If you’re after a relaxing escape to the country, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa is the perfect luxury retreat. Located within the heart of Warwickshire, and surrounded by 10 acres of stunning countryside, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa is a hidden gem. While it sits between Birmingham and Oxford, it’s just over an hour to commute from London Paddington, and a five-minute taxi ride from Leamington Spa train station.
Hotel
The lobby is quaint yet warm with plush sofas overlooking a huge crackling fireplace, creating a cosy ambience. The regal, oak panelling décor, soft lighting and paisley drapes offer all the charm of a traditional, country manor and adds much character.
Dating back to 1916, this Lutyen-style, grade II listed house was originally built for James Thomas Holt, a retired cotton-bleacher. After his death, Mallory Court was sold to Sir John Black who extended his home with an additional outdoor pool, squash court and extra bathrooms. Since 1995, (and after consecutive handovers), Mallory Court Hotel has seen extensive developments over the decades, and is now part of the prestigious Eden Hotel Collection.
Despite its modest appearance, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa is spread across three buildings, boasting 43 luxury rooms and suites all individually designed to reflect the home-from-home appeal. It also has The Dining Room main restaurant, a brasserie and bar.
Perhaps a main feature of Mallory Court are the stunning, landscaped gardens and grounds that surrounds it, offering breath-taking views of the Warwickshire countryside.
Room
As I was escorted to my suite for the night, I passed the picturesque gardens before entering into a brightly-lit and welcoming hallway. Within the cosy suite lies a spacious bedroom and lounge area, a separate bathroom and W.C.
Furnished in a country-style scheme, the warm woods and carpeted floors are juxtaposed with bold striped walls, and polka dot soft furnishings for a contemporary touch. In contrast, the bathroom and shower offers a burst of vibrant colour with its light blue and white tiles. Suites are equipped with a plush seating area, desk, fridge, iron, Nespresso coffee machine, ESPA toiletries and bathrobes to make your stay as cosy as possible.
But the pièce de resistance had to be the breath-taking views overlooking the countryside. Coupled with the herb garden and grounds below, this suite was a certainly a room with a view, and in the perfect spot.
Food
Mallory Court Hotel is renowned for fine dining, and it’s no surprise it has been awarded with 3 AA rosettes. Meals are served at The Dining Room, nestled in a quaint space just off the lobby, offering a peaceful dining experience. Menus are created using locally sourced produce from Mallory’s own vegetable and herb gardens as well as local farms.
For dinner, I had Mallory’s special tasting menu. The tasting menu consists of several, seasonal snacks such as the Highland Wagyu Ruben sandwich and smoked salmon mousse cannelloni. My favourite was the dressed Cornish white crab, jelly, compressed watermelon and caviar. This was followed by the ‘main event’, where I opted for the succulent assiette of beef celeriac, Crown Prince pumpkin with red wine jus. With room for the tempting desserts, I devoured the Manjari chocolate, raspberries and candied hazelnuts. Overall, the cuisine was to be expected of a 3 AA rosette-restaurant, with the main focus on quality food, delicious flavours and presentation.
Spa
If you’re after some pampering, Elan Spa is just a stroll away in the nearby Orchard House. Greeted by friendly staff, the spa offers a wide range of body treatments and facials, plus a nail and beauty bar if you really wanted to treat yourself. It also houses a hydrotherapy pool, high-tech gym and sauna, with a vitality pool on the terrace outside if the chilly weather doesn’t dissuade you.
After my brief tour of the spa facilities, I headed for my 55-minute, ESPA aromatherapy full body inner calm massage. This treatment includes ‘breathwork’ where I was instructed to inhale the essential oils to help me relax before my head-to-toe massage. After your relaxing treatment, you have the option to unwind in the on-site coffee bar or lounge outside on the terrace to take in the countryside views.
To do
For those who want to take in the beautiful scenery (and fresh air), you can explore the magnificent grounds with a Mindfulness Walk. This will take you through the rose gardens, and Great Lawn right to The Sunken Garden where there is a tranquil lily pond. Alternatively, if you enjoy history and want to explore, Warwick Castle is a mere seven minutes away while Shakespeare Centre is 20 minutes away in nearby Stratford-Upon-Avon.
In a nutshell
If it’s rest and relaxation you need, Mallory Court and Spa is certainly the ideal sanctuary for a luxury, country staycation. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy a perfect blend of pampering, relaxation and fine dining set in breath-taking country settings. In fact, you have everything you need under one roof, you’ll never have any reason to leave.
Factbox
Prices at Mallory Court Hotel and Spa start from £305 per room, per night, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.
Address: Harbury Lane, Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB
Phone: +44 (0) 1926 330 214
Website: mallory.co.uk
Photography courtesy of Mallory Court Hotel and Spa
