which is discretionary every evening and morning. Other features include wellies to borrow for getting out and about in the area and complimentary Bloody Mary’s at breakfast as well as full access to House Spa.
Food
Come lunch or dinner, there is a host of dining options to delight. The Potting Shed is the most casual of the three restaurants offering comfort food, great portion sizes and fantastic quality, all set in a country chic pub restaurant. Expanding towards the back to the newly-renovated in-wall fireplace, a glass ceiling forms part of the restaurant and the atmosphere is warm and enjoyable with friendly staff who passionately recommend dishes from the menu.
The starters range from £8 to £16 (for a sharer starter) and mains range from £15 to £26. A choice of corn-fed chicken kiev, parsley mash, seasonal greens at £17 arrived and was plated to aesthetically please as well as being very tasty.
The Back Garden restaurant offers a sophisticated choice of dining, showcasing local ingredients with flair. The food is immaculately presented, portions are a little smaller but the taste is outstanding – three courses in this restaurant is priced at £52 with an additional £4 per side.
Open from Wednesday through to Sunday MO offers 12 adult-only diners the intimate setting of being seated at the chef’s table. A horseshoe bar set up around the kitchen, diners can luxuriate in trying seven courses, priced at £120 per person, which is also available with a wine flight.
Breakfast is part of the room package and can be served in your room or in The Potting Shed. The breakfast menu is large and offers options for every appetite – indulge in a full English breakfast, Greek yogurt with honey and a side of fruit salad, or opt for bacon and maple syrup pancakes with a selection of cheese and meat.
Spa
House Spa is where this hotel excels, oozing sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere. Spa treatments need to be booked in advance due to demand and treatments begin by being seated in The Greenhouse, which is the spa cafe. Once seated, guests are brought over a fresh smoothie shot accompanied with a warm flannel, treatments are carried out immaculately and are equivalent to the standard of many 5-star London spas.
After the treatment, guests are offered water and a scoop of sorbet and given a personalised beauty card with recommended products to help in achieving the results mentioned before the treatment, showcasing very well Dormy’s old school service that sets this hotel and spa apart from others. The treatments themselves are reasonably priced and the products are priced anywhere from £50.00 to £150.00 should the desire be there to buy.
The spa facilities include a salt-infused steam room, multi-sensory shower, scandi-style thermal suite, tranquil 16m indoor infinity pool and an outdoor hot tub with in-wall fire, plus a Champagne nail spa equipped with bottles of Veuve Clicquot as far as the eye can see.
In a nutshell
Upon leaving, I was handed a goody bag containing water and handmade cookies for the journey and this summed up the whole experience for me. I left Dormy House feeling thoroughly relaxed from the state-of-the-art spa, impeccable personalised service and outstanding food.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £269.
Address: Willersey Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LF
Phone: +44 (0)1386 852711
Email: reservations@dormyhouse.co.uk
Website: dormyhouse.co.uk
